Acts 15:12-21 NKJV

[12] Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. [13] And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: [14] Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. [15] And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: [16] ‘After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; [17] So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’ [18] “Known to God from eternity are all His works. [19] Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, [20] but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. [21] For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

I have the privilege of meeting other fellow believers on a regular basis. They come in the form of customers and leave as family and friends. Despite the vast variations in background, we all share a single common thread... Jesus.

I enjoy hearing about how God has changed people's lives. What He did, how He did it, and where He found them. Some people share a story similar to mine. Others have never experienced the stuff I have. Not everyone was born and raised in church the way I was. Either way, God worked it out to His glory.

I just had a conversation with a dear friend (and brother in Christ) about our affiliations. We have eerily similar timelines with our lives, families, and struggles. We were both very broken men saved by the same loving Creator around the same time. We attend the same church led by imperfect people who love and serve a perfect God.

My background doesn't dictate my destination. My church didn't save me, but my faith family encourages me to seek and follow Jesus continually.