This Sunday, studied one of the most important moments in the entire book of Acts. It is the very first church council that was ever held to establish clarity around the gospel. Regularly in the New Testament, controversies arose about whether or not Gentile Christians had to become adherents to the Old Testament regulations of circumcision, Sabbath keeping, and the commands of the Law of Moses. Understandably, Jewish believers, with a rich history of God relating to them thr...
This Sunday, studied one of the most important moments in the entire book of Acts. It is the very first church council that was ever held to establish clarity around the gospel. Regularly in the New Testament, controversies arose about whether or not Gentile Christians had to become adherents to the Old Testament regulations of circumcision, Sabbath keeping, and the commands of the Law of Moses. Understandably, Jewish believers, with a rich history of God relating to them through the Law of Moses, could not conceive of life without the Law. Today, many believers still practice Sabbath-keeping or following the Jewish calendar events of Yom Kippur or the Passover. They believe that there is something significant or special to those traditions. The problem, of course, is that there is an enormous difference between saying that you MAY choose to celebrate, remember, or practice Old Testament practices and saying that you MUST do this. The Law of Moses has never justified anyone but Jesus. Salvation has never been by works of the law but only by grace through faith. This is such a great non-negotiable that the mission of the church in Acts could not continue until it was clarified and resolved, and officially decided by the apostles in Jerusalem. They did decide clearly. Thank God for that.
As we come to the end of October, this is the time of year when we remember Martin Luther, nailing his 95 theses to the door at Wittenberg Church on October 31st, 1517. Luther had to risk his life to remind people that all the added traditions of Catholicism could save no one, nor could it add one iota to our eternal salvation. No peace came from human religious performance. Luther knew that well. He had long tormented himself in his attempts to use religious means to feel good enough for God’s approval. He testified, “While I was a monk, I no sooner felt assailed by any temptation than I cried out—‘I am lost!’ Immediately, I had recourse to a thousand methods to stifle the cries of my conscience. I went every day to confession, but that was of no use to me.” No. Nothing can satisfy God’s justice and remove our guilt and shame but the gospel. Praise God – salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
Come this Sunday as we see once again the glory and goodness of God in the gospel of His grace. Our message is called “By Grace Alone”. It's really good and important news to know and to share.
Join us on Sundays at 9 & 11 - www.waterbrooke.church
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