Acts 15:7-11 NLT
At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News and believe. God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
The divisions in the church have always come with the opinions of the “how”.
This was a major issue that came up often in the early days of the church, enough so that the elders met together to come to terms with this.
Interesting thing is that it seems to still be an issue today.
Peter puts all of that to bed with this statement, “We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
After that as long as the church doesn’t get away from sound biblical doctrine, the rest of it comes to preference and that should never divide a church.
It is called arguing over the “thick of thin things”. We are called to live in harmony with other believers, where does that start?
Romans 12:16 NLT
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
1 Peter 3:8 NLT
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
Heavenly Father, I pray that you provide me the humble Spirit to live in harmony with others in Your church, keeping my heart and my will in line with Your will.
I am grateful for the diverse personalities that you bring together to accomplish Your mission. I pray that my actions, thoughts, and words do not make a fellow believer stumble.
I pray that my words and actions encourage and edify those around me and that we are united to the commission of Your church.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
