38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” – Acts 5:38-39, NIV
Faith. Life. Gaming.
JohnnyBGamer 
Oh Gamaliel! Fascinating that he was the only other rabbi in that era ever referred to as “rabboni” (great rabbi). Also, Saul’s rabbi before he converted. Many have suggested he was a secret believer in Jesus. Maybe Saul turning into Paul had something to do with that?
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I haven’t heard that. Very interesting. One would think that he would have flat out condemned Saul’s roundup/ slaughter of Christians…and then in doing so have died himself under Saul.
Gamaliel seems to view things in the bigger picture. I love how he talks about other movements that have come and gone.
What hit me hard about these verses is that my plans will fail apart from God.
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Hmm… Interesting. I don’t know that it’s a clear rule about plans failing. I’m a little more concerned at what happens when my plans apart from God are successful.
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Can you give an example? I don’t think I’ve experienced this.
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Like say God’s called me to focus on something I’m not good at. Like making games or humbly working at my current employer. But instead, I use my skill and communication to write a book that sells really well.
I could end up being really “successful” in terms of fame, money, and influence. But not actually offer anything of substantive spiritual value because I’m not obeying what God’s actually called me to do. Then I’d have to deal with all that worldly “success” and end up something like Jon Acuff.
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My thinking is a bit torn on this. Part of me can easily see how something can lead to a Jonah-like season in our lives (where we are running from God and doing what pleases us…or think will ultimately satisfy us). The other part of me thinks that God gives us our skills, talents, and desires to glorify Him. I see what you are saying though.
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