Guarding the Gospel // Acts 15 // Watermark Community Church

Well, good morning. My name is Blake Well, good morning. My name is Blake Holmes and it is great to be with you Holmes and it is great to be with you Holmes and it is great to be with you here this morning. Uh, as we start every here this morning. Uh, as we start every here this morning. Uh, as we start every week, I'd like to ask you to join me in week, I'd like to ask you to join me in week, I'd like to ask you to join me in prayer. prayer. prayer. First, I'd ask that you would pray that First, I'd ask that you would pray that First, I'd ask that you would pray that regardless of whatever you're carrying regardless of whatever you're carrying regardless of whatever you're carrying into this room, whatever you have to do into this room, whatever you have to do into this room, whatever you have to do following the service or this week, the following the service or this week, the following the service or this week, the Lord would just steal your heart. Lord would just steal your heart. Lord would just steal your heart. and just pray that the Lord would speak and just pray that the Lord would speak and just pray that the Lord would speak to you. Would you now pray the same for those Would you now pray the same for those seated beside you seated beside you seated beside you that collectively that collectively that collectively we be attentive to God's spirit? And finally, would you pray for me that And finally, would you pray for me that I would speak only what the Lord I would speak only what the Lord I would speak only what the Lord intends? Nothing more and nothing less.

Father, thank you that when we pray, you Father, thank you that when we pray, you hear our prayers. hear our prayers. hear our prayers. Thank you, Lord, for the truth of your Thank you, Lord, for the truth of your Thank you, Lord, for the truth of your word. word. word. Thank you for the gathered body of Thank you for the gathered body of Thank you for the gathered body of believers in your church, for the believers in your church, for the believers in your church, for the privilege that it is to be a part of privilege that it is to be a part of privilege that it is to be a part of this local church. And for this Sunday this local church. And for this Sunday this local church. And for this Sunday that we have together, that we have together, that we have together, for everybody listening online, for everybody listening online, for everybody listening online, for everybody here in the room, for all for everybody here in the room, for all for everybody here in the room, for all the kids next door, for all the the kids next door, for all the the kids next door, for all the volunteers, Lord, would your hand of volunteers, Lord, would your hand of volunteers, Lord, would your hand of blessing be on this place? We pray in blessing be on this place? We pray in blessing be on this place? We pray in Christ's name. Amen. Christ's name. Amen. Christ's name. Amen. Well, let's face it. There are some Well, let's face it. There are some Well, let's face it. There are some subjects that are rather explosive, subjects that are rather explosive, subjects that are rather explosive, controversial if you will. controversial if you will. controversial if you will. I could say a few just a few words and I could say a few just a few words and I could say a few just a few words and the room is immediately divided. For the room is immediately divided. For the room is immediately divided. For example, example, example, Texas A&L. [cheering] Texas A&L. [cheering] Texas A&L. [cheering] >> See, >> See, >> See, TA does that TA does that TA does that every single week. every single week. every single week. Yes, you do, TA.

Yes, you do, TA. Yes, you do, TA. Every week. And here's what happens. Every week. And here's what happens. Every week. And here's what happens. Half of you, the moment that happens on Half of you, the moment that happens on Half of you, the moment that happens on Q, half of you are like, "See, that's Q, half of you are like, "See, that's Q, half of you are like, "See, that's it, honey. We're no longer going to it, honey. We're no longer going to it, honey. We're no longer going to Watermark." Watermark." Watermark." And the other half is sitting there And the other half is sitting there And the other half is sitting there going, "This is God's church." Right? going, "This is God's church." Right? going, "This is God's church." Right? Why would we go anywhere else? It Why would we go anywhere else? It Why would we go anywhere else? It divides the room immediately. And then divides the room immediately. And then divides the room immediately. And then there's other light-hearted subjects. I there's other light-hearted subjects. I there's other light-hearted subjects. I was the judge of a chili cookoff last was the judge of a chili cookoff last was the judge of a chili cookoff last winter. I didn't realize how hard it winter. I didn't realize how hard it winter. I didn't realize how hard it would be to be a judge of a chili would be to be a judge of a chili would be to be a judge of a chili cookoff because you know immediately cookoff because you know immediately cookoff because you know immediately what the controversy is when you become what the controversy is when you become what the controversy is when you become a judge. It's whether or not you believe a judge. It's whether or not you believe a judge. It's whether or not you believe beans belong in chili, right? There's beans belong in chili, right? There's beans belong in chili, right? There's hot sports opinions about beans in hot sports opinions about beans in hot sports opinions about beans in Chile. Chile. Chile. And you know, we could talk about other And you know, we could talk about other And you know, we could talk about other subjects little less fun. subjects little less fun. subjects little less fun. That divides the room. school vouchers, That divides the room. school vouchers, That divides the room. school vouchers, co co co Trump, Trump, Trump, you know, you know, you know, immediately people begin to go, "What immediately people begin to go, "What immediately people begin to go, "What are we talking about today?" Well, we're are we talking about today?" Well, we're are we talking about today?" Well, we're going to talk about a controversy going to talk about a controversy going to talk about a controversy within the early church, a debate that within the early church, a debate that within the early church, a debate that was sparked that threatened the unity of was sparked that threatened the unity of was sparked that threatened the unity of the church and the message of the the church and the message of the the church and the message of the gospel. Now, some of you, you grew up in gospel. Now, some of you, you grew up in gospel. Now, some of you, you grew up in homes where debate was, you know, part homes where debate was, you know, part homes where debate was, you know, part for the course. Others of you are like, for the course. Others of you are like, for the course. Others of you are like, I hate conflict. I hate debate. Right?

I hate conflict. I hate debate. Right? I hate conflict. I hate debate. Right? In my home for instance, like if you In my home for instance, like if you In my home for instance, like if you didn't speak up or you didn't speak didn't speak up or you didn't speak didn't speak up or you didn't speak loudly, you must not really have loudly, you must not really have loudly, you must not really have anything to say. And if you didn't anything to say. And if you didn't anything to say. And if you didn't interrupt, you must not really believe interrupt, you must not really believe interrupt, you must not really believe it. Like there was all sorts of debate it. Like there was all sorts of debate it. Like there was all sorts of debate around our family dinner table. With my around our family dinner table. With my around our family dinner table. With my wife, wife, wife, completely different. They have a real completely different. They have a real completely different. They have a real novel approach of one person speaks and novel approach of one person speaks and novel approach of one person speaks and everybody listens and then you go to the everybody listens and then you go to the everybody listens and then you go to the next group and she speaks and everybody next group and she speaks and everybody next group and she speaks and everybody listens. listens. listens. And so it was really different home for And so it was really different home for And so it was really different home for each of us growing up. And what we have each of us growing up. And what we have each of us growing up. And what we have the opportunity today is to look at a the opportunity today is to look at a the opportunity today is to look at a debate within the early church where the debate within the early church where the debate within the early church where the tensions were high and where uh there tensions were high and where uh there tensions were high and where uh there was so much at stake. So turn your was so much at stake. So turn your was so much at stake. So turn your Bibles with me to Acts chapter 15. Acts Bibles with me to Acts chapter 15. Acts Bibles with me to Acts chapter 15. Acts chapter 15. Commentators describe this chapter 15. Commentators describe this chapter 15. Commentators describe this chapter as the centerpiece or the chapter as the centerpiece or the chapter as the centerpiece or the watershed moment in the book. It's watershed moment in the book. It's watershed moment in the book. It's loaded with uh cultural historical loaded with uh cultural historical loaded with uh cultural historical context that I want to unpack for you context that I want to unpack for you context that I want to unpack for you because if not, if you don't understand because if not, if you don't understand because if not, if you don't understand the background of what leads up to this the background of what leads up to this the background of what leads up to this chapter, then it's going to be devoid of chapter, then it's going to be devoid of chapter, then it's going to be devoid of any of any meaning. So, historically, if any of any meaning. So, historically, if any of any meaning. So, historically, if you're familiar with your Bible, it's you're familiar with your Bible, it's you're familiar with your Bible, it's broken up the Old Testament and the New broken up the Old Testament and the New broken up the Old Testament and the New Testament. In chapters 1 and two of Testament. In chapters 1 and two of Testament. In chapters 1 and two of Genesis, we see that God creates the Genesis, we see that God creates the Genesis, we see that God creates the heavens and earth. He creates man, male heavens and earth. He creates man, male heavens and earth. He creates man, male and female, in his image that we would and female, in his image that we would and female, in his image that we would have a relationship with him, know him, have a relationship with him, know him, have a relationship with him, know him, walk with him, enjoy him forever. But we walk with him, enjoy him forever. But we walk with him, enjoy him forever. But we rebelled against him in Genesis chapter

rebelled against him in Genesis chapter rebelled against him in Genesis chapter 3. That is called sin where man chooses 3. That is called sin where man chooses 3. That is called sin where man chooses our own way and we doubt the goodness of our own way and we doubt the goodness of our own way and we doubt the goodness of God and the truth of his word. And when God and the truth of his word. And when God and the truth of his word. And when we choose counter to him and rebel we choose counter to him and rebel we choose counter to him and rebel against him, that's called sin and it against him, that's called sin and it against him, that's called sin and it leads to death. And that's why we live leads to death. And that's why we live leads to death. And that's why we live in a broken world where we all in a broken world where we all in a broken world where we all experience pain and suffering as a experience pain and suffering as a experience pain and suffering as a result of our rebellion against God. result of our rebellion against God. result of our rebellion against God. That's how the Bible starts out. But all That's how the Bible starts out. But all That's how the Bible starts out. But all the way back in Genesis, God makes a the way back in Genesis, God makes a the way back in Genesis, God makes a promise that he's going to send a savior promise that he's going to send a savior promise that he's going to send a savior whose whose name is Jesus Christ. He's whose whose name is Jesus Christ. He's whose whose name is Jesus Christ. He's the rescuer. He's going to be the the rescuer. He's going to be the the rescuer. He's going to be the serpent crusher. We learn in Genesis serpent crusher. We learn in Genesis serpent crusher. We learn in Genesis 3:15. 3:15. 3:15. But as God's plan of salvation unfolds, But as God's plan of salvation unfolds, But as God's plan of salvation unfolds, he starts with one man named Abraham. he starts with one man named Abraham. he starts with one man named Abraham. And he promises them three things: land, And he promises them three things: land, And he promises them three things: land, seed, and blessing. That's in Genesis seed, and blessing. That's in Genesis seed, and blessing. That's in Genesis chapter 12. And that's known as the chapter 12. And that's known as the chapter 12. And that's known as the Abrahamic covenant. And that's the Abrahamic covenant. And that's the Abrahamic covenant. And that's the beginning of the nation of Israel and beginning of the nation of Israel and beginning of the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. Now, what the Jewish people. Now, what the Jewish people. Now, what distinguished the Jewish people was distinguished the Jewish people was distinguished the Jewish people was circumcision. They had a physical mark circumcision. They had a physical mark circumcision. They had a physical mark that reminded them that they were to that reminded them that they were to that reminded them that they were to live differently, set apart a holy life.

