The Gospel is for all people – The Gospel is for all people – Acts 15:1-35Acts 15:1-35

1.1. Growth results in a problemGrowth results in a problem

a. caused by large number of Gentile a. caused by large number of Gentile ChristiansChristians

b. “Do these Gentiles have to become b. “Do these Gentiles have to become Jews?” - v.1,2,5Jews?” - v.1,2,5

c. A good solution results in worldwide c. A good solution results in worldwide growth of the Churchgrowth of the Church

2. What is essential for salvation?2. What is essential for salvation?

Many take part in the conference –v.3-6Many take part in the conference –v.3-6We have detailed the input of:-We have detailed the input of:-a.a. Peter – v.7-11Peter – v.7-11b.b. Barnabas & Paul – v.12Barnabas & Paul – v.12c.c. James – v.13-21. The O.T. looked James – v.13-21. The O.T. looked

forward to the Gentiles being temple forward to the Gentiles being temple worshippers. Jesus is the new temple & worshippers. Jesus is the new temple & Jews & Gentiles are one – Eph.2:11-22; Jews & Gentiles are one – Eph.2:11-22; 1Pet.2:4-101Pet.2:4-10

Peter’s input (Paul & James agree)Peter’s input (Paul & James agree)

1. It is the same Gospel for all – v.101. It is the same Gospel for all – v.10

2. It is a Gospel of grace –v.11 We receive:-2. It is a Gospel of grace –v.11 We receive:-

a. Cleansing from sin – v.9a. Cleansing from sin – v.9

b. The gift of the Spirit, new life – v.8b. The gift of the Spirit, new life – v.8

3. We receive salvation by faith – v.7,93. We receive salvation by faith – v.7,9

““It is by faith alone, through grace alone, in It is by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone”Christ alone”

Paul’s teaching – Gal.3:6-14Paul’s teaching – Gal.3:6-14

1.1. Abraham was saved by faith – v.6,7Abraham was saved by faith – v.6,72.2. Abraham heard the Gospel & believed. He Abraham heard the Gospel & believed. He

heard that it was for all nations – v.8,9heard that it was for all nations – v.8,93.3. The law condemns us – v.10-12The law condemns us – v.10-124.4. Christ took our judgment/curse – v.13Christ took our judgment/curse – v.135.5. When we trust in Christ we receive:-When we trust in Christ we receive:- a. Forgivenessa. Forgiveness b. The Spiritb. The SpiritPaul is strong that circumcision is not necessary –Paul is strong that circumcision is not necessary –

Gal.1:6-9; 5:1-6,11,12; 6:12-16Gal.1:6-9; 5:1-6,11,12; 6:12-16

3. What is vital for unity?3. What is vital for unity?

There was unity in the decision – v.22,25,28There was unity in the decision – v.22,25,28

a.a. Inflexible on the essentials, flexible on the non-Inflexible on the essentials, flexible on the non-essentials – cf. Acts16:3; 21:17-26; essentials – cf. Acts16:3; 21:17-26; 1Cor.9:19,201Cor.9:19,20

b.b. A humble, loving spiritA humble, loving spirit

- circumcision party- circumcision party

- Peter – cf. Gal.2:11-13- Peter – cf. Gal.2:11-13

- James- James

- Paul & Barnabas- Paul & Barnabas

4. Our response4. Our response

a.a. Taking hold of God’s salvation – in Christ Taking hold of God’s salvation – in Christ alone, through grace alone, by faith alonealone, through grace alone, by faith alone

b.b. United in life & work – we need to be:-United in life & work – we need to be:-

1. Humble1. Humble

2. Sensitive2. Sensitive

3. Devoted to the Gospel & spreading it3. Devoted to the Gospel & spreading it

- local mission- local mission

- world mission- world mission