The early church had to decide what really mattered in this new faith. Was it tradition, heritage, or some work? No they said, we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.
Join us in sharing that good news this weekend:
Saturday worship – 5:00 p.m. in chapel
Sunday – Traditional Worship – 8:30 a.m
Sunday School and Fellowship – 9:30 a.m.
Contemporary Worship – 10:30 a.m.
Agape Preschool Programs at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Young adult music time at 6:00 p.m.
Youth Group at 7:00 p.m.
Faith Gives Identity
April 28, 2013
Acts 15:1-18
Key Verse: “[Peter said] ‘On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.’” Acts 15:11
Time of Events: 30-50 C.E.
Written: 80-85 C.E.
Since Last Week: Jesus’ followers continued to travel and proclaim the good news of the risen Christ. Persecutors continued to arrest, torture, and kill Christians throughout the lands.
Background: An argument arose among the early Christians when some of the Jewish believers wanted the Gentile (non-Jewish) believers to become circumcised and follow the laws of Moses, the primary guiding laws of the Jews. Paul and Barnabas were elected to travel to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles. Ultimately, it was decided that believers would be saved, not by following the laws of Moses, but by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
Community: In what ways does your community of faith practice grace? In what ways does your community of faith practice law?
At Home: Do you live as though you were saved by grace or by your good works? What difference does it make? How does your faith inform your behaviors?
Read This Week:
Monday: The Conversion of Lydia, Acts 16:11-15
Tuesday: Paul and Silas in Prison, Acts 16:16-40
Wednesday: Paul Sails for Rome, Acts 27:1-12
Thursday: The Storm at Sea, Acts 27:13-38
Friday: The Shipwreck, Acts 27:39-28:16
Saturday: Paul Preaches in Rome, Acts 28:23-31
Next Week: People are Justified by Grace Through Faith, Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21