live differently, set apart a holy life. live differently, set apart a holy life. They were to be a kingdom of priests who They were to be a kingdom of priests who They were to be a kingdom of priests who God intended to use to reach all the God intended to use to reach all the God intended to use to reach all the nations of the earth. And so we see this nations of the earth. And so we see this nations of the earth. And so we see this unfolding throughout the story of the unfolding throughout the story of the unfolding throughout the story of the Old Testament, how God works through Old Testament, how God works through Old Testament, how God works through Israel to try to reach all people and Israel to try to reach all people and Israel to try to reach all people and that they be a blessing to all the that they be a blessing to all the that they be a blessing to all the nations. Now, Israel is doesn't do a nations. Now, Israel is doesn't do a nations. Now, Israel is doesn't do a great job at doing that. And we see the great job at doing that. And we see the great job at doing that. And we see the ups and downs, their highs and their ups and downs, their highs and their ups and downs, their highs and their lows. But ultimately, there's one that lows. But ultimately, there's one that lows. But ultimately, there's one that does come from Abraham. His name is does come from Abraham. His name is does come from Abraham. His name is Jesus. And he is perfect. And he lives Jesus. And he is perfect. And he lives Jesus. And he is perfect. And he lives the life you and I couldn't live. Dies the life you and I couldn't live. Dies the life you and I couldn't live. Dies the death we deserve. And three days the death we deserve. And three days the death we deserve. And three days later, he rose again, validating all he later, he rose again, validating all he later, he rose again, validating all he claimed, said, and did. And the church claimed, said, and did. And the church claimed, said, and did. And the church then begins in the book of Acts. And then begins in the book of Acts. And then begins in the book of Acts. And what's remarkable in the book of Acts is what's remarkable in the book of Acts is what's remarkable in the book of Acts is for the very first time after Christ has for the very first time after Christ has for the very first time after Christ has ascended to the right hand of the ascended to the right hand of the ascended to the right hand of the father, father, father, the spirit of God now lives within the the spirit of God now lives within the the spirit of God now lives within the people of God unlike any time before in people of God unlike any time before in people of God unlike any time before in the history of the Bible. The very the history of the Bible. The very the history of the Bible. The very spirit of God lives now within the spirit of God lives now within the spirit of God lives now within the hearts of the people of God. All of hearts of the people of God. All of hearts of the people of God. All of those who place their faith in Jesus those who place their faith in Jesus those who place their faith in Jesus Christ as their one and only savior. And Christ as their one and only savior. And Christ as their one and only savior. And what happens is is there's no longer a what happens is is there's no longer a what happens is is there's no longer a dividing line between Jew and Gentile or dividing line between Jew and Gentile or dividing line between Jew and Gentile or any non-gentile.

any non-gentile. any non-gentile. But it is the church coming together But it is the church coming together But it is the church coming together collectively. Jew, Gentile, male, collectively. Jew, Gentile, male, collectively. Jew, Gentile, male, female, female, female, multiple languages, multiple multiple languages, multiple multiple languages, multiple ethnicities, multiple nations. ethnicities, multiple nations. ethnicities, multiple nations. And what you see is this coming together And what you see is this coming together And what you see is this coming together in in the book of Acts. and the Jewish in in the book of Acts. and the Jewish in in the book of Acts. and the Jewish people, the um the Israelites people, the um the Israelites people, the um the Israelites recognizing recognizing recognizing what God has been doing, reading God's what God has been doing, reading God's what God has been doing, reading God's word and coming to these aha moments word and coming to these aha moments word and coming to these aha moments like, "Oh, this is what God's been doing like, "Oh, this is what God's been doing like, "Oh, this is what God's been doing all along." all along." all along." Now, as I was thinking about this Now, as I was thinking about this Now, as I was thinking about this chapter and how to prepare this just to chapter and how to prepare this just to chapter and how to prepare this just to set this context, I thought, you know, set this context, I thought, you know, set this context, I thought, you know, the World Cup's a really good example of the World Cup's a really good example of the World Cup's a really good example of this. this. this. As nations have come together, you see As nations have come together, you see As nations have come together, you see this blending of cultures. My family is this blending of cultures. My family is this blending of cultures. My family is uh on followed one guy on social media. uh on followed one guy on social media. uh on followed one guy on social media. His name's Freddy. Anybody familiar with His name's Freddy. Anybody familiar with His name's Freddy. Anybody familiar with Freddy from Germany? Yeah, Freddy. He's Freddy from Germany? Yeah, Freddy. He's Freddy from Germany? Yeah, Freddy. He's anonymous. Like you never see his anonymous. Like you never see his anonymous. Like you never see his picture, but I kind of love it. But he picture, but I kind of love it. But he picture, but I kind of love it. But he goes all over America. He's the first goes all over America. He's the first goes all over America. He's the first time in America and he's discovering all time in America and he's discovering all time in America and he's discovering all these things that you and I are kind of these things that you and I are kind of these things that you and I are kind of like, "Yeah, we that's part of American like, "Yeah, we that's part of American like, "Yeah, we that's part of American life." For instance, like he shows up at life." For instance, like he shows up at life." For instance, like he shows up at um Waffle House um Waffle House um Waffle House and he said, "Just had our first Waffle and he said, "Just had our first Waffle and he said, "Just had our first Waffle House experience at 1:00 a.m. Great House experience at 1:00 a.m. Great House experience at 1:00 a.m. Great food, great prices, friendly staff. 10 food, great prices, friendly staff. 10 food, great prices, friendly staff. 10 out of 10. We're definitely coming out of 10. We're definitely coming out of 10. We're definitely coming back." Now, look, I love myself some back." Now, look, I love myself some back." Now, look, I love myself some Waffle House every once in a while, but Waffle House every once in a while, but Waffle House every once in a while, but hey, we could do better, Freddy. All

hey, we could do better, Freddy. All hey, we could do better, Freddy. All right? You know, that's not the best right? You know, that's not the best right? You know, that's not the best America has. And I love your Waffle America has. And I love your Waffle America has. And I love your Waffle House. My favorite was this. Uh he goes House. My favorite was this. Uh he goes House. My favorite was this. Uh he goes to uh Bass Pro Shops and like any good to uh Bass Pro Shops and like any good to uh Bass Pro Shops and like any good Texan, I love this because he says, "We Texan, I love this because he says, "We Texan, I love this because he says, "We found another surreal place." found another surreal place." found another surreal place." I know some people will say I'm way too I know some people will say I'm way too I know some people will say I'm way too positive about everything I see, but positive about everything I see, but positive about everything I see, but this place was crazy. They even had a this place was crazy. They even had a this place was crazy. They even had a shooting range inside the store. Freddy, shooting range inside the store. Freddy, shooting range inside the store. Freddy, welcome to Texas, man. Like, not only welcome to Texas, man. Like, not only welcome to Texas, man. Like, not only have a shooting range in there, but half have a shooting range in there, but half have a shooting range in there, but half the people you see are practically the people you see are practically the people you see are practically carrying Freddy, but we won't go into carrying Freddy, but we won't go into carrying Freddy, but we won't go into that. that. that. But but what happens is there's this But but what happens is there's this But but what happens is there's this blending of cultures just like today blending of cultures just like today blending of cultures just like today there was in the book of Acts. And then there was in the book of Acts. And then there was in the book of Acts. And then also there's some pretty good rivalries also there's some pretty good rivalries also there's some pretty good rivalries and divisions. So if you look at Acts and divisions. So if you look at Acts and divisions. So if you look at Acts chapter 15, what we're going to do is chapter 15, what we're going to do is chapter 15, what we're going to do is we're going to look at the debate that we're going to look at the debate that we're going to look at the debate that threatened to split the church. We're threatened to split the church. We're threatened to split the church. We're going to look at the deliberation in 6 going to look at the deliberation in 6 going to look at the deliberation in 6 through 21. And then we're going to look through 21. And then we're going to look through 21. And then we're going to look at finally what the church decided to at finally what the church decided to at finally what the church decided to settle this debate.

settle this debate. settle this debate. You ready to jump in with me? 35 verses. You ready to jump in with me? 35 verses. You ready to jump in with me? 35 verses. That's a lot. Here we go. Verse That's a lot. Here we go. Verse That's a lot. Here we go. Verse one, but some men came down from Judea one, but some men came down from Judea one, but some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers unless and were teaching the brothers unless and were teaching the brothers unless you are circumcised. you are circumcised. you are circumcised. According to the custom of Moses, you According to the custom of Moses, you According to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. And after Paul and cannot be saved. And after Paul and cannot be saved. And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and Barnabas had no small dissension and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others who were appointed to some of the others who were appointed to some of the others who were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So being the elders about this question. So being the elders about this question. So being on their way by the church, they passed on their way by the church, they passed on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria through both Phoenicia and Samaria through both Phoenicia and Samaria describing in detail the conversion of describing in detail the conversion of describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles and brought great joy to the Gentiles and brought great joy to the Gentiles and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to all the brothers. When they came to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they are welcomed by the Jerusalem, they are welcomed by the Jerusalem, they are welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders. church and the apostles and the elders. church and the apostles and the elders. They declared all that God had done with They declared all that God had done with They declared all that God had done with them. But some believers who belong to them. But some believers who belong to them. But some believers who belong to the part of the Pharisees rose up and the part of the Pharisees rose up and the part of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise said, "It is necessary to circumcise said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law them and to order them to keep the law them and to order them to keep the law of Moses." Like I said, this passage is of Moses." Like I said, this passage is of Moses." Like I said, this passage is is very dense and it has a lot that we is very dense and it has a lot that we is very dense and it has a lot that we need to unpack. Let's just take it verse need to unpack. Let's just take it verse need to unpack. Let's just take it verse one verse at a time.

