Acts 15 - Praying God's Word

 

Please read Acts 15.

Meditate on verses 28-29.

 

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater

burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols

and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep

 yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.

 

It is important to not add requirements for salvation, nor add unnecessary social or religious behaviors for holiness.  It is also important to know well what is needed for salvation and Christian living.

 

Paul and Barnabas spoke to leadership in Jerusalem asking whether circumcision was necessary for salvation.  While it is a visible reminder of the Old Covenant for a Jewish man, it is not a requirement for salvation in the New Covenant of Jesus.  This New Covenant requires a spiritual circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29).  This circumcision takes place when you become a Christian and is accomplished by the Holy Spirit.  One does not have to become Jewish to become Christian (vs. 8-9). 

 

We are saved through the grace of the LORD Jesus.

—Acts 15:11

 

Thankfully, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and other church leaders listened to the Holy Spirit to answer their difficult questions.  The same Spirit lives inside of you.  Listen carefully to Him; He answers your questions, too.

 

Pray Acts 15:28 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

 

“Holy Spirit, what seems good to You?  Let ________ and me do Your

 will, not laying upon ourselves, or others, any greater burden

 than what is essential for following You, today.

In Your name, Jesus~”  

 

 

The WATCHMAN on the WALL, 4 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell