God’s Word Says….

Acts 15:7-11 (GNT)
7 After a long debate Peter stood up and said, “My friends, you know that a long time ago God chose me from among you to preach the Good News to the Gentiles, so that they could hear and believe. 8 And God, who knows the thoughts of everyone, showed his approval of the Gentiles by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he had to us. 9 He made no difference between us and them; he forgave their sins because they believed. 10 So then, why do you now want to put God to the test by laying a load on the backs of the believers which neither our ancestors nor we ourselves were able to carry? 11 No! We believe and are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

My Thoughts…..

If we ever expect to see the world, and in particular our world of influence, saved from their sin and to the lordship of Jesus Christ, then Christians MUST know the answer to this question! It’s not the preacher, or pastor or other spiritual leader that will save them, it’s their close, intimate friends that they trust, who will plant the seed of faith in them and cause them to turn their eyes and inquiring minds towards Jesus. It is God’s Holy Spirit working through each of us that will impact our unsaved loved ones! However, I believe that this passage comes as a warning to each of us today, for we must be extremely careful not to try and impose upon these ones we are witnessing to, any non-biblical values that we may hold as ‘good moral practices’, and then present that as a requirement for salvation. Paul, Barnabas and Peter ran into this, as described in these highlighted verses. They had been out in the field teaching, preaching and witnessing based on the biblical facts taught to them at the time of their decision to accept Jesus as Lord. Back at ‘head office’ where the patriarchs were located, they were carefully screening all that these disciples were teaching and subsequently correcting them, as necessary. One of the corrections concerned circumcision, a practice that began way back with their forefathers. Now under discussion between the group and the disciples/missionaries, Peter clarifies in verse 9 that the Gentiles were taught the Word of God, then, in turn they believed, were saved and ultimately filled with the Holy Spirit as evidence of their new birth. No other conditions were necessary.

Challenge……

In the case of the Jews questioning the disciples, they had an add-on of circumcision as a requirement for salvation. What are our add-ons today friend? Is it the type clothes the convert must wear, is it the church they must attend or the number of church services, or is it the new ‘godly’ language they must learn to speak? Let’s not forget friends, while many of these things are attributes of a Christian that we may know, these are added blessings that God will shower on us and that we may gain from being around God’s people, in His Word and just learning about His character. Let’s take heed to what Peter said in vs 10, and not place any conditions on a person we are witnessing to. Let’s teach the unadulterated Word of God, and watch these new converts change from the inside out. The important thing is that they place their faith and total surrender to the One that can change them – deep inside.

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I can only imagine that You must shake Your head at times when You see what mockery we have made of religion, and especially of the simplicity of the gospel. You willingly gave Your life so that ALL may accept You and one day spend eternity in heaven. I believe that You did this without condition so that ALL may qualify for this free gift. Please speak wisdom into our hearts and allow us to simply share this truth without placing our ‘unapproved conditions’ on folk that want to know You. We live in a world that is dying and going to Hell, and although I believe that You never thought that everyone will accept this gift, I do believe that You expect each of Your children to be busy about Your Father’s work in sharing the Good News with all that we come into contact with. Please tender the hearts of Your children today, so that we may learn to ‘share’, and not to be like spoiled children of the world who are generally selfish with the gifts the world may have showered them with. Thank You for hearing my prayer. I am anticipating a great move of Your Spirit today, beginning with me! For it is in Your most holy and precious name that I pray, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.