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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
A contentious issue has arisen in Antioch as a consequence of unsent unwanted visitors arriving and introducing foreign material into the fellowship. Paul and Barnabas and a few fellow disciples are dispatched to Jerusalem to deal with this matter.
In Acts 15:3, we read that along the way, on the road to Jerusalem, every opportunity is taken. Even problems can be used for the advantage of the Gospel.
Verse 5. There were Pharisees who had been converted to Jesus Christ, but they still wanted to hold on to their old legalistic ways. They had no real freedom and liberty. They wanted to add to what Jesus had done on the cross. They needed to be released and set free. Sometimes, we all need that.
When we come to believe in Jesus, we have to be completely transformed. Some things have to go, simply because they are no longer all that important.
You are not saved by what you do for God, but by what God has done for us in Jesus. We need reminding of this truth. We gather to praise and worship, and obey and serve God, because of what we know Jesus has done for us, by forgiving us and taking away our sins. It is trusting - and not trying. God gives us a loving Saviour, not a new set of rules and regulations and laws.
These leaders were wise, and they came together to consider the matter, before real danger was done. Many arguments are put forward. The subject is fully discussed, but they are getting nowhere. The situation required a leader who had loving authority, and experience, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Peter arises and come right in at the right moment with the right argument.
God always wants to have experienced anointed authoritative loving leaders who can intervene at the right moment with the right word. Might this be what He is preparing you to do? It is an important task and much needed in the Church of Jesus Christ today.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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