40 Days of FIRE – Day 15
Day 15: Acts Ch.15. Disagreements and conflict seem to be the main theme in Chapter 15. As we seek to live in peace and unity with others, we often lose sight of how God can work through challenges and difficulties if we’ll let Him. Pray for the Church to go in God’s love, in grace, and in patience as we address our differences.
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me,
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 25
Acts 15
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Some from Judea taught the Gentile converts at Antioch, that they could not be saved, unless they observed the whole ceremonial law as given by Moses; and thus they sought to destroy Christian liberty. There is a strange proneness in us to think that all do wrong who do not just as we do. Their doctrine was very discouraging. Wise and good men desire to avoid contests and disputes as far as they can; yet when false teachers oppose the main truths of the gospel, or bring in hurtful doctrines, we must not decline to oppose them.
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Acts 15:17 KJV
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13 KJV
These two verses speak about calling on the name or having the name called upon you, and they tie this name-calling to salvation. Many would have us believe, thus, that merely crying out to Jesus is enough to be saved. However, they miss the point that this “calling” took place at baptism, as seen by the verse below:
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 22:16 KJV
It is the act of being baptized that washes away sins. It does so only because the person being baptized is calling upon, or identifying with and being buried with, the name of Jesus Christ–our sinless sacrifice. Having the name applied is the same as having His blood applied, and this application only takes place when we are buried with Him in baptism. This is why, even though Cornelius’ household had received the Holy Ghost, they were commanded to be baptized in Jesus name.
I believe this is also the true danger of the trinitarian doctrine. Most trinitarian believers will tell you that they only believe in one God. They will also tell you that Jesus is God, but when it comes to having the name called over them in baptism they are deceived into using titles rather than His name.
Scripture plainly says:
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17 KJV
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12 KJV
We are saved by His name, the precious name that is called over us when our sins are being washed away. Without calling on that name, we just get wet. Without the washing away of sins, there is no standing in the presence of a Holy God, but calling on the name of the Lord in baptism remits sin and allows us to become new creatures in Christ. Thank You, Jesus, for calling us by Your name!
Amen
Verses 8-11 AMP “And God, who knows and understands the heart, testified to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith [in Jesus]. Now then, why are you testing God by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to endure? But we believe that we are saved through the [precious, undeserved] grace of the Lord Jesus [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us eternal life], in just the same way as they are.” These verses reminded me of a song “Bleed the Same” that says:
We all bleed the same
We’re more beautiful when we come together
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We’re divided
If we’re gonna fight
Let’s fight for each other
If we’re gonna shout
Let love be the cry
We all bleed the same
1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP “Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.”
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
God knows the hearts of men. We should not judge or condemn when God has forgiven sin and fill someone with the Holy Ghost but instead rejoice with them.
We live in the dispensation of God’s grace, yet do we truly appreciate the power of his grace in our daily life and walk with him? It’s easy to see the need of his grace in salvation, when there is no means or hope of us earning or providing what is required of God for us to be saved. But like many other aspects of our walk with God, grace continues to exhibit itself in our life well behind that initial act of salvation… because we continue to need it in our life!
This chapter should make that obvious, with such a major point of contention over the inclusion of John Mark in their celebratory journey throughout the churches. These same men who had worked together to bring the church through such a critical time in its growth while maintaining unity could not maintain it amongst themselves. ‘And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;’ Years later, would it have mattered to either of them whether the other had yielded? In moments like these, it’s important to take a step back and allow for some grace to intervene.
We see passages like this and wonder how could such contention remain in the midst of such revival? It serves as a good reminder that God has always chosen to work through man with all his imperfections. Once contention reaches this level, neither can claim to be in the right and yet neither was willing to budge. What would a little grace have meant to that situation? Yes, God may have continued to use them but how much greater a work could they have accomplished together? We will always have to work through our flesh to accomplish God’s desire in our life and if we go in grace each day there is no limit to what God can do through us together! A little grace goes a long way towards unity among the body.
Acts 15
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Though the apostles had differences of opinion it did not keep them from doing the work of God. You may not agree with everything your brother or sister dies but you cannot allow it to keep you from doing what God has called you to. God has called us to live in harmony and not be contentious but there are some who will never agree 100% with the way some things are done. This is why God has the five fold ministry and also stressed everyone has a part in the Kingdom of God. We are members fitly joined together. All striving to get to the same goal which is Heaven. Challenges we meet are to bring out the things we ourself must work on not what our brother or sister needs to work on. So as we work for the Kingdom we must submit ourself in love one to another so that in unity the world can be won, There is too much chaos in the world we the church can live in harmony even with our differences . Harmony is when three or more notes are sung or played together making a beautiful sound. We can be that beautiful sound to this world. In Jesus name.