one verse at a time. one verse at a time. What you see here at the very beginning What you see here at the very beginning What you see here at the very beginning is some men come down from Judea and is some men come down from Judea and is some men come down from Judea and they're teaching the church unless you they're teaching the church unless you they're teaching the church unless you are circumcised you cannot be saved. are circumcised you cannot be saved. are circumcised you cannot be saved. Remember what I said circumcision is? Remember what I said circumcision is? Remember what I said circumcision is? It's the mark of the Abrahamic covenant. It's the mark of the Abrahamic covenant. It's the mark of the Abrahamic covenant. So what they are saying is if you are So what they are saying is if you are So what they are saying is if you are going to be a part of this church to going to be a part of this church to going to be a part of this church to follow Jesus to believe in Jesus you follow Jesus to believe in Jesus you follow Jesus to believe in Jesus you must first become Jewish. You must must first become Jewish. You must must first become Jewish. You must follow the law. follow the law. follow the law. And so now what is at stake is what is And so now what is at stake is what is And so now what is at stake is what is the gospel? the gospel? the gospel? They are arguing you have to be They are arguing you have to be They are arguing you have to be circumcised in order to be saved. circumcised in order to be saved. circumcised in order to be saved. You have to follow the law. Now, you You have to follow the law. Now, you You have to follow the law. Now, you think about this, kind of be humorous think about this, kind of be humorous think about this, kind of be humorous for a second, right? It's kind of like for a second, right? It's kind of like for a second, right? It's kind of like we live in Texas. If you haven't we live in Texas. If you haven't we live in Texas. If you haven't noticed, there are a lot of people from noticed, there are a lot of people from noticed, there are a lot of people from California who have moved to Texas. So, California who have moved to Texas. So, California who have moved to Texas. So, all of you who have on your bumper all of you who have on your bumper all of you who have on your bumper sticker, don't California my Texas, sticker, don't California my Texas, sticker, don't California my Texas, you're these people, right? You're like, you're these people, right? You're like, you're these people, right? You're like, hey, you're welcome to come here, but hey, you're welcome to come here, but hey, you're welcome to come here, but don't change my Texas, right? That's don't change my Texas, right? That's don't change my Texas, right? That's kind of what's going on. Sort of, right?

kind of what's going on. Sort of, right? kind of what's going on. Sort of, right? And by the way, we're so glad you're And by the way, we're so glad you're And by the way, we're so glad you're here. Right? here. Right? here. Right? But that's kind of what's going on is, But that's kind of what's going on is, But that's kind of what's going on is, hey, how are we going to incorporate all hey, how are we going to incorporate all hey, how are we going to incorporate all these Gentiles, non-Jewish people into these Gentiles, non-Jewish people into these Gentiles, non-Jewish people into the church when we've lived by the law? the church when we've lived by the law? the church when we've lived by the law? The law, which tells us what we eat, The law, which tells us what we eat, The law, which tells us what we eat, what we wear, who we marry. All these what we wear, who we marry. All these what we wear, who we marry. All these things are to were to help the nation of things are to were to help the nation of things are to were to help the nation of Israel to be set apart because all of Israel to be set apart because all of Israel to be set apart because all of life is an expression to God. So these life is an expression to God. So these life is an expression to God. So these people are saying, "Hey, you got to be people are saying, "Hey, you got to be people are saying, "Hey, you got to be circumcised if you're going to be a part circumcised if you're going to be a part circumcised if you're going to be a part of this church." Now Paul and Barnabas, of this church." Now Paul and Barnabas, of this church." Now Paul and Barnabas, notice what happens in verse two. After notice what happens in verse two. After notice what happens in verse two. After part Paul and Barnabas, leaders in the part Paul and Barnabas, leaders in the part Paul and Barnabas, leaders in the church, had no small dissension and church, had no small dissension and church, had no small dissension and debate with him. They're like, "Hey, no, debate with him. They're like, "Hey, no, debate with him. They're like, "Hey, no, we're going to fight over this. That's we're going to fight over this. That's we're going to fight over this. That's not true." not true." not true." And so what they decide to do is they And so what they decide to do is they And so what they decide to do is they decide to go to Jerusalem, the decide to go to Jerusalem, the decide to go to Jerusalem, the birthplace of the church, where the birthplace of the church, where the birthplace of the church, where the apostles are, to go, "Hey, help us apostles are, to go, "Hey, help us apostles are, to go, "Hey, help us settle the debate." Then you read in settle the debate." Then you read in settle the debate." Then you read in three and following that along the way three and following that along the way three and following that along the way they're going and they're speaking with they're going and they're speaking with they're going and they're speaking with other people within the church and other people within the church and other people within the church and they're telling them, look, the Gentiles they're telling them, look, the Gentiles they're telling them, look, the Gentiles are responding in faith. It's not just are responding in faith. It's not just are responding in faith. It's not just for the Jewish people. It's for all for the Jewish people. It's for all for the Jewish people. It's for all people, all ethnicities, all cultural people, all ethnicities, all cultural people, all ethnicities, all cultural backgrounds. The gospel is for all backgrounds. The gospel is for all backgrounds. The gospel is for all people.

people. people. And the brothers rejoice along the way. And the brothers rejoice along the way. And the brothers rejoice along the way. Then you get to verses four and five and Then you get to verses four and five and Then you get to verses four and five and look they go from Antioch where the look they go from Antioch where the look they go from Antioch where the debate starts. They get to Jerusalem and debate starts. They get to Jerusalem and debate starts. They get to Jerusalem and they run into the same controversy. But they run into the same controversy. But they run into the same controversy. But some believers who belong to the party some believers who belong to the party some believers who belong to the party of the Pharisees, those are religious of the Pharisees, those are religious of the Pharisees, those are religious leaders of the day. Those Pharisees rose leaders of the day. Those Pharisees rose leaders of the day. Those Pharisees rose up and said, "Hey, it's necessary to be up and said, "Hey, it's necessary to be up and said, "Hey, it's necessary to be circumcised and you got to follow the circumcised and you got to follow the circumcised and you got to follow the law." So now they're in it. And I can't law." So now they're in it. And I can't law." So now they're in it. And I can't state enough like what the tension would state enough like what the tension would state enough like what the tension would be in this room, be in this room, be in this room, right? right? right? And what we have to just pause and stop And what we have to just pause and stop And what we have to just pause and stop and reflect on is that the same and reflect on is that the same and reflect on is that the same challenge that faced the early church challenge that faced the early church challenge that faced the early church faces us today. faces us today. faces us today. Because time and time again, you are Because time and time again, you are Because time and time again, you are going to hear people wrongly say things going to hear people wrongly say things going to hear people wrongly say things like, "Unless you are baptized, you like, "Unless you are baptized, you like, "Unless you are baptized, you cannot be saved. Unless you join this cannot be saved. Unless you join this cannot be saved. Unless you join this church, you cannot be saved. Unless you church, you cannot be saved. Unless you church, you cannot be saved. Unless you vote this certain way, you cannot be vote this certain way, you cannot be vote this certain way, you cannot be saved. Unless you think the way I think, saved. Unless you think the way I think, saved. Unless you think the way I think, you cannot be saved." in terms of you cannot be saved." in terms of you cannot be saved." in terms of politics or culture.

And we must be super clear on what the And we must be super clear on what the gospel is. And we've got to be aware of gospel is. And we've got to be aware of gospel is. And we've got to be aware of any teaching that adds to the gospel. any teaching that adds to the gospel. any teaching that adds to the gospel. Ephesians 2:8:9 Ephesians 2:8:9 Ephesians 2:8:9 says it explicitly clearly. For by grace says it explicitly clearly. For by grace says it explicitly clearly. For by grace you've been saved through faith. It's you've been saved through faith. It's you've been saved through faith. It's not of yourselves. It's a gift of God. not of yourselves. It's a gift of God. not of yourselves. It's a gift of God. Not by works that no one can boast. The Not by works that no one can boast. The Not by works that no one can boast. The gospel friends according to scripture is gospel friends according to scripture is gospel friends according to scripture is that we are saved by grace alone through that we are saved by grace alone through that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone according to faith alone in Christ alone according to faith alone in Christ alone according to scriptures alone to the glory of God scriptures alone to the glory of God scriptures alone to the glory of God alone that is the cry of the of the alone that is the cry of the of the alone that is the cry of the of the reformation reformation reformation the five soulless save by grace alone in the five soulless save by grace alone in the five soulless save by grace alone in other words grace is God's unmmerited other words grace is God's unmmerited other words grace is God's unmmerited favor he doesn't look at your heart and favor he doesn't look at your heart and favor he doesn't look at your heart and go oh well you know the good outweighs go oh well you know the good outweighs go oh well you know the good outweighs the bad so I choose you look down the the bad so I choose you look down the the bad so I choose you look down the core four doors of time and go, "Oh, core four doors of time and go, "Oh, core four doors of time and go, "Oh, really going to be a good person. I really going to be a good person. I really going to be a good person. I choose you." No. choose you." No. choose you." No. Ephesians chapter 2 says that we were Ephesians chapter 2 says that we were Ephesians chapter 2 says that we were dead in our sins. What can a dead man dead in our sins. What can a dead man dead in our sins. What can a dead man do? Nothing. We were sons of do? Nothing. We were sons of do? Nothing. We were sons of disobedience, children of wrath, you and disobedience, children of wrath, you and disobedience, children of wrath, you and me. All of us.

me. All of us. me. All of us. But that's But that's But that's that's who we were. that's who we were. that's who we were. But God in his great love, by his grace, But God in his great love, by his grace, But God in his great love, by his grace, calls us to receive him in faith. calls us to receive him in faith. calls us to receive him in faith. We're saved by grace alone and by faith We're saved by grace alone and by faith We're saved by grace alone and by faith alone. Not in what we do or we don't do, alone. Not in what we do or we don't do, alone. Not in what we do or we don't do, but in who we trust. It's we recognize but in who we trust. It's we recognize but in who we trust. It's we recognize our need for a savior that we're broken our need for a savior that we're broken our need for a savior that we're broken people. We rebelled against God. We people. We rebelled against God. We people. We rebelled against God. We place our faith in God's grace. We don't place our faith in God's grace. We don't place our faith in God's grace. We don't trust in our own merit. trust in our own merit. trust in our own merit. We recognize Jesus as our savior. He's We recognize Jesus as our savior. He's We recognize Jesus as our savior. He's the one who's fully God and fully man. the one who's fully God and fully man. the one who's fully God and fully man. Fully God so as to be without sin. Fully Fully God so as to be without sin. Fully Fully God so as to be without sin. Fully man so as to serve as our substitute as man so as to serve as our substitute as man so as to serve as our substitute as the God man. He's the only bridge the God man. He's the only bridge the God man. He's the only bridge between a perfect righteous holy God and between a perfect righteous holy God and between a perfect righteous holy God and a sinful people. a sinful people. a sinful people. He is the one mediator and the plan of salvation is clear and the plan of salvation is clear through the scriptures alone. There is through the scriptures alone. There is through the scriptures alone. There is no greater authority for us.

no greater authority for us. no greater authority for us. No church power, No church power, No church power, no historical figure. It is God's word, no historical figure. It is God's word, no historical figure. It is God's word, his revealed word to us. And this is all his revealed word to us. And this is all his revealed word to us. And this is all for the glory of God alone. It is glory. It is to God's glory that It is glory. It is to God's glory that we are saved. This way of thinking is we are saved. This way of thinking is we are saved. This way of thinking is what Paul calls a stumbling block what Paul calls a stumbling block what Paul calls a stumbling block because it offends our pride. It is because it offends our pride. It is because it offends our pride. It is foolishness to those who don't know the foolishness to those who don't know the foolishness to those who don't know the Lord. Notice in 1 Corinthians 1, Paul Lord. Notice in 1 Corinthians 1, Paul Lord. Notice in 1 Corinthians 1, Paul says, "For Jews demand signs and Greeks says, "For Jews demand signs and Greeks says, "For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ and seek wisdom, but we preach Christ and seek wisdom, but we preach Christ and him crucified." The message of the him crucified." The message of the him crucified." The message of the gospel, the good news, what I just gospel, the good news, what I just gospel, the good news, what I just shared to you is a stumbling block to shared to you is a stumbling block to shared to you is a stumbling block to Jews who believe they can earn God's Jews who believe they can earn God's Jews who believe they can earn God's salvation. And it's folly, look, folly salvation. And it's folly, look, folly salvation. And it's folly, look, folly to Gentiles. Why? Because the cross of to Gentiles. Why? Because the cross of to Gentiles. Why? Because the cross of Christ sounds ridiculous. But to those who are called, both Jews But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.

