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The message last weekend at my church was from Acts 15:1-20 and titled “The Church Lost Its Way”. The early church grew and there were some growing pains as they struggled with whom should be accepted in. They were lost in who God intended the church to be for and what came first; the law or grace.

One example within the message points out that grace should come first. The illustration laid out was the baseball star named Josh Hamilton who had a relapse last week with alcohol. He was photographed drinking at a restaurant in Dallas last week and confessed to the relapse. Years ago, he was suspended from the league because of alcohol and drug issues but for the last few years he’s had a transformation which has been a major part of the comeback in his career. In interviews, he’s talked about how important faith has been in getting his life in order.

The secular world didn’t have anything to offer except criticism and judgment. The media was all over him but the body of Christ was offering encouragement and help. Here’s a picture of the news conference where he was confessing of the relapse. At this link you can see that he is wearing a wrist band. On the wrist band are the words “God is Big Enough” inscribed on it; an idea started by my Pastor Steve Ramsdell and also spread by his twin brother Mike Ramsdell who is the Pastor of a church in a suburb of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

The idea is that God is big enough to help us through any situation. Hundreds of thousands of these wrist bands have been given out as a way to share faith. Many examples have been given of people going through hard times and receiving these wrist bands from believers who are offering encouragement. It’s a gift to let those going through treatment for cancer, going through a major surgery, the loss of a job, etc. that they are being prayed for.

Below are some interesting and inspiring links you may want to check out:
Podcast – The Church Had A Big Idea
Lesson five on the sermon series “The Church”
Search Me Lord – Gaither Vocal Band