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
We have to be careful that we don’t get caught up in legalism when we’ve come so far it can be easy to be caught up in the details of personal convictions. Paul, later in the chapter, address is these people in tows him why they are wrong, he then later addresses all the people and tell them the fundamentals to being saved after being baptized is to obtain holiness by abstaining from Evil things not by keeping certain laws. Personal convictions are important to our walk with God in a one-on-one sense with Christ, but it is not for us or anybody to decide whether somebody can or cannot be saved based off of these convictions. Having unity and peace within each other is the key to Revival, which doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything but understanding or principles the fundamentals of doctrine are what we submit to. Sometimes this is what separates us from that mindset that the Pharisees have, is allowing people 2 Follow their personal convictions without putting our own on them but at the same time standing 4 the fundamentals of our Doctrine. Everytime Paul addresses the church he remains faithful to the same Doctrine and the same principles of following Christ and abstaining from evil and being obedient to the word of God.
Acts15: 18 (English Amp) Says the Lord, Who has been making these known from the beginning of the world.[ Isaiah 45: 21] Declare and bring forward your strong arguments (for praying to God’s that cannot save);yes take counsel together, Who announced this [ the rise of Cyrus and his conquests] beforehand ( long ago)?
[ What god] declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord ? And there is no other God besides Me, a rigidity and uncopromisingly just and righteous God and Savior; besides Me. There no other God that can save you but our Lord Jesus Christ. Look to him and be saved, all the ends of the earth. Be careful that there are false God’s in this world that are trying to get to follow them. We serve a righteous and Holy God. A God above all God’s.
23. And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:…
27. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the SAME things by mouth.
It’s important that we operate as a united body of leadership. No one wants to become part of something that is in conflict and confusion, there is too much of that outside the Church.
Later in this same chapter, Barnabas and Paul chose to journey separate paths rather than stay together and let others see division in the camp.
The world is watching us; what they see matters.
15:36 and some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
———————-
Same happening with true churches ( not all) now days, through calling, or visiting
The point is to start doing or continue to do now what this church did in the past.
To follow up, to visit to find out how those who once heard the word, got baptized or not are doing in the Lord.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
The human flesh and will can be difficult to put under subjection when you are making a decision based on your own thoughts rather than first serving the will of God in a matter. How different could this situation had been if Paul and Barnabas first prayed for the will and direction of God …
How much strife and conflict do we self inflict in our own lives when we make decisions without first seeing the will and direction of God?…
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
Psalms 145:8)
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Acts 15:11, 35 KJV
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13 KJV
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Acts 2:21 KJV
You GOT to believe that when ever you call upon THE NAME of JESUS he going to rescue what ever you need he’s there name he is a Strong Tower a way Maker
God can deliver you from anything you just have to have faith that he will. One of my favorite person in the bible is David . because even though he struggled with his flesh God him a man after his own heart.
“And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.”
Acts 15:36 KJV
Thankful for Paul example in how to care for the new believers. It wasn’t good enough for him knowing that they had entered into the Kindgom through rebirth (Holy Ghost and Jesus Name baptism) but he was concern that the remain in the kingdom. We must travail until Christ is formed in each new believer.
NLT 19 “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
All are welcome to the House of God. For new converts and visitors, lets not make it difficult for them when they come to church. Let each one grow in God at their pace. As they learn, they grow stronger with their relationship with God. We set the example, and visitors/new converts will follow.
Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. J. Soliz
iLove the Kingdom
7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
God chose to use Peter, the one who had the keys to the Kingdom, to express the will of God in the lives of the Gentiles. There were Pharisee believer’s who were trying to force the Gentile believers to follow the law of Moses. But thank God Peter was there ready to preach truth. Peter gives the Gentiles a small list of things in which they are not to do and he leaves it at that. Thank-You Jesus for not sending us under a long list of laws, but giving us mercy and grace.
“After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.””
Acts of the Apostles 15:36 NLT
Alright I feel like the last guy to laugh at joke right now because I’m just now seeing this scripture.
The Church we attend does this method “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.”
This was the acts of the Apostles, this is what it means to be apostolic. It’s not just dressing holy or speaking Holy. Like Pastor said it’s about thinking Holy it’s starts with this word right here too. If we can start thinking like an Apostle then we can start Acting like a true Apostle. But our Church is an Apostolic Church with principles like the Apostles.
I read daily but today I wanna read more and more! Because I want more and more of Him!
IBless you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
And there was great Joy throughout
the church that day as they read this
encouraging message.
Acts 15:31 NLT
8 God, who knows the heart, show that he excepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did us.
9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts of the Apostles 15:26 NLT
This is a great question for myself, have i truly risked all of my life for the name of The LORD JESUS?! Jesus help me!!
