Just an a quick internet update for Rangers fans. Adam Morris's blog, which is linked on my blog page, has changed addresses. The new format is slick and, as always, very informative. Check it out.
It was great to see Chan Ho Park with a 2-hit effort through 6 last night. The bullpen faltered again, yet the Rangers were able to hold on for a 7-5 win.
Don't you hate it when you box yourself in? Our Sunday evening Connection Groups have been studying "Cross-Ways" which is a look at God's redemption of mankind through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. The study has been great thus far. Great, that is, until I boxed myself in.
While working on the Leaders Guides for this week, I realized I placed in the curriculum a lesson in-between the work of Jesus and our response to the work of Jesus. My idea was to develop a discussion on the conviction of the heart, brought on by the gravity of our sin and the realization of Christ's mercy. But have you ever noticed on how little is mentioned in Scripture about that conviction stage that exists between the moment of understanding and the moment of conversion?
So often in Scripture, after the story of Jesus is told, the text immediately moves to the response. Two interesting abberations do stand out. The first is Acts 2.37 where the first converts were "cut to the heart." The second is in Acts 16.13-14 where it says of Lydia, "the Lord opened her heart."
What is the difference in those two convicting episodes? Why is one group "cut to the heart" while "the Lord opens the heart" of the other? What causes different heart reactions to the message of Jesus? Why are some convicted to respond while others walk away almost persuaded?
