Acts 14:21 – 15:21

The first part of our passage today brings an end to Paul’s first journey. It gives us a little insight to the way that they made disciples, trained them and then let them loose to continue the work…the purpose! Telling others about Christ. Then when they returned, the church welcomed them and wanted to hear their stories. This was a cool passage to me because I have seen ABT follow this example over the years. It makes me think about some of the missions services we’ve had here over the years. That wasn’t an original idea!

In chapter 15 we find Paul and Barnabas telling their story to the church and to the jewish council. Some of the council members freak out when they are told that Gentiles(basically anyone who isn’t a jew…me!) need to follow the old testament traditions. In verses 10-11 Peter makes it perfectly clear. We are all under the grace of God; saved the same way. James even quotes old testament scripture in verses 16-18 that talk about just that.

I feel like Peter and the guys have had to make this argument too many times already, and we’re only half way through Acts! 

Sometimes we try and make salvation so difficult, don’t we? Maybe not intentionally either. We get in this “churchy” mentality and if someone doesn’t fit the mold, then they aren’t saved! They don’t dress like us. Their hair is weird. They live where? Their family does what? You fill in the blank. We all do it. But when you break it down, the basics of salvation is as simple as this; you believe, you belong.

Tomorrow – Acts 15:22 – 41