Examine me, O Lord , and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Psalms 26:2 KJV
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Praise God for the Holy Ghost it didn’t matter to him where I was from, or my background he open the Gate of Heaven and pour His Spirit upon me and my family glory to God.
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 15:8, 11 KJV
My family and I live because of his grace.
A.L.M.A.S.
Acts 15:40-41 Paulike chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Never work alone! Best principle.
v.5 And so we’re the churches established in the faith,and increased in number daily.
Acts 15;7-9
7) And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8) And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9) And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Eph. 3:6 says, “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Don’t make no difference where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or how you look – there’s room in the house of God for everybody!! And everybody deserves the opportunity to receive grace and be saved. Put differences and judgements aside because even the most unlikely people are hungry and searching for God.
THY KINGDOM COME
ACCOUNTABLILITY = DISCIPLESHIP
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
There are many opportunities in the 21st century to fall away from the Gospel and The Kingdom of GOD. We are wise to separate ourselves from as many of them as possible. We are in control of what we allow to influence us; such as what we read, what we see, what we listen to, where we go, what we think and so on. However, the most effective weapon of the adversary is deception. Deception disguises itself in the skin of a truth, but it is a lie. It has a hint of truth, but the core meaning is a lie.
Such as the “trinity” it has enough truth (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) but excuses the TRUTH that these 3 are 1. Biblical deceptions such as these are satans greatest tool to disrupt the church.
Considering this fact we are wise to be accountable for our beliefs and christian practices and principals. This is the primary reason for the follow up, accountability visit of Paul and Barnabas visiting the brethren in every city, “to see how they do”. No doubt there was concern for the health and welfare of the brethren, but there was also concern for the doctrinal state of the brethren.
Why is accountability so important in The Kingdom of GOD?
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Distractions and Deceptions are everywhere and this is why we need accountability at all levels in The Kingdom of GOD.
I am thankful for the man of GOD in my life that I am submitted to for accountability and extremely thankful for the men of GOD in my life that we are accountable to each other.
Grace and Peace to you all in JESUS name.
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iGive
iReap
iGo
iBlessYouInTheNameOfTheLordJESUS
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
We must not be surprised when God send people who we think are unlikely to be converted to the POFW to receive the Holy Ghost and be baptized in Jesus Name. We must do as they did hear to the gentiles (thank God) teach them, train them, love them, encourage them and travail until Christ is formed in them. Make them disciples – just like they did in the book of Acts.
31 And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message.
When the Holy Spirit resolves difficulties people will be encouraged and strengthened in their faith. Through the tribulation comes JOY! There will be times of disagreement but when resolved with prayer and direction of the Holy Ghost, the end result is JOY and PEACE.
ARE YOU THE ONE?
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
Sunday morning my husband preached to the youth “Will you be the One” He was talking about will you be the one that starts the fire. Here in this chapter, we see Peter being the one. When there is complaining and disputing there needs to be someone that will step out with wisdom and under the power and authority of the Holy Ghost to make a stand and being unity. Then it spread to James. Sometimes it just takes one passionate person to take a stand and others will follow. So again “Will you be the ONE”
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Sometimes its easy to get frustrated when the Man of God is teaching one way, but someone else wants you to do the same thing but their way, or they always talk about their way, the solution is simple, ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE HOLY GHOST, He will never guide you the wrong way, and I go to the word, And then I ask my Pastor because I beleive with all my heart that whatever Im doing may or may not be enough, and I wont know how everything will turn out until that day comes, so I dont need to be doing the wrong thing by listening to others when I can be doing the right thing by listening to God and the Man of God that God put in my life as My Pastor, and one that holds me accountable!
9-10 He treated the outsiders exactly as he treated us, beginning at the very center of who they were and working from that center outward, cleaning up their lives as they trusted and believed him. “So why are you now trying to out-god God, loading these new believers down with rules that crushed our ancestors and crushed us, too?
I have heard it preached most of my life that it is God who changes people. We are examples to follow not judge and jury. As new believers start to build a new relationship with Jesus they learn what His like and dislikes are. Of course, Pastor directs us and is His voice but it is the personal relationship with Jesus that changes people from the inside; the outside will follow.
“He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear?”
Acts of the Apostles 15:9-10 NLT
It’s a Jesus thing.
Apostolic Doctrine is very important in our walk with God. But when a new believer comes and we judge them based on where we are, we are setting them up for failure. We must give them the tools to learn but ultimately it us up to Jesus to change their hearts. We are to love them and encourage them!
I Love To Worship The Lord
vs 15-5
Believers who had belonged to this religious party still practiced rigorous observance of the Law as Christians. Their zeal for the Law led them to suppose that all true belivers must adopt thier pious but legalistic lifestyle
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
The enemy is so deceived that he believes his own lies…….always trying to bring division!!! He only succeeds if we allow him to. He only has as much power as we allow him to have
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Paul in a attempt not to burden Gods people laid some very simple ground rules out as guidelines to live a holy life. This is not a exhaustive list but is a great guideline of how our lives should be and how we should live before the Lord.
