THEOLOGICAL ASSUMPTIONS

The gospels tell a story about a man who taught rather outlandish ideas and the handful of people who were able to lay down preconceptions and objections and say, "I think this guy is speaking truth!" Everyone else mocked and threatened violence.

And those who opposed Jesus most violently did so believing their theology was infallible. The theology of the Pharisees was built on various assumptions about where the Messiah would come from and what he would do when he arrived. Those assumptions worked against them and against God's mission.

The book of Acts tells how Paul and others had to battle those same folks AND new believers in Christ. At least the new believers were not as violent. 

But they were just as certain of their theology. "This good news isn't for Gentiles." 

Unlike the Pharisees, in time these people were able to admit their theological error. I suppose the difference was the working of the Holy Spirit who "guides into all truth". (John 16:13)

But while the Spirit revealed their mistake, it still took quite a bit of persuasion. It wasn't quick or easy.

It's important to note that while being filled with the Spirit led to a correction of their mistaken theology, it did not prevent it in the first place.

Although many of them knew Scripture very well, they had always read it under the assumption that God was the God of the Jews only; the good news was not for Gentiles.

Not only the size and scope of the church's mission, but that mission's very nature was threatened by that assumption. 

What sort of theological assumptions could be holding you and me back today?