We continue our study of the Book of Acts as we learn about the spread of the gospel and the beginnings of the early church. In our passage this Sunday, we come to the gathering of church leaders at the Jerusalem Council. Gentiles were being saved just as the Lord had said, but the Jewish Christians were unsure if there should be requirements for salvation beyond faith in Christ, and what about their strange customs. Therefore, the church leaders convened in Jerusalem to address this significant issue. Should Gentiles be circumcized, what about food sacrificed to idols, and sexual immorality? These were important issues, and, guided by the Holy Spirit, the council had to wrestle with these topics. Their decisions would be ones that would encourage the new Gentile believers and one that does the same for us today as we live for Christ and His Kingdom

To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Acts 15:1-35, Ephesians 2, Amos 9:11-12, Matthew 23, and Galatians 5:1-6.

 As we gather to worship our gracious God this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Once in Royal David’s City", the Acclamation of Praise “Good Christian Men, Rejoice”, and the Hymn of Response “Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!

Sermon Information:

Text: Acts 15:1-35

Title: The Agenda

Outline:

Grace or Works? (vv.1-11)
Word or Tradition? (vv.12-21)
Freedom or Bondage? (vv.22-35)

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