the wisdom of God. the wisdom of God. For those who know Jesus Christ, you bet For those who know Jesus Christ, you bet For those who know Jesus Christ, you bet your life on it. The truth of this, your life on it. The truth of this, your life on it. The truth of this, we are a gospel saturated church, we are a gospel saturated church, we are a gospel saturated church, friends. We are not here because of friends. We are not here because of friends. We are not here because of anything we've done, because we're good anything we've done, because we're good anything we've done, because we're good enough, smart enough, or figured enough, smart enough, or figured enough, smart enough, or figured anything out on our own. We believe that anything out on our own. We believe that anything out on our own. We believe that God's grace is sufficient. God's grace is sufficient. God's grace is sufficient. We trust in his grace, Christ's finished We trust in his grace, Christ's finished We trust in his grace, Christ's finished work on the cross, his death, his work on the cross, his death, his work on the cross, his death, his burial, his resurrection. And it is the burial, his resurrection. And it is the burial, his resurrection. And it is the gospel that informs everything we do, gospel that informs everything we do, gospel that informs everything we do, everything we teach. It's behind every everything we teach. It's behind every everything we teach. It's behind every one of our ministries. It's what you one of our ministries. It's what you one of our ministries. It's what you hear preached up here every single week. hear preached up here every single week. hear preached up here every single week. We believe in the gospel. We believe in the gospel. We believe in the gospel. You can clap for that. You can clap for that. You can clap for that. But here's what I want you to hear. But here's what I want you to hear. But here's what I want you to hear. Here's what I want you. You may be Here's what I want you. You may be Here's what I want you. You may be sitting there going, "Hey, I kind of do sitting there going, "Hey, I kind of do sitting there going, "Hey, I kind of do think it's foolishness. I do think y'all think it's foolishness. I do think y'all think it's foolishness. I do think y'all are kind of weird, are kind of weird, are kind of weird, right? right? right? I want you to hear. I want you to stick I want you to hear. I want you to stick I want you to hear. I want you to stick with me as I explain this and walk with me as I explain this and walk with me as I explain this and walk through this. I don't want you to miss through this. I don't want you to miss through this. I don't want you to miss this message. There's a God in heaven this message. There's a God in heaven this message. There's a God in heaven who loves you.

who loves you. who loves you. He loves you. He knows you. He loves you. He knows you. He loves you. He knows you. And there's nothing you've done in your And there's nothing you've done in your And there's nothing you've done in your past, no matter what you've done, no past, no matter what you've done, no past, no matter what you've done, no matter how many times you've done it, matter how many times you've done it, matter how many times you've done it, that can separate you from the love of that can separate you from the love of that can separate you from the love of God. He's calling you to come to know God. He's calling you to come to know God. He's calling you to come to know him. But you've got to believe in him. him. But you've got to believe in him. him. But you've got to believe in him. You got to trust in him. You got to You got to trust in him. You got to You got to trust in him. You got to receive that that gift. receive that that gift. receive that that gift. There is a place for you There is a place for you There is a place for you in God's family. in God's family. in God's family. But it starts with admitting your need But it starts with admitting your need But it starts with admitting your need and acknowledging who he is. So that's what's at stake. That's what's So that's what's at stake. That's what's going on in in in Acts chapter 15. going on in in in Acts chapter 15. going on in in in Acts chapter 15. The it's a compromise. What is the The it's a compromise. What is the The it's a compromise. What is the gospel? Unless you do this grace plus gospel? Unless you do this grace plus gospel? Unless you do this grace plus and the now they're going to go talk to and the now they're going to go talk to and the now they're going to go talk to the church at Jerusalem. the church at Jerusalem. the church at Jerusalem. It's kind of like us from Dallas It's kind of like us from Dallas It's kind of like us from Dallas appealing to DC, the Supreme Court, so appealing to DC, the Supreme Court, so appealing to DC, the Supreme Court, so to speak, and go, "Hey, settle this to speak, and go, "Hey, settle this to speak, and go, "Hey, settle this matter. Let's be clear." So they go, matter. Let's be clear." So they go, matter. Let's be clear." So they go, beginning in verse six, the beginning in verse six, the beginning in verse six, the [clears throat] apostles and the elders [clears throat] apostles and the elders [clears throat] apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this were gathered together to consider this were gathered together to consider this matter. Verse 7.

matter. Verse 7. matter. Verse 7. And after there had been much debate, And after there had been much debate, And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, Peter stood up and said to them, Peter stood up and said to them, 'Brothers, you know that in the early 'Brothers, you know that in the early 'Brothers, you know that in the early days, God made a choice among you that days, God made a choice among you that days, God made a choice among you that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, word of the gospel and believe. And God, word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to who knows the heart, bore witness to who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just them by giving them the Holy Spirit just them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us. And he made no as he did to us. And he made no as he did to us. And he made no distinction between us and them, having distinction between us and them, having distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now cleansed their hearts by faith. Now cleansed their hearts by faith. Now therefore, why are you putting God to therefore, why are you putting God to therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck the test by placing a yoke on the neck the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our of the disciples that neither our of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? fathers nor we have been able to bear? fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved But we believe that we will be saved But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus just through the grace of our Lord Jesus just through the grace of our Lord Jesus just as they will. So now they're in as they will. So now they're in as they will. So now they're in Jerusalem and Peter, one of the apostles Jerusalem and Peter, one of the apostles Jerusalem and Peter, one of the apostles leaders in the church, he speaks up and leaders in the church, he speaks up and leaders in the church, he speaks up and what is he arguing? He says essentially, what is he arguing? He says essentially, what is he arguing? He says essentially, listen, and he's referring back in your listen, and he's referring back in your listen, and he's referring back in your Bibles just right now in Acts chapter Bibles just right now in Acts chapter Bibles just right now in Acts chapter 10. Acts chapter 10. He's referring back 10. Acts chapter 10. He's referring back 10. Acts chapter 10. He's referring back to a time where God gave him a great to a time where God gave him a great to a time where God gave him a great vision and a call to go to a man's house vision and a call to go to a man's house vision and a call to go to a man's house whose name is Cornelius. And Cornelius whose name is Cornelius. And Cornelius whose name is Cornelius. And Cornelius was a gentile. And Jews and Gentiles was a gentile. And Jews and Gentiles was a gentile. And Jews and Gentiles didn't have dealings with one another.

didn't have dealings with one another. didn't have dealings with one another. And Peter's like, "Hey, I don't know if And Peter's like, "Hey, I don't know if And Peter's like, "Hey, I don't know if I should go." And God's like, "No, I should go." And God's like, "No, I should go." And God's like, "No, you're going to go and you're going to you're going to go and you're going to you're going to go and you're going to go and you're going to preach the gospel go and you're going to preach the gospel go and you're going to preach the gospel to him." And so he goes and he preaches to him." And so he goes and he preaches to him." And so he goes and he preaches the gospel of Cornelius. And lo and the gospel of Cornelius. And lo and the gospel of Cornelius. And lo and behold, his whole house believes. behold, his whole house believes. behold, his whole house believes. And the same spirit of God that lived And the same spirit of God that lived And the same spirit of God that lived within the Jews heart in chapter 2 moves within the Jews heart in chapter 2 moves within the Jews heart in chapter 2 moves within Cornelius, the gentile man's within Cornelius, the gentile man's within Cornelius, the gentile man's heart. And it is this boom aha moment heart. And it is this boom aha moment heart. And it is this boom aha moment for Peter in Acts chapter 10:44-48. for Peter in Acts chapter 10:44-48. for Peter in Acts chapter 10:44-48. We'll have it on the screen for you. It We'll have it on the screen for you. It We'll have it on the screen for you. It says this, "While Peter was still saying says this, "While Peter was still saying says this, "While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on these things, the Holy Spirit fell on these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word, and the all who heard the word, and the all who heard the word, and the believers from among the circumcised," believers from among the circumcised," believers from among the circumcised," that's the Jewish people, remember, who that's the Jewish people, remember, who that's the Jewish people, remember, who had come with Peter, they're amazed had come with Peter, they're amazed had come with Peter, they're amazed because the gift of the spirit was because the gift of the spirit was because the gift of the spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles, the poured out even on the Gentiles, the poured out even on the Gentiles, the non-Jews, non-Jews, non-Jews, for they are hearing them speaking in for they are hearing them speaking in for they are hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. And then tongues and extolling God. And then tongues and extolling God. And then Peter, he declares, "Can anyone withhold Peter, he declares, "Can anyone withhold Peter, he declares, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people who water for baptizing these people who water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as have received the Holy Spirit just as have received the Holy Spirit just as we?" and he commanded them to be we?" and he commanded them to be we?" and he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked them to remain for some Then they asked them to remain for some Then they asked them to remain for some days. This is this is mindblowing for days. This is this is mindblowing for days. This is this is mindblowing for Peter and the Jewish leaders. And so he Peter and the Jewish leaders. And so he Peter and the Jewish leaders. And so he goes back in chapter 11 and tells them goes back in chapter 11 and tells them goes back in chapter 11 and tells them guys the gospel is for everybody. guys the gospel is for everybody. guys the gospel is for everybody. And the spirit of God lives with in all And the spirit of God lives with in all And the spirit of God lives with in all the people who trust in in him for the people who trust in in him for the people who trust in in him for salvation. salvation. salvation. And then you see in verse 10, look what And then you see in verse 10, look what And then you see in verse 10, look what look what Peter says in verse 10. He look what Peter says in verse 10. He look what Peter says in verse 10. He warns them. This is important. warns them. This is important. warns them. This is important. Hey, why are you putting God to the test Hey, why are you putting God to the test Hey, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the by placing a yoke on the neck of the by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither I neither our disciples that neither I neither our disciples that neither I neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? fathers nor we have been able to bear? fathers nor we have been able to bear? What he's saying is, hey, if you add to What he's saying is, hey, if you add to What he's saying is, hey, if you add to the the the gospel, you're testing, the the the gospel, you're testing, the the the gospel, you're testing, you're challenging God's word. You can't you're challenging God's word. You can't you're challenging God's word. You can't do that. And you're putting a yoke on do that. And you're putting a yoke on do that. And you're putting a yoke on these people. You're putting a burden on these people. You're putting a burden on these people. You're putting a burden on them that neither you can live up to or them that neither you can live up to or them that neither you can live up to or I could live up to. Why are you doing I could live up to. Why are you doing I could live up to. Why are you doing that to them? that to them? that to them? But understand, the law was never meant But understand, the law was never meant But understand, the law was never meant to save. We're always saved by grace to save. We're always saved by grace to save. We're always saved by grace through faith. The law was to set apart through faith. The law was to set apart through faith. The law was to set apart and to reveal to them the character of and to reveal to them the character of and to reveal to them the character of God and their need for him. That was the God and their need for him. That was the God and their need for him. That was the purpose of the law. And so Peter's purpose of the law. And so Peter's purpose of the law. And so Peter's going, "Hey, you cannot, you don't tell going, "Hey, you cannot, you don't tell going, "Hey, you cannot, you don't tell somebody to live according to the law.

