Acts 15:36-41; Galatians 2:11-21

Getting into our episode today, we’ll see that those believers sent up from Jerusalem don’t seem interested in staggering their lego blocks. What does this mean for the Gentile believers who don’t share their bloodline? Meanwhile, what is happening between Paul, Barnabas and John Mark? Will they take their next mission trip together? Will their friendship survive? Oh my, so much is unfolding, so we better get moving. With that, let’s get started!

John 1:35-41; Matthew 3:11-17; Luke 3:21-22; Mark 1:4-11

Some have been so wounded that they just give up and refuse to step back into the box. In essence, they “tap out” and stop living with any sense of purpose. For most of us, we know that we have to make a go of it, sometimes even against our will.

Here’s the thing: We can become so numb to the present and anxious about the future, especially in light of our wounded past, that we don’t face it with the trust God wants for us. What happens when we don’t trust God for that next season of life? Opportunity is lost, lessons are not learned, and we will stop living on purpose. Trapped in a fearful state, we may find ourselves becoming more and more controlling and less trusting. But God has other plans!

Acts 15:36-41; Galatians 2:11-21

The church in Antioch is growing, and as with any growing organization there are bound to be painful moments that come along with such growth. One such instance reveals itself with the Jewish believers who have freshly arrived from Jerusalem. Not only that, but as Paul and Barnabas discuss up and coming mission plans, both begin to notice a new obstacle that emerges. What’s the problem? That’s what we’re about to discover in today’s podcast. So with that, let’s get started!

Acts 15:22-35; Galatians 2:11-12

The verdict came back from the Jerusalem council to keep the Gentiles free from the constraints found in the Law of Moses. So, in an official capacity, the apostles in Jerusalem send Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Barsabbas and others back to Antioch armed with an official letter decreeing the verdict.

How will the church that is made up of mostly Gentiles receive this official decree? What will happen between Jewish and Gentile believers here in Antioch? Will they get along? Will the chasm of multiculturalism be resolved, and will the family of God be able to play nicely together? Let’s find out in today’s episode.

Acts 15:6-21; Romans 14:1-4

A new wrinkle has surfaced. Yes, the ruling is found in favor of the Gentiles who are being changed by the Spirit of God without obedience to Mosaic Law. However, many Jews, who have clear moral guidelines, will be hard pressed not to hold their Gentile counterparts in contempt for violating the assumed moral codes that have been taught in the synagogues for centuries.

Acts 15:5-12; John 15 (excerpts), John 16:1-3; Matthew 23:23-26

Instead of routinely working on the fundamentals and getting back to basics, what blew it for me was an unhealthy dependence upon ritual. This can often happen in our spiritual development as well, where we easily trade ritual for relationship. Instead of developing greater sensitivity to the Spirit’s direction, we often revert back to following rules or ceremonial rituals, thinking that somehow God is happy with those efforts. What’s lacking? Two words: Dependence and Empowerment.