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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 15, we read of how The Church of Jesus Christ dealt with that serious problem which could have caused such deep division.
The Church faced up to the problem. We too must do this at times. The Church was open to listen to the leaders - to those in positions of responsibility - and also open and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Listening to men - sensitive to the Holy Spirit - and arriving at a unanimous decision.
Notice how the whole church welcomes the leadership of the leaders, and did not question their judgment. The solution to the problem was a blend of liberty and love and responsibility, and everyone rejoiced when the decision was announced. No-one disagreed or complained or grumbled, because the Church was submissive to the Spirit of Jesus. We can learn from this incident in various areas of life.
The Jerusalem fellowship had sent two men, Judas and Silas, to read out the letter, and also to convey the warmth and concern and love behind the letter.
These two men were not simply messengers. They were more than postmen. They were able to exercise the ministry of prophecy, so in the services and in the gatherings for praise and prayer, they would prophesy. They would speak words from God, that exhorted and encouraged the believers, and confirmed and reassured them.
Judas and Silas ministered in such a way that the whole Church would grow in the faith, becoming stronger, and being more rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. They spoke many words - not just a quick short snappy message.
It was not just a snack. It was a meal on which the people would feed and be satisfied, as they spoke in the power of the Spirit of God.
After a while - after their mission and ministry in Antioch was completely fulfilled, those had come from Jerusalem returned.
But Silas wanted to remain in Antioch. Was it the exciting life of that young missionary church which attracted him? Well, it was that - but more than that - as we shall see. GOD was in it all.
When you preach and teach or testify give a word that will feed and satisfy in a way that will encourage and bless.
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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