somebody to live according to the law. somebody to live according to the law. They can't do it. And you couldn't do it They can't do it. And you couldn't do it They can't do it. And you couldn't do it and they can't do it." So what does he and they can't do it." So what does he and they can't do it." So what does he say in verse 11? We believe that we are say in verse 11? We believe that we are say in verse 11? We believe that we are saved through there's that word again, saved through there's that word again, saved through there's that word again, the grace of God. That's the gospel. If the grace of God. That's the gospel. If the grace of God. That's the gospel. If you know your Bible, well, I want to you know your Bible, well, I want to you know your Bible, well, I want to encourage you right down here. Write encourage you right down here. Write encourage you right down here. Write down Galatians chapter 2. Which puts so down Galatians chapter 2. Which puts so down Galatians chapter 2. Which puts so much more weight to what Peter's saying much more weight to what Peter's saying much more weight to what Peter's saying here. Because if you remember, and I here. Because if you remember, and I here. Because if you remember, and I won't go into it, but if you remember, won't go into it, but if you remember, won't go into it, but if you remember, Paul had to confront Peter Paul had to confront Peter Paul had to confront Peter about this very issue when he was about this very issue when he was about this very issue when he was confused. And now he's standing up with confused. And now he's standing up with confused. And now he's standing up with such clarity going, "Guys, let's be such clarity going, "Guys, let's be such clarity going, "Guys, let's be clear on the gospel." So Peter has clear on the gospel." So Peter has clear on the gospel." So Peter has spoken. Now Paul and Barnabas, look what spoken. Now Paul and Barnabas, look what spoken. Now Paul and Barnabas, look what happens in verse 12. And all the happens in verse 12. And all the happens in verse 12. And all the assembly fell silent and they listened assembly fell silent and they listened assembly fell silent and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related to Barnabas and Paul as they related to Barnabas and Paul as they related signs and wonders God had done through signs and wonders God had done through signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. Now Luke, the them among the Gentiles. Now Luke, the them among the Gentiles. Now Luke, the author of this book, all he says is Paul author of this book, all he says is Paul author of this book, all he says is Paul and Barnabas speak and he's referring to and Barnabas speak and he's referring to and Barnabas speak and he's referring to Acts chapters 13 and 14, which is the Acts chapters 13 and 14, which is the Acts chapters 13 and 14, which is the first missionary journey. And they're first missionary journey. And they're first missionary journey. And they're like, "Hey, we saw the same spirit of like, "Hey, we saw the same spirit of like, "Hey, we saw the same spirit of God live within the Gentiles. Don't make God live within the Gentiles. Don't make God live within the Gentiles. Don't make these people become circumcised. Don't these people become circumcised. Don't these people become circumcised. Don't put them under the law. That's not the put them under the law. That's not the put them under the law. That's not the gospel. It's not about what you do and gospel. It's not about what you do and gospel. It's not about what you do and don't do. It's in whom you trust. So now don't do. It's in whom you trust. So now don't do. It's in whom you trust. So now you've had Peter and now you have Paul you've had Peter and now you have Paul you've had Peter and now you have Paul and Barnabas. And then finally James and Barnabas. And then finally James and Barnabas. And then finally James stands up and James is one of the stands up and James is one of the stands up and James is one of the leaders of the church.

In verse [clears throat] In verse [clears throat] 13 it says, "And after they had finished 13 it says, "And after they had finished 13 it says, "And after they had finished speaking, James replied, brothers, speaking, James replied, brothers, speaking, James replied, brothers, listen to me. Simeon, another name for listen to me. Simeon, another name for listen to me. Simeon, another name for Peter, has related how God first visited Peter, has related how God first visited Peter, has related how God first visited the Gentiles to take them for from them the Gentiles to take them for from them the Gentiles to take them for from them a people for his name. a people for his name. a people for his name. And with this, the words of the prophets And with this, the words of the prophets And with this, the words of the prophets agree just as written. After this, I agree just as written. After this, I agree just as written. After this, I will return and I will reuild the will return and I will reuild the will return and I will reuild the rebuild the tent of David that has rebuild the tent of David that has rebuild the tent of David that has fallen. I will rebuild its ruins and I fallen. I will rebuild its ruins and I fallen. I will rebuild its ruins and I will restore it that the remnant of will restore it that the remnant of will restore it that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord and all the mankind may seek the Lord and all the mankind may seek the Lord and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says Gentiles who are called by my name, says Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known the Lord, who makes these things known the Lord, who makes these things known from of old. Therefore, my judgment is from of old. Therefore, my judgment is from of old. Therefore, my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the that we should not trouble those of the that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should Gentiles who turn to God, but should Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things write to them to abstain from the things write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols and from sexual polluted by idols and from sexual polluted by idols and from sexual immorality and from what has been immorality and from what has been immorality and from what has been strangled and from blood. For from strangled and from blood. For from strangled and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has in every ancient generations Moses has in every ancient generations Moses has in every city those who proclaim him. For he has city those who proclaim him. For he has city those who proclaim him. For he has read every Sabbath in the in the read every Sabbath in the in the read every Sabbath in the in the synagogues. Now that is a lot. We are in synagogues. Now that is a lot. We are in synagogues. Now that is a lot. We are in the deep end right now of scripture. You the deep end right now of scripture. You the deep end right now of scripture. You still with me?

still with me? still with me? All right. Let me try to explain to you All right. Let me try to explain to you All right. Let me try to explain to you what James is trying to say because it what James is trying to say because it what James is trying to say because it it requires some explanation. it requires some explanation. it requires some explanation. James, you got Peter who's talks about James, you got Peter who's talks about James, you got Peter who's talks about his experience, what he saw. You got his experience, what he saw. You got his experience, what he saw. You got Paul and Barnabas talking about what Paul and Barnabas talking about what Paul and Barnabas talking about what they experienced. You got James is they experienced. You got James is they experienced. You got James is going, "Hey, this is a fulfillment of going, "Hey, this is a fulfillment of going, "Hey, this is a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets." And he the Old Testament prophets." And he the Old Testament prophets." And he quotes from Isaiah and Amos. And so his quotes from Isaiah and Amos. And so his quotes from Isaiah and Amos. And so his argument within the church is, hey, argument within the church is, hey, argument within the church is, hey, listen, the Gentiles being brought into listen, the Gentiles being brought into listen, the Gentiles being brought into faith, being saved by grace through faith, being saved by grace through faith, being saved by grace through faith, that's what the go that is what faith, that's what the go that is what faith, that's what the go that is what the Bible has foretold from long ago. the Bible has foretold from long ago. the Bible has foretold from long ago. It's consistent with God's plan of It's consistent with God's plan of It's consistent with God's plan of salvation. He's always had a plan and a salvation. He's always had a plan and a salvation. He's always had a plan and a desire to reach all nations. And that's desire to reach all nations. And that's desire to reach all nations. And that's what he's doing right now. Don't add to what he's doing right now. Don't add to what he's doing right now. Don't add to the gospel. the gospel. the gospel. But the gospel is for all people. But the gospel is for all people. But the gospel is for all people. It's the Christ. It is the cross that It's the Christ. It is the cross that It's the Christ. It is the cross that unites both Jews and Gentiles into one unites both Jews and Gentiles into one unites both Jews and Gentiles into one body. body. body. Now you see in verses 19- 21 these what Now you see in verses 19- 21 these what Now you see in verses 19- 21 these what seem to be pretty strange instructions.

seem to be pretty strange instructions. seem to be pretty strange instructions. He tells them, "Abstain from food He tells them, "Abstain from food He tells them, "Abstain from food offered to idols. Abstain from sexual offered to idols. Abstain from sexual offered to idols. Abstain from sexual immorality. meat that come from immorality. meat that come from immorality. meat that come from strangled animals, blood. But we read strangled animals, blood. But we read strangled animals, blood. But we read that again now. It's a culture clash. that again now. It's a culture clash. that again now. It's a culture clash. And we're kind of like, what is this? And we're kind of like, what is this? And we're kind of like, what is this? Well, it's the it's the customs. It's Well, it's the it's the customs. It's Well, it's the it's the customs. It's the law about table fellowship. Who the law about table fellowship. Who the law about table fellowship. Who Jewish people could sit and have Jewish people could sit and have Jewish people could sit and have fellowship with. Remember, the law was fellowship with. Remember, the law was fellowship with. Remember, the law was distinguished them in every area of distinguished them in every area of distinguished them in every area of their life, from their clothes or the their life, from their clothes or the their life, from their clothes or the dress to the meal they ate to who they dress to the meal they ate to who they dress to the meal they ate to who they married. everything communicated married. everything communicated married. everything communicated the holiness of God and how they were to the holiness of God and how they were to the holiness of God and how they were to live set apart. live set apart. live set apart. And so what he's what he's doing here is And so what he's what he's doing here is And so what he's what he's doing here is he's telling the gentile believers, he's telling the gentile believers, he's telling the gentile believers, these people who have come to faith, these people who have come to faith, these people who have come to faith, hey, don't upset unnecessarily the hey, don't upset unnecessarily the hey, don't upset unnecessarily the conscience conscience conscience of the Jewish people. of the Jewish people. of the Jewish people. Don't distract them by violating their Don't distract them by violating their Don't distract them by violating their table customs.

