NOTES:

How do we fight for relentless UNITY?

1. GUARD THE GOSPEL; NOT YOUR GRIP.

So Paul and Barnabas were appointed to go to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. When they arrived, they reported everything God had done through them. But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” Acts 15:2-5

2. LISTEN BEFORE YOU LEAD.

The apostles and elders met to consider the question. After much discussion, Peter said, “God, who knows the heart, accepted the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith. We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved.” The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul share all that God had done among the Gentiles. Acts 15:6-12

3. STAND ON SCRIPTURE, STAY IN GRACE.

When they finished, James spoke up: “Brothers, listen to me. Simon has told us how God chose the Gentiles for His name. The words of the prophets agree with this: ‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent… that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord—even all the Gentiles who bear my name.’ Therefore, it is my judgment that we should not make it difficult for those who are turning to God.” Acts 15:13-19

4. DELIVER JOY, NOT DIVISION

The men went down to Antioch, gathered the church, and delivered the letter. The believers rejoiced at its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who were prophets, encouraged and strengthened them, and after some time were sent off with the blessing of peace. Acts 15:30-33

BOTTOM LINE: A UNITED church is an UNSTOPPABLE church.