Message Notes-Big Drift
We believe the church is a _________ _____________.
The church is a big deal because:
Christ gave _________ _____________ for the church.
God makes _________ _____________ in the world through the church.
A big controversy was brewing in the early church:
Who should be _________ _____________ of the church?
Jesus is full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. 5 Then 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.” 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them:“Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips [Peter is saying, “I’ve talked to the Gentiles too, just like Paul”] the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He [God] made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of disciples [these brand new Gentile converts] a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 “No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” Acts 15:1-11 (NIV)
_________ can purify a _________ before _________ purify your _________.
”It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Acts 15:9
Bottom line. We should not make it _________ for people who are _________ _________ _________.
Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. Acts 15:20 (NIV)
The people read it and they were glad for its encouraging message. Acts 15:31 (NIV)
How do we live this out?
Be _________.
_________ on the side of _________.
Meet people with the grace of Jesus first and then let the truth of Jesus change them.
Next Steps:
Our Growth Track is relaunching in March! If you would like to take a next step in your faith in Christ or in your commitment to the local church, make sure you check out the details and sign up today. Classes are offered online and in person.