table customs. table customs. He's not adding to the gospel. He's He's not adding to the gospel. He's He's not adding to the gospel. He's saying to them, you've come to faith. saying to them, you've come to faith. saying to them, you've come to faith. The spirit lives within you. You're part The spirit lives within you. You're part The spirit lives within you. You're part of the brotherhood. But there are Jews of the brotherhood. But there are Jews of the brotherhood. But there are Jews who hear the hear the law preached every who hear the hear the law preached every who hear the hear the law preached every month who don't know or every week who month who don't know or every week who month who don't know or every week who don't know the gospel. Don't don't know the gospel. Don't don't know the gospel. Don't unnecessarily offend them. Paul's going unnecessarily offend them. Paul's going unnecessarily offend them. Paul's going to make the same argument to us in 1 to make the same argument to us in 1 to make the same argument to us in 1 Corinthians 9. Corinthians 9. Corinthians 9. He says to the weak I became weak that I He says to the weak I became weak that I He says to the weak I became weak that I might win the weak. I become all things might win the weak. I become all things might win the weak. I become all things to all people that by all means I might to all people that by all means I might to all people that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of save some. I do it all for the sake of save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel that I may share with them in the gospel that I may share with them in the gospel that I may share with them in its blessings. In other words, hey, I'm its blessings. In other words, hey, I'm its blessings. In other words, hey, I'm not going to violate I'm not going to not going to violate I'm not going to not going to violate I'm not going to live in such a way that I would live in such a way that I would live in such a way that I would unnecessarily create a burden or a unnecessarily create a burden or a unnecessarily create a burden or a distraction or hindrance from other distraction or hindrance from other distraction or hindrance from other people coming people coming people coming to believe in Jesus Christ. That's a lot. That's a lot. You have the debate that broke out. You have the debate that broke out. You have the debate that broke out. You have an argument over the nature of You have an argument over the nature of You have an argument over the nature of the gospel. You have a clear decision the gospel. You have a clear decision the gospel. You have a clear decision that the that the gospel is by grace that the that the gospel is by grace that the that the gospel is by grace through faith in Christ alone to the through faith in Christ alone to the through faith in Christ alone to the glory of God alone.

glory of God alone. glory of God alone. That one doesn't have to first become a That one doesn't have to first become a That one doesn't have to first become a Jew in order to then be a part of the Jew in order to then be a part of the Jew in order to then be a part of the church. church. church. This model that you see in the This model that you see in the This model that you see in the deliberation offers us a pattern for how deliberation offers us a pattern for how deliberation offers us a pattern for how to think theologically. And I want us to to think theologically. And I want us to to think theologically. And I want us to pay real close attention to this. Number pay real close attention to this. Number pay real close attention to this. Number one, what we recognize that I think is one, what we recognize that I think is one, what we recognize that I think is applicable, so important for us today is applicable, so important for us today is applicable, so important for us today is do not do theology alone. Theology and do not do theology alone. Theology and do not do theology alone. Theology and creativity creativity creativity don't mix. don't mix. don't mix. If you're the only one who's ever seen If you're the only one who's ever seen If you're the only one who's ever seen this before, beware. this before, beware. this before, beware. Right? They do don't do theology alone. Right? They do don't do theology alone. Right? They do don't do theology alone. But what do they do? They gather with But what do they do? They gather with But what do they do? They gather with other trusted leaders and believers, other trusted leaders and believers, other trusted leaders and believers, teachers of God's word, those more teachers of God's word, those more teachers of God's word, those more mature, those in leadership, and they mature, those in leadership, and they mature, those in leadership, and they go, "Hey, challenge our thinking. Help go, "Hey, challenge our thinking. Help go, "Hey, challenge our thinking. Help us. Are we thinking clearly?" And this us. Are we thinking clearly?" And this us. Are we thinking clearly?" And this is so important that we start with is so important that we start with is so important that we start with humility. Ask good questions. invite humility. Ask good questions. invite humility. Ask good questions. invite others into the process and ask them, others into the process and ask them, others into the process and ask them, "Hey, help me as I wrestle with certain "Hey, help me as I wrestle with certain "Hey, help me as I wrestle with certain ideas."

ideas." ideas." Number two, you notice that they Number two, you notice that they Number two, you notice that they reasoned well. reasoned well. reasoned well. Now, this may sound a little Now, this may sound a little Now, this may sound a little philosophical, but please hang with me philosophical, but please hang with me philosophical, but please hang with me because it's so important. They reasoned because it's so important. They reasoned because it's so important. They reasoned well in looking to God and his word as well in looking to God and his word as well in looking to God and his word as the final authority and objective truth the final authority and objective truth the final authority and objective truth in their lives. in their lives. in their lives. They had an understanding about the They had an understanding about the They had an understanding about the nature of truth that's candidly very nature of truth that's candidly very nature of truth that's candidly very different than the way so many people different than the way so many people different than the way so many people understand the nature of truth today. understand the nature of truth today. understand the nature of truth today. They believe truth was objective. They They believe truth was objective. They They believe truth was objective. They believe truth was fixed in the character believe truth was fixed in the character believe truth was fixed in the character of God and revealed in the word of God. of God and revealed in the word of God. of God and revealed in the word of God. That all truth is God's truth. That's That all truth is God's truth. That's That all truth is God's truth. That's what they believed. what they believed. what they believed. Today on most university campuses, Today on most university campuses, Today on most university campuses, you'll be told that truth is subjective. you'll be told that truth is subjective. you'll be told that truth is subjective. Truth is in you Truth is in you Truth is in you and it is your job to discover your and it is your job to discover your and it is your job to discover your truth and do you and be you. truth and do you and be you. truth and do you and be you. But that's going to lead to disaster.

But that's going to lead to disaster. But that's going to lead to disaster. That way of thinking That way of thinking That way of thinking that doesn't bring freedom. that doesn't bring freedom. that doesn't bring freedom. It brings crushing results. It brings crushing results. It brings crushing results. Truth is not in you. Truth is in the Truth is not in you. Truth is in the Truth is not in you. Truth is in the character of God revealed by the word of character of God revealed by the word of character of God revealed by the word of God because all truth is God's truth. God because all truth is God's truth. God because all truth is God's truth. Truth's not subjective. It's not Truth's not subjective. It's not Truth's not subjective. It's not relative depending on well who you're relative depending on well who you're relative depending on well who you're speaking to or what time or the cultural speaking to or what time or the cultural speaking to or what time or the cultural norm of the day. norm of the day. norm of the day. The idea that truth is relative The idea that truth is relative The idea that truth is relative is inconsistent is inconsistent is inconsistent with biblical Christianity. with biblical Christianity. with biblical Christianity. Or what's popular today is that truth is Or what's popular today is that truth is Or what's popular today is that truth is a is just a social construct a is just a social construct a is just a social construct used to elevate certain groups and used to elevate certain groups and used to elevate certain groups and oppress others. That's not the case. oppress others. That's not the case. oppress others. That's not the case. Truth is found and rooted in the Truth is found and rooted in the Truth is found and rooted in the character of God revealed character of God revealed character of God revealed through the truth of through the word of through the truth of through the word of through the truth of through the word of God. God. God. Friends, reason, Friends, reason, Friends, reason, this is just important to note, reason this is just important to note, reason this is just important to note, reason is not anothetical to our faith. You're is not anothetical to our faith. You're is not anothetical to our faith. You're going to be told that time and again.

going to be told that time and again. going to be told that time and again. Reason and faith are somehow at odds Reason and faith are somehow at odds Reason and faith are somehow at odds with one another. No, they're not. No. with one another. No, they're not. No. with one another. No, they're not. No. The opposite of faith is not reason. The The opposite of faith is not reason. The The opposite of faith is not reason. The opposite of faith is unbelief. opposite of faith is unbelief. opposite of faith is unbelief. Okay. God's given us minds. Okay. God's given us minds. Okay. God's given us minds. He's revealed his truth to us. He's revealed his truth to us. He's revealed his truth to us. Christians should be the sharpest Christians should be the sharpest Christians should be the sharpest thinkers fighting for ideas. thinkers fighting for ideas. thinkers fighting for ideas. Number three, you recognize they learn Number three, you recognize they learn Number three, you recognize they learn from history and experience. from history and experience. from history and experience. They look back. They learn from their They look back. They learn from their They look back. They learn from their experience. They learn from their experience. They learn from their experience. They learn from their history. And as Christians, we have a history. And as Christians, we have a history. And as Christians, we have a rich history. Do not fall prey to rich history. Do not fall prey to rich history. Do not fall prey to recency bias. stand on the shoulders of recency bias. stand on the shoulders of recency bias. stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. If you those who have gone before us. If you those who have gone before us. If you want to understand about the nature of want to understand about the nature of want to understand about the nature of man, read Augustine's confessions. man, read Augustine's confessions. man, read Augustine's confessions. If you want to understand about the If you want to understand about the If you want to understand about the spiritual life and what it looks like, spiritual life and what it looks like, spiritual life and what it looks like, read Bunan's Pilgrim's Progress. read Bunan's Pilgrim's Progress. read Bunan's Pilgrim's Progress. If you want to know what the true If you want to know what the true If you want to know what the true revival looks like, true conversion, revival looks like, true conversion, revival looks like, true conversion, read Jonathan Edwards religious read Jonathan Edwards religious read Jonathan Edwards religious affections.

affections. affections. This church has spoken so clearly This church has spoken so clearly This church has spoken so clearly throughout the centuries on evidence of throughout the centuries on evidence of throughout the centuries on evidence of the resurrection. the resurrection. the resurrection. The problem of evil, all the debates The problem of evil, all the debates The problem of evil, all the debates that that we have today, learn from the that that we have today, learn from the that that we have today, learn from the past. past. past. And finally, filter all claims to the And finally, filter all claims to the And finally, filter all claims to the truth of God's word. Ephesians 4:14 truth of God's word. Ephesians 4:14 truth of God's word. Ephesians 4:14 says, "We are to no longer be children says, "We are to no longer be children says, "We are to no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves and tossed to and fro by the waves and tossed to and fro by the waves and carried by every wind of doctrine, by carried by every wind of doctrine, by carried by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness and human cunning, by craftiness and human cunning, by craftiness and deceitful schemes." Colossians 2:8 sees deceitful schemes." Colossians 2:8 sees deceitful schemes." Colossians 2:8 sees says, "See to it, see to it that no one says, "See to it, see to it that no one says, "See to it, see to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and takes you captive by philosophy and takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit according to human empty deceit according to human empty deceit according to human tradition, according to the elemental tradition, according to the elemental tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according spirits of the world, and not according spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Christ who says, "I am the to Christ." Christ who says, "I am the to Christ." Christ who says, "I am the way and the truth. and a life. Christ is way and the truth. and a life. Christ is way and the truth. and a life. Christ is the truth. We are bombarded today. We are bombarded We are bombarded today. We are bombarded by messages. by messages. by messages. Bombarded by messages that are Bombarded by messages that are Bombarded by messages that are inconsistent with the gospel and the inconsistent with the gospel and the inconsistent with the gospel and the truth of God's word. We must use God's truth of God's word. We must use God's truth of God's word. We must use God's word to be a filter so we understand word to be a filter so we understand word to be a filter so we understand what to believe, what to hold on to. It what to believe, what to hold on to. It what to believe, what to hold on to. It shapes our worldview and our thinking.

