Scripture: Acts 16:1-10

Do we have a conviction to share the gospel even when it costs us something? Paul's second missionary journey involved a number of sacrifices for himself and those with him. Yet they determined that the joy of following Jesus was worth the cost.

Scripture: Acts 16:1-10

As the early church continued to grow, and the gospel continued to spread, several things were required in order to stay on the mission that God had for His people - the mission of preaching the gospel. These requirements have not changed. Our text today highlights what they are.

Where we end up in life is often determined by who we chose to listen to. With so many opinions, how do we discern the correct course or path in life. Often, personal sacrifice is required to fulfill our purpose and teach us lessons along the way. Paul began his second missionary journey with recruiting a young disciple named Timothy. Together, with Silas they set out to proclaim great hope; the same hope we can experience in our life today.

Scripture: Acts 15:22-41

As we saw last week, salvation by grace is affirmed unanimously by the council in Jerusalem. And now, this week we see that message delivered to the new Gentile believers, which leads to the unity of the church being maintained charitably.

Scripture: Acts 15:22-41

The church is the gathered people of God united by the gospel. But that doesn't' mean that everything goes smoothly all the time. The gospel unites us together but we still need to learn how to work together as we rehearse the gospel, celebrate it together and be ready to forgive one another.

Scripture: Acts 15:22-41

While we might assume the early church was perfect and nothing ever went wrong, in Acts 15 Luke records very honestly some of the warts and wrinkles of the church. We read of an example of corporate church conflict and an example of interpersonal conflict. In spite of the challenges, God uses both conflicts to strengthen believers and build the church.

Through history there have been defining moments that changed everything in a radical way; the discovery of the Americas, the Industrial Revolution, the Internet... things that have transformed the way we look at things, the way we live our lives. And what we have in Acts 15 is a crucial moment for the Church. A defining moment. One of those things that their outcome would have eternal consequences. This first council of the church was dealing with the very essence of our salvation.

Scripture: Acts 15:1-21

The dispute over salvation between the Apostles and the Pharisees was intense and uncompromising. The principles used by the apostles to discern and respond to this deep division were unpacked. Peter used the "Gospel applied without distinction" as the standard of reference to adjudicate this controversy. Paul and Barnabas supported Peter by providing confirming evidence of God working signs and wonders among the Gentiles. James showed that the Old Testament also supported the full inclusion of the Gentiles into God's plan and crafted polices to blend truth with sensitivity to conscience. We contrasted this apostolic pattern of decision making with those of contemporary cultural relativism, social-media coercion and intersectionality.

Scripture: Acts 15:1-15:21

If you've ever wondered how "good" and "council meeting" could ever be put together, Acts 15 has the answer. In this defining moment for the church, its leaders, through much debate, clarified the very essence of our salvation, paving the way for a clear understanding of what it means to live a life based on grace, not legalism.

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Through Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey, we are challenged to keep our eyes on the Gospel. Though hostility may come, the Spirit of God will empower His people to persevere.