Saturday, May 1
Read Acts 15
Think About It:
Acts 15 highlights some disagreement among believers in the early church. Regarding circumcision, they were able to come to an agreement after much communication. We are saved by grace, because of the work of Jesus on the cross at Calvary. Nothing needs to be added to that, as legalism leads to self-righteous attitudes. In another disagreement between Paul and Barnabas about traveling with John Mark, they never came into agreement. Disagreement is seen in every church – how it is handled depends on the maturity of the believers and their ability to be led by God’s Spirit instead of the flesh. Psalm 119:165 says, “There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of Your Word, and they will never be offended.” As we understand from Romans, our flesh must submit to our Spirit (achieved as we fast and pray). So Christians are called to be unoffendable. Jesus said, “They (the world) will know you are My disciples because of your love for one another.” And the enemy tries everything in his power to cause strife and division. Recognize who the enemy is and choose to love one another. Think of some areas you may have felt “offended” by someone. Talk to God about how to respond in love to obey His perfect will in the situation.
Family Time:
- What prophesy/Old Testament scripture did James use as a reason for not “troubling” the new Gentile converts with requirements to keep the Mosaic law?
- What were the necessary things (requirements) that the Gentiles needed to keep/be set free from (verse 29)?
- According to verse 9, when does God make our hearts pure?
