VERSE FOR TODAY: We believe that we are save through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are (Acts15:11, New American Standard Bible).
HYMN FOR TODAY: "Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord"
Imagine you are a member of an organization in your community. You believe in the Organization's and you have met all of the requirements for membership
But problems begin to arise with other members. Some insist you must meet additional requirements. They do not want to fellowship with you in social situations or the Organization's rituals, because they think you are inferior. That is essentially what was happening to the Antioch Gentile Christian's.
Some Jewish Christians, retaining the legalistic principles of the Mosaic law refused to fellowship with the Gentile Christians. These Gentile were perceived as lesser Christian's" Representatives of the Antioch Church were sent to meet with the apostles and sliders in Jerusalem. They deliberated the matter, and Peter spoke out clearly in defense of Christian freedom and grace. He had witnessed the conversion of Cornelius and God's acceptance of the Gentile on the basis of the gospel alone.
Let us remember that we are all saved through grace in the same way, and then practice unity in faith, liberty in opinions, and love in all things.
PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father, for Your saving grace. Forgive us when we develop attitudes that are unbecoming to Your children. Help us to be understanding of others and give us a flexibility that will allow for a diversity of opinions in the fellowship of believers. In JESUS' name, Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment