This Sunday we come to a watershed moment in the life of the early church—the Jerusalem Council.
The issue on the table is not small. It’s not secondary.
The very truth of the gospel is at stake.
Are we saved by our works?
Or are we saved by grace alone?
Though the debate in Acts 15 centers on Jews and Gentiles, the heart of the issue is one we still wrestle with today. And in this passage, the apostles speak with clarity: we are saved by grace.
As you prepare, read Acts 14:24–15:35.
Then take time to read Galatians 2:1–14, where Paul gives his account of these same events. Even better—read all six chapters of Galatians and hear the urgency of guarding the gospel of grace.
Two things to think through:
• Where am I tempted to add to the gospel—subtly trusting in my own works?
• Do I really believe that grace alone is enough to save and sustain me?
Two things to pray for:
• That we would cling tightly to the true gospel and not drift from it
• That we would treasure the grace of God above any good thing we bring
Let’s rejoice in the good news:
we are saved by grace alone.