Acts 15:1-30 | Contend for the Faith

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Slides:

Acts 13:38-39

"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

Galatians 1:8

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!

Genesis 17:11

And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you.

Mark 7:8-9

"Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." 9 He was also saying to them, "You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.

What about the sufficiency of Scripture?

The “essentials” of our salvation live in a symbiotic relationship with the sufficiency of Scripture. They are inextricably related to one another.

What are some “essential” matters of salvation in Christian doctrine? 

Exclusivity

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

What are some lessons we learn from the Jerusalem council?

We need to keep the Gospel message simple, clear, and consistent.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Romans 10:9

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

What are some lessons we learn from the Jerusalem council?

We have some differences, but we share something greater.

Acts 10:34-35

Opening his mouth, Peter said: "I most certainly understand [now] that God is not one to show partiality, 35 but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.

What are some lessons we learn from the Jerusalem council?

Doctrine can’t rest on experience alone.

Genesis 22:18

"In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."

What are some lessons we learn from the Jerusalem council?

The Gospel has a centrifugal force (outward), not only a centripetal one (inward).

What are some lessons we learn from the Jerusalem council?

A growing kingdom requires a great grace!