Join Pastor Allen Bonnell for an in-depth theological defense of the Gospel of Grace in a message centered on the Jerusalem Council in Acts chapter 15. While often considered a "business meeting," this chapter is a crucial "safeguard for the story of grace," addressing the first major conflict in the early church. The issue at stake: Did Gentile converts need to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be saved?

Pastor Allen uses the council's decision to affirm six points:

1. Conflict arises when convictions become conditions : Adding anything (like circumcision or moralistic behavior) to Jesus plus nothing equals nothing. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone.

2. Healthy churches create space for hard conversations : Disagreements are inevitable, but unity is paramount, often requiring grace and concession.

3. There's grace for all: The Council decided that the law was an unbearable yoke that no one—not even Moses—could bear; Christ is sufficient and salvation is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

4. This was all about unity, not uniformity : The four non-salvation prohibitions given to Gentiles were concessions to avoid being a stumbling block to Jews and to ensure new converts truly left behind pagan worship and sexual immorality.

5. Spiritual authority is not about control, but about alignment.

6. Gospel clarity doesn't eliminate human intention : Even Paul and Barnabas had a "sharp disagreement" over John Mark and separated, but the Gospel ultimately redeems and reconciles.

Pastor Allen closes by condemning "repressive religion" that shames, reminding listeners that God sees them as a fully restored "new rose" and beloved child, welcoming all to receive His free and finished grace.