Acts 15:22-41

After the decision that was made in yesterday’s passage about Gentile believers, the Apostles sent a letter to the church in question explaining this. The letter was very clear and to the point. They were kind hearted, but they didn’t mince words either. They weren’t going to treat Gentiles any different. We are ALL saved by the grace of God! Think about the word “grace” like this; “Gods Riches At Christ’s Expense”. G-R-A-C-E. Its Not “God’s Riches If You Do These Certain Things And If You Are A Certain Race Or Ethnic Background”…what does that even spell? G-R-I-Y-D-T-C-T-A-I-Y-A-A-C-R-O-E-B….see that doesn’t even make sense!

Notice the things that were mentioned in the letter to stay away from, though. Specifically idol worship and sexual sin, like we talked about Wednesday. They listed things that can consume you and destroy a christians life.

After this Paul and Barnabas decided to go there separate ways. Barnabas took John Mark with him and Paul took Silas. Even though Paul and Barnabas didn’t agree, they settled it peacefully and they both stuck to their purpose…to tell others about Christ! There is a lesson here. Even though as the church we are a family, we won’t always agree. That’s part of life. The important thing is how we handle it. Do we handle it with dignity and grace and not let it get in the way of our purpose? Or do we blow up and become violent or say nasty things and spread rumors and gossip?

Tomorrow – Acts 16:1-40