shapes our worldview and our thinking. shapes our worldview and our thinking. Because to not understand God's word and Because to not understand God's word and Because to not understand God's word and to or to disobey God's word, to rebel to or to disobey God's word, to rebel to or to disobey God's word, to rebel against him, it only leads to death. It against him, it only leads to death. It against him, it only leads to death. It only leads to pain, it only leads to only leads to pain, it only leads to only leads to pain, it only leads to suffering. But God's way is the best suffering. But God's way is the best suffering. But God's way is the best way. He longs for you to know him. He's way. He longs for you to know him. He's way. He longs for you to know him. He's revealed himself through his son. He's revealed himself through his son. He's revealed himself through his son. He's wants to show you how to walk with him wants to show you how to walk with him wants to show you how to walk with him through his word if you'll believe him through his word if you'll believe him through his word if you'll believe him and trust him. and trust him. and trust him. And so they give us a pattern for how to And so they give us a pattern for how to And so they give us a pattern for how to think theology, think theologically, and and how to and how to wrestle with ideas. So I want to apply wrestle with ideas. So I want to apply wrestle with ideas. So I want to apply that. I want I want to just apply in a that. I want I want to just apply in a that. I want I want to just apply in a really quick simple way. I want to play really quick simple way. I want to play really quick simple way. I want to play apply this to the the message that we apply this to the the message that we apply this to the the message that we are taught or told over and over again are taught or told over and over again are taught or told over and over again out there even in many churches where out there even in many churches where out there even in many churches where you see it on their marquees. And that you see it on their marquees. And that you see it on their marquees. And that message is love is love. I want you just message is love is love. I want you just message is love is love. I want you just to hang with me and I want you to think to hang with me and I want you to think to hang with me and I want you to think about this. Number one, don't do about this. Number one, don't do about this. Number one, don't do theology alone. That was the first theology alone. That was the first theology alone. That was the first point. point. point. If you are here today, and I want you to If you are here today, and I want you to If you are here today, and I want you to hear me when I say this. If you're here hear me when I say this. If you're here hear me when I say this. If you're here today and you believe, hey, love is today and you believe, hey, love is today and you believe, hey, love is love. This is something you've promoted love. This is something you've promoted love. This is something you've promoted or taught or don't even know why you've or taught or don't even know why you've or taught or don't even know why you've taught it. I just one I'm so glad you're taught it. I just one I'm so glad you're taught it. I just one I'm so glad you're here.

here. here. Man, I'm so glad you're here. Man, I'm so glad you're here. Man, I'm so glad you're here. And can I just tell you this idea that And can I just tell you this idea that And can I just tell you this idea that we live in a world of a cancel culture we live in a world of a cancel culture we live in a world of a cancel culture where we cancel people out because we where we cancel people out because we where we cancel people out because we don't agree with them, that's crazy. don't agree with them, that's crazy. don't agree with them, that's crazy. That is the most unintellectual That is the most unintellectual That is the most unintellectual approach you can have. approach you can have. approach you can have. Every Monday night, we offer a ministry Every Monday night, we offer a ministry Every Monday night, we offer a ministry called Great Questions. We welcome called Great Questions. We welcome called Great Questions. We welcome anybody who wants to engage with us at anybody who wants to engage with us at anybody who wants to engage with us at any time on any subject about what the any time on any subject about what the any time on any subject about what the Bible has to say. We welcome Bible has to say. We welcome Bible has to say. We welcome conversations with people who disagree conversations with people who disagree conversations with people who disagree with us. with us. with us. And if you believe love is love and you And if you believe love is love and you And if you believe love is love and you hold to that way of thinking, I'm so hold to that way of thinking, I'm so hold to that way of thinking, I'm so glad you're here. But recognize we don't glad you're here. But recognize we don't glad you're here. But recognize we don't think that's a a right statement. We want to reason well with you because We want to reason well with you because that idea presumes truth is subjective. that idea presumes truth is subjective. that idea presumes truth is subjective. Love is rooted in the character of God, Love is rooted in the character of God, Love is rooted in the character of God, best revealed through the person of God.

best revealed through the person of God. best revealed through the person of God. There's never been a greater expression There's never been a greater expression There's never been a greater expression of love than through Jesus Christ. God of love than through Jesus Christ. God of love than through Jesus Christ. God defines love because it's rooted in who defines love because it's rooted in who defines love because it's rooted in who he is. he is. he is. Love is not for us to redefine. Marriage Love is not for us to redefine. Marriage Love is not for us to redefine. Marriage is not for us to redefine. Gender is not is not for us to redefine. Gender is not is not for us to redefine. Gender is not something for us to redefine. It is God something for us to redefine. It is God something for us to redefine. It is God who has given us the gift of marriage. who has given us the gift of marriage. who has given us the gift of marriage. He designed it with a purpose He designed it with a purpose He designed it with a purpose because he loves us. And if we just hold because he loves us. And if we just hold because he loves us. And if we just hold love as love, to what limit? And who love as love, to what limit? And who love as love, to what limit? And who sets them? Can I love two people, three sets them? Can I love two people, three sets them? Can I love two people, three people, four people, five people? people, four people, five people? people, four people, five people? Well, you may blake, that's starting to Well, you may blake, that's starting to Well, you may blake, that's starting to get ridiculous. get ridiculous. get ridiculous. Sets who? If love is subjective or truth Sets who? If love is subjective or truth Sets who? If love is subjective or truth is subjective and you are the determiner is subjective and you are the determiner is subjective and you are the determiner of truth, well, you do your truth and of truth, well, you do your truth and of truth, well, you do your truth and I'm going to do mine. I'm going to do mine. I'm going to do mine. What if I want to love people who are What if I want to love people who are What if I want to love people who are younger? What if I want to love people younger? What if I want to love people younger? What if I want to love people who are older and many of them? You're who are older and many of them? You're who are older and many of them? You're like, "Oh, well, hold on." on. Well, you like, "Oh, well, hold on." on. Well, you like, "Oh, well, hold on." on. Well, you can't hold on because now it's just me can't hold on because now it's just me can't hold on because now it's just me doing me doing me doing me and it leads to chaos and it leads to and it leads to chaos and it leads to and it leads to chaos and it leads to pain and confusion and hurt.

pain and confusion and hurt. pain and confusion and hurt. It sounds good. It just leads to It sounds good. It just leads to It sounds good. It just leads to suffering and pain. suffering and pain. suffering and pain. The church has historically taught that The church has historically taught that The church has historically taught that marriage is between a man and a woman marriage is between a man and a woman marriage is between a man and a woman for centuries. for centuries. for centuries. But the reason why now you see this idea But the reason why now you see this idea But the reason why now you see this idea spread even throughout churches and spread even throughout churches and spread even throughout churches and rainbow flags across marquees is because rainbow flags across marquees is because rainbow flags across marquees is because we've taken God's word and we've we've taken God's word and we've we've taken God's word and we've jettisoned it and we've misunderstood jettisoned it and we've misunderstood jettisoned it and we've misunderstood the nature of truth and we say the truth the nature of truth and we say the truth the nature of truth and we say the truth is in you. So now when we read well what is in you. So now when we read well what is in you. So now when we read well what does the Bible mean to you? What does does the Bible mean to you? What does does the Bible mean to you? What does the Bible mean to you? Bad question. the Bible mean to you? Bad question. the Bible mean to you? Bad question. It's not what does the Bible mean to me. It's not what does the Bible mean to me. It's not what does the Bible mean to me. The question is what does the Bible The question is what does the Bible The question is what does the Bible mean? What did Luke intend? mean? What did Luke intend? mean? What did Luke intend? What are we to understand? What are we to understand? What are we to understand? And then we can say, well, how does that And then we can say, well, how does that And then we can say, well, how does that apply to me? But the meaning resides in apply to me? But the meaning resides in apply to me? But the meaning resides in the text. And so we want to filter all claims to And so we want to filter all claims to the truth of God's word. Genesis 2 the truth of God's word. Genesis 2 the truth of God's word. Genesis 2 teaches us that God gave us the gift of teaches us that God gave us the gift of teaches us that God gave us the gift of marriage. Matthew 19 states explicitly marriage. Matthew 19 states explicitly marriage. Matthew 19 states explicitly through Christ is between one woman and through Christ is between one woman and through Christ is between one woman and one man intended for a lifetime.

one man intended for a lifetime. one man intended for a lifetime. Ephesians 5 tells us that it is to be a Ephesians 5 tells us that it is to be a Ephesians 5 tells us that it is to be a a glory, an illustration a glory, an illustration a glory, an illustration of the church. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love rejoices with the truth. The most loving thing we could do is The most loving thing we could do is tell people the truth. We are a Bible tell people the truth. We are a Bible tell people the truth. We are a Bible revering church, friends. We believe the revering church, friends. We believe the revering church, friends. We believe the Bible is true or authoritative, Bible is true or authoritative, Bible is true or authoritative, necessary, clear, and sufficient. This necessary, clear, and sufficient. This necessary, clear, and sufficient. This is what we teach our residents and is what we teach our residents and is what we teach our residents and fellows every year. It's true. fellows every year. It's true. fellows every year. It's true. It's authoritative. It's necessary. It's It's authoritative. It's necessary. It's It's authoritative. It's necessary. It's clear and sufficient. We believe it's clear and sufficient. We believe it's clear and sufficient. We believe it's true in all that it teaches to every true in all that it teaches to every true in all that it teaches to every area of life. It's authoritative. We area of life. It's authoritative. We area of life. It's authoritative. We seek to submit to its teaching seek to submit to its teaching seek to submit to its teaching whether it feels good or not. Regardless whether it feels good or not. Regardless whether it feels good or not. Regardless of our experience or not, it's necessary of our experience or not, it's necessary of our experience or not, it's necessary to understand the character of God and to understand the character of God and to understand the character of God and his will. his will. his will. It's clear for all those who come to it It's clear for all those who come to it It's clear for all those who come to it in faith with a heart to receive and is in faith with a heart to receive and is in faith with a heart to receive and is sufficient to teach us the way of sufficient to teach us the way of sufficient to teach us the way of salvation and how to walk with God. We salvation and how to walk with God. We salvation and how to walk with God. We do not hold to a secular or sacred do not hold to a secular or sacred do not hold to a secular or sacred divide, but we believe all of our life divide, but we believe all of our life divide, but we believe all of our life is an expression of our worship. And the is an expression of our worship. And the is an expression of our worship. And the Bible speaks to every area of our life.