Acts 15:6-9
6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by
It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. So they stayed there a long time with the disciples
Let’s GO have Church on this Wednesday night in Jesus name!
They all thanked God for what he had done for them. So we should always praise God for how he brought us out and how he made us to live and praise him!
As this chapter shows there are sometimes disagreements about Gods word or what is the right thing to do. The good thing is that in these cases it is shown how to deal with these types of situations as a Christian. Although, in the end there may not be an agreement; it is good to still show the love and actions of Christ in all we do. Surely, just because we may disagree does not give any allotment to any party to act like this world full of sinful hatred, malice, and backbiting. Surely, through Christ’s life and the actions of many in the Bible we have many examples of how to treat people kindly and stay true to God despite differences that may arise. God is great and mighty to be praised! Praise the Lord for all that He does for us! For the examples in His Word that He gives us. Praise ye the Lord!
v15:14
Without question, the LORD has called us to be witnesses of HIS NAME.
GOD has visited the Gentiles to take out a people for HIS NAME.
THY KINGDOM COME!!!
Josiah: 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
It is important to know our Bible. If we do not people can teach false doctrine and we can not even prove them wrong scripturally. When we do know what we believe in then we can tell people when they ask. Most weeks I get asked questions at school. Generally multiple times a week and sometimes multiple times a day. So, let us GO STUDY the word of God!
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Certain of the Jews wanted to put a part of the yoke of the law on new believers but Peter wisely states, if our fathers couldn’t do it, why should we make someone else do it? We need the Grace of God that brings salvation to us, brings God’s Spirit, Word and blood to us and teaches we ought to live right for Him and by Him!
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Every head is a world, and I may say that it’s almost impossible for humans to completely agree 100 percent on all things, yet there must be an understanding. I can picture this contention. The bible says so sharp that they departed from one another. It doesn’t say the were wrong or or the other but stressed our humanity and frailty. We must pray to keep harmony agreement and submission. For we see what happens when supernatural harmony is achieved through prayer as it was the case in the upper room.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.
Ephesians 4:25-27 KJV
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
People are carnal. They don’t like change and this was a change for them.
Today we face the same challenges that they did, change. Many people are coming to the Apostolic Doctorine from other believes, and they too are facing change. It will only be by the church showing Jesus’s love that any might survive this change..
God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.
Acts of the Apostles 15:8-9 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.15.8-9.NLT
Even though God knew our thoughts and heart He still chose to die for our sin and save us. God is for everyone no matter the race or language we all have an opportunity to come to Jesus.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
This is a great example of why we don’t overload new believers. We stay in contact with them and help them with teaching, but we don’t push upon them things that are no longer necessary. They have enough going on and adding more weight to them is too much to bear. God wants them and us to come to him willingly and revelation can come through preaching and the word of God when it all lines up the believer can decide their path.
5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”
Religion does not save. The spirit of the Pharisee is still haunting us still today. Were people that try to impose rules without relationship over new believers. So the new believers get overwhelmed and get a wrong impression of what God truly desires for there lives.
God is in the soul saving business, we are just privileged to be his instruments in the process.
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
In order to be saved there must be certain things in our lives removed permantely! I can’t be the same Claudette as I was 10 years ago! I had to remove many things, people, because it didn’t go with the Kingdom of God in my life. I’m not even the same Claudette a year ago because I am growing more and more!!! Ive prayed for God to give me a passion, burden for the lost, see them how He sees them, and it has inclined me to do His WILL BEFORE ANYTTING ELSE!!! He has taught me to trust Him completely and do His Will, Give, Love, Fight, Pray, Fast, and Many More Things!!! My drive is seeing children get the HG, seeing teenagers bring their parents to church, see adults fight for their backsliding families, elders love God and hear the testimonies!! My eyes are set on you Jesus!!!
#noturningback
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Decipleship 101
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
You cannot force feed a steak to a baby, they will choke. A child will eat when they are hungry. This is why you don’t hear Pastor preaching about some things over the pulpit. You have to let people go at their own pace and develop hunger as their convictions grow. When they are ready they will start asking questions. It’s not for us to lay on them a tile of burden of things they don’t even understand yet.
It’s hard to mix the committed and the noncommited. Newly committed people are different from those committed for a while. Everyone just has to be patient with one another. Allow for differences. The non committed or newly committed will commit in the end if we just stay patient.
“And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.”
Just because a soul receives the HG, we gotta make sure they are being taken care of, we have to do more, we have to still reach out to them.