Get Close To The Lord

SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH # 3

Read Acts 15:1-35

Notice now there was much disputing or in other words, discussion (not arguing and fussing) in this board meeting.

Read again vs. 7-21...

Here is a perfect example of a church trusting their chosen representatives to investigate, discuss, look into, and study out the problem at hand. Thank God for His leading in the choosing of deacons, who in conjunction with the Pastor will seek God’s will concerning the matters of the church. Then thank God for a board who knows that the ultimate discussion rests with the people. vs. 22 - “Then pleased it the
apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:”

Now notice that the result seemed good and they were in one accord. vs. 23-27 - “And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.”

Notice also that when this kind of meeting is conducted the Holy Spirit is pleased also. vs. 28,29 - “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” Thank God when a church seeks to do things the Bible way and not tie the church down with church dogmas, works and rituals then that church will find that souls will be saved simply by grace though faith, plus nothing, minus nothing. Eph 2:8-9 - “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works , lest any man should boast.” John 14:6 -“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Russell Stolp
Chaplain, CFO

Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.