06/15/2026
This next Sunday we'll be in Acts 15:1-21 as we examine the response of the church in Jerusalem to the Gospel work among the Gentiles from Paul and Barnabas' missionary journey detailed in Acts 13 and 14. Consider the following as you read ahead of next Sunday -
1) in Antioch of Syria men came and taught the new disciples they were not truly saved unless they were circumcised as the law of Moses stated - can you think of conditions people may place on others today to question or confirm whether they are "truly" saved?
2) Luke records in 15:3 that people were joyful hearing the news that Gentiles were being saved, but apparently not everyone was joyful. The Pharisees and their followers wanted control over the new Gentile disciples. Why do you suppose it's difficult for people to just be joyful when God is doing a work in people's lives? Why must we place our own conditions or control on their faith?
3) the basis of Peter's argument in 15:6-11 is all persons are saved in the same fashion - by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus. How does this truth encourage you today? What about this truth helps you to give witness to the love and mercy of God through His Son?
Hope you have a blessed week!