Bible speaks to every area of our life. Bible speaks to every area of our life. That's why when we go to work or we're That's why when we go to work or we're That's why when we go to work or we're with you in communities, it's not like, with you in communities, it's not like, with you in communities, it's not like, well, you just keep that private. No, well, you just keep that private. No, well, you just keep that private. No, there's nothing private about my there's nothing private about my there's nothing private about my relationship with Christ. It's going to relationship with Christ. It's going to relationship with Christ. It's going to inform everything I do. inform everything I do. inform everything I do. Not just my Sundays. I want to just summarize what happens I want to just summarize what happens then in 22 through35 for the sake of then in 22 through35 for the sake of then in 22 through35 for the sake of time. They've deliberated and now they time. They've deliberated and now they time. They've deliberated and now they go to share this decision back in the go to share this decision back in the go to share this decision back in the church of Antioch. And what the church of Jerusalem does in And what the church of Jerusalem does in their kindness, they send their kindness, they send their kindness, they send representatives with Paul and Barnabas, representatives with Paul and Barnabas, representatives with Paul and Barnabas, Judas and Silas, a Greek and a Jew, and Judas and Silas, a Greek and a Jew, and Judas and Silas, a Greek and a Jew, and they write a letter. they write a letter. they write a letter. And it's like, hey, we're going to send And it's like, hey, we're going to send And it's like, hey, we're going to send you people to explain what it is we you people to explain what it is we you people to explain what it is we believe. We're going to give you a believe. We're going to give you a believe. We're going to give you a letter so you can read it. letter so you can read it. letter so you can read it. And what you even see in verses 28 And what you even see in verses 28 And what you even see in verses 28 through 29, they have this sense that through 29, they have this sense that through 29, they have this sense that the spirit of God has been with them.

the spirit of God has been with them. the spirit of God has been with them. and has such a such a um prioritization and has such a such a um prioritization and has such a such a um prioritization that this truth get back to the church that this truth get back to the church that this truth get back to the church at Antioch at Antioch at Antioch so that the church could be unified, so that the church could be unified, so that the church could be unified, protected from false teaching. And upon hearing this good news in And upon hearing this good news in verses 30 through35, you see that the verses 30 through35, you see that the verses 30 through35, you see that the the people in Antioch, they're the people in Antioch, they're the people in Antioch, they're strengthened and they're encouraged. strengthened and they're encouraged. strengthened and they're encouraged. And I think it's so important for us to And I think it's so important for us to And I think it's so important for us to recognize the nature of the church recognize the nature of the church recognize the nature of the church because it's so anothetical the way so because it's so anothetical the way so because it's so anothetical the way so many people live and believe today. many people live and believe today. many people live and believe today. It's not just me and Jesus. That's not It's not just me and Jesus. That's not It's not just me and Jesus. That's not the Christian life. God calls us to live the Christian life. God calls us to live the Christian life. God calls us to live in community with other believers in in community with other believers in in community with other believers in Christ. He invites us to be a part of Christ. He invites us to be a part of Christ. He invites us to be a part of his family. his family. his family. In my home, I've got a table with six In my home, I've got a table with six In my home, I've got a table with six chairs where I sit in and my four kids chairs where I sit in and my four kids chairs where I sit in and my four kids and my wife. When one of my kids in and my wife. When one of my kids in and my wife. When one of my kids in there, I miss them. I want them all there, I miss them. I want them all there, I miss them. I want them all there every night for dinner.

there every night for dinner. there every night for dinner. And God wants you to have a table where And God wants you to have a table where And God wants you to have a table where you gather with family in a local church you gather with family in a local church you gather with family in a local church where you're known, encouraged, where you're known, encouraged, where you're known, encouraged, strengthened, taught God's word, strengthened, taught God's word, strengthened, taught God's word, understand his will, understand his will, understand his will, loved, supported, helped. loved, supported, helped. loved, supported, helped. But you can't do that if you're like, But you can't do that if you're like, But you can't do that if you're like, well, I go to Watermark sometimes and well, I go to Watermark sometimes and well, I go to Watermark sometimes and then I go to this other church and I then I go to this other church and I then I go to this other church and I listen to this podcast. No, I don't listen to this podcast. No, I don't listen to this podcast. No, I don't really want anybody to know me. I just really want anybody to know me. I just really want anybody to know me. I just kind of slip in and slip out. The kind of slip in and slip out. The kind of slip in and slip out. The problem with this many people in a room problem with this many people in a room problem with this many people in a room is you can just hide. And we want to is you can just hide. And we want to is you can just hide. And we want to tell you, don't hide. tell you, don't hide. tell you, don't hide. Join a local church where you're known, Join a local church where you're known, Join a local church where you're known, where you're cared for, where there's a where you're cared for, where there's a where you're cared for, where there's a group of elders to lead you. I wasn't going to tell them I was to do I wasn't going to tell them I was to do this, but I this is a picture of the this, but I this is a picture of the this, but I this is a picture of the nine men I get to serve alongside, and nine men I get to serve alongside, and nine men I get to serve alongside, and it is a joy and a privilege for me. I it is a joy and a privilege for me. I it is a joy and a privilege for me. I gather with these men every week. We're gather with these men every week. We're gather with these men every week. We're in conversation every day praying for in conversation every day praying for in conversation every day praying for this church, this church, this church, talking about ideas, wrestling with talking about ideas, wrestling with talking about ideas, wrestling with ideas, deliberating with God's word as ideas, deliberating with God's word as ideas, deliberating with God's word as our authority and our source on our our authority and our source on our our authority and our source on our knees, asking him to lead us.

We're not perfect by any means, but our We're not perfect by any means, but our but our God's word is true and our Lord but our God's word is true and our Lord but our God's word is true and our Lord is perfect and we seek to follow him. is perfect and we seek to follow him. is perfect and we seek to follow him. And our prayer is that every church is a And our prayer is that every church is a And our prayer is that every church is a prevailing church. We want to be a prevailing church. We want to be a prevailing church. We want to be a unifying church in that elder room and unifying church in that elder room and unifying church in that elder room and for every member here and we spiritly for every member here and we spiritly for every member here and we spiritly debate but in love and in and in quest debate but in love and in and in quest debate but in love and in and in quest to discover what God has to say for us. to discover what God has to say for us. to discover what God has to say for us. And there's been times we debated and And there's been times we debated and And there's been times we debated and reasoned well. And I've said to them reasoned well. And I've said to them reasoned well. And I've said to them after much debate, I said, "I wish there after much debate, I said, "I wish there after much debate, I said, "I wish there was a camera in the corner of this room was a camera in the corner of this room was a camera in the corner of this room that our church could see just what that our church could see just what that our church could see just what happened right there. I think they'd be happened right there. I think they'd be happened right there. I think they'd be so proud to follow you men. I'm proud to so proud to follow you men. I'm proud to so proud to follow you men. I'm proud to be in this room and to learn from you, be in this room and to learn from you, be in this room and to learn from you, men. men. men. God invites us to be a part of a church God invites us to be a part of a church God invites us to be a part of a church family, to not live alone in isolation. family, to not live alone in isolation. family, to not live alone in isolation. He's inviting you He's inviting you He's inviting you be a part of the church where you're be a part of the church where you're be a part of the church where you're strengthened and encouraged just like strengthened and encouraged just like strengthened and encouraged just like they were in that day. Where you're they were in that day. Where you're they were in that day. Where you're heard, the gospel proclaimed. We want to heard, the gospel proclaimed. We want to heard, the gospel proclaimed. We want to be a gospel saturated, Bible revering, be a gospel saturated, Bible revering, be a gospel saturated, Bible revering, unifying church.

unifying church. unifying church. We invite you to be a part of it. We invite you to be a part of it. We invite you to be a part of it. If you don't know Jesus, If you don't know Jesus, If you don't know Jesus, would you please consider what I so would you please consider what I so would you please consider what I so earnestly tried to convey to you? earnestly tried to convey to you? earnestly tried to convey to you? Regardless of all the Regardless of all the Regardless of all the social media feeds and social media feeds and social media feeds and crazy political things that are said of crazy political things that are said of crazy political things that are said of what you think Christians may or may not what you think Christians may or may not what you think Christians may or may not believe, the gospel is this. There's a believe, the gospel is this. There's a believe, the gospel is this. There's a God in heaven who loves you. Loves you. God in heaven who loves you. Loves you. God in heaven who loves you. Loves you. knows you. knows you. knows you. He desires to live in relationship with He desires to live in relationship with He desires to live in relationship with you. you. you. But you don't come to him with your But you don't come to him with your But you don't come to him with your resume of what you have done or what you resume of what you have done or what you resume of what you have done or what you haven't done. You receive his gift of haven't done. You receive his gift of haven't done. You receive his gift of grace. grace. grace. You receive the gift. That's it. You You receive the gift. That's it. You You receive the gift. That's it. You receive it. receive it. receive it. You acknowledge that you can't live life You acknowledge that you can't live life You acknowledge that you can't live life on your own. That your way is broken. on your own. That your way is broken. on your own. That your way is broken. And you receive that that gift of grace. And you receive that that gift of grace. And you receive that that gift of grace. And you ex you receive that forgiveness And you ex you receive that forgiveness And you ex you receive that forgiveness that comes through Christ shed blood that comes through Christ shed blood that comes through Christ shed blood because he paid the penalty for you.

because he paid the penalty for you. because he paid the penalty for you. There's healing and there's life that you can have joy, the abundant that you can have joy, the abundant life. What you're looking for, life. What you're looking for, life. What you're looking for, everything you're looking outside of everything you're looking outside of everything you're looking outside of that is not fulfilling. Christ came that you might have life and Christ came that you might have life and have it abundantly. Trust him. have it abundantly. Trust him. have it abundantly. Trust him. I'm not talking about trust him just for I'm not talking about trust him just for I'm not talking about trust him just for your eternity. your eternity. your eternity. Trust him for today. Trust him for today. Trust him for today. He'll show you where life is truly He'll show you where life is truly He'll show you where life is truly found. Where joy is found, where meaning found. Where joy is found, where meaning found. Where joy is found, where meaning and purpose is found. Be a part of his and purpose is found. Be a part of his and purpose is found. Be a part of his body. Be richly encouraged. body. Be richly encouraged. body. Be richly encouraged. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Father in heaven, I thank you. I thank Father in heaven, I thank you. I thank Father in heaven, I thank you. I thank you for your word. I thank you Lord for you for your word. I thank you Lord for you for your word. I thank you Lord for the gathered church together. I thank the gathered church together. I thank the gathered church together. I thank you for the singing. I thank you Lord you for the singing. I thank you Lord you for the singing. I thank you Lord for the prayers that have been offered for the prayers that have been offered for the prayers that have been offered today. today. today. Lord I know anyone here in the that is Lord I know anyone here in the that is Lord I know anyone here in the that is in the sound of my voice. Lord is in the sound of my voice. Lord is in the sound of my voice. Lord is providentially here because of your providentially here because of your providentially here because of your leading. Would you help us to consider leading. Would you help us to consider leading. Would you help us to consider the truth of your word and to respond the truth of your word and to respond the truth of your word and to respond accordingly? Lord, give us open hearts accordingly? Lord, give us open hearts accordingly? Lord, give us open hearts to receive, eyes to see, ears to hear, to receive, eyes to see, ears to hear, to receive, eyes to see, ears to hear, and a will to follow. And it's in your and a will to follow. And it's in your and a will to follow. And it's in your son's name we pray. Amen.