This Sunday in Acts we come to a pivotal moment. The first missionary journey has been completed. God has opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And Satan takes a different angle of attack, attempting to “distort the gospel of Christ (cf. Galatians 1:7)” with a false gospel of grace plus works.

A Gospel Summit, of sorts, is convened in Jerusalem by the apostles and elders, and after much debate, Peter silences the assembly with these words:

We believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:11)

The true gospel message for all people is grace plus nothing equals salvation. Every Sunday we gather to be strengthened by this grace that is ours in Christ Jesus (cf. 2 Timothy 2:1) and to guard this good news from distortion.

Erik Thoennes will be preaching Acts 15:1-35 this Sunday and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you take some time this week to read the passage and pray for each as they prepare? And let’s turn that simple exhortation from 2 Timothy 2:1 into a prayer for our gathered worship. “Lord, strengthen us by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

 

Song of the Week

Yet Not I, but Through Christ in Me sung by The Boyce Worship Collective

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus, now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, “I am free”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me