Acts 15: a brief overview

Acts 15 discusses the council at Jerusalem with Paul, Barnabas, Peter and James along with other apostles. There were those who were teaching the brothers “unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses you cannot be saved (v1.)” Upon hearing this Paul and Barnabas were appointed to go to Jerusalem to explore this question with the elders and apostles. Once they came to Jerusalem they were welcomed by the elders, apostles, and the church (v4.) Before the debate begins in verse five it is interesting to note the unity within the church. In verse five and six we read that that the question was put forth and the elders and apostles met to consider this question. In the church today do we allow for this type of healthy debate and dialogue?

It appears from the context as a whole, and specifically verses 6, 12, and 22, that the unity of the church was never a question. There was an issue raised, the church discussed it, and there was resolution; in this case by a letter sent to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The question being debated in this passage climaxes in verse 11 which states: No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved just they [Gentiles] are. This comes after Peter has said that God knows the heart, and He has purified them by giving the Holy Spirit and cleansing their hearts. After Peter finishes speaking Paul and Barnabas tell of the miraculous signs and wonders God has done among the Gentiles through them and the whole assembly listened very intently (v 12.) James now stands up and addresses the assembly referencing the Old Testament. The specific context of the Old Testament quote is James using the Amos passage as support for what Peter said in verses 6-11. This is seen in verse 15 which reads: “The words of the prophets are in agreement with this” [this referring back to what Peter has said; see also verse 14.] After he quotes the Amos passage James suggests a solution to this issue of required circumcision by the Gentiles. He proposes that “we [the assembly] should write to them;” which is exactly what is done in verses 23 and following.

Just pictures...

A Slice of Infinity

RZIM:A Slice of Infinity daily snippet:"The writer of Hebrews described the kingdom as an ongoing gift we must receive: “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us therefore give thanks” (Hebrew 14:28)." For the entire Slice of Infinity click here

Today we ought to give thanks to our Lord and savior as we reflect upon his death and resurrection. Giving thanks because His kingdom can't be shaken, causing me to bow in thanksgiving to Him. What a great hope we have in this truth! May God grant us the strength to continue, hope to persevere, and the faith to be a shining light in this world.

Awareness Test

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Sow today, reap tomorrow

Sow a thought, Reap an action
Sow an action, Reap a habit
Sow a habit, Reap a character
Sow a character, Reap a destiny

Word of the day

rodomontade \rod-uh-muhn-TADE; roh-duh-; -TAHD\, noun:
Vain boasting; empty bluster; pretentious, bragging speech; rant.

James reminds us in chapter 3:4-6:
"Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

Poll Results

And the winner for the best pickup line is....

"Is it hot in here or is it just you?" 10 (58%)

2nd- Do you have a map? I just keep on getting lost in your eyes. 4 (23%)

3rd- The sun just lost his job because you brighten up my day! 2 (11%)

4th- Am I dead, Angel? Cause this must be heaven! 1 (5%)

Funny commerials

Thanks to Troy for forwarding these to me yesterday. They are hilarious!

Song of the week:

33 miles is the featured artist this week. The lyrics to "Stand Amazed" are below and you can click on the player to the right to listen to it.

They have several other awesome songs including "Thank You" which was the most added song in the CCM world two weeks ago and had the most increased plays last week. Overall "Thank You" is #11 on the CCM chart.


Stand Amazed Lyrics
I don’t really know how long forever is
But that’s how long I’m gonna give my life
Everything I face, it tries to tear me down
No I won’t back away from the sacrifice
I won’t forget what you’re love means to me
You’re always there to light my way

When all the lights go down and the world is quiet
No one is around
I wanna be the same man that will serve you then
Like I serve you now
That my convictions never change
O let my need for you remain
As real as the moment I was saved
I will always stand amazed

Sometimes my heart desires such selfish things
When the moment comes help me to trust
Something better that you have for me
If I could just hold on to you enough
I won’t forget what you’re love means to me
You’re always there to light my way

You will be my strength when I am weak
When I wanna give in and not turn the other cheek
Let this be the prayer that I speak
That I speak

Cool Video

If you have never seen this before its worth your time!

You gotta love hard workers...

These hard working men are installing and setting solid steel pillars in concrete to stop vehicles from parking on the pavement outside a sports bar in downtown Manchester. They are cleaning up at the end of the day. Do you see a problem here?

valley vessels

“All the water in the world can’t sink a ship--unless it gets inside of it.”

Think about it.

We are the ship. Everything surrounding us is the water. The good, bad, and ugly. The fear, anger, bitterness. The hurt, disappointment, frustration. The joy, happiness, amazement. The illation, fascination, beauty.

Are we afraid of the things around us? The psalmist writes: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.” When we walk through the valley we are surrounded with dangers, but we fear no evil because those dangers aren't in us. God is with us. He guides us in paths of righteousness. He leads us. This should make us praise the Lord almighty with all of our being. Are you in awe of Him today?

Praise the Lord. For He is good. Praise the Lord.