Journeying Together

READ Acts 15 v1-11

What we hear today was good news for the early church, good news for the thousands who were coming to Jesus… and good news for us today.
It begins with the early church coming under pressure to live a legalistic style of faith, relying on religious observance and ritual. But the disciples recognised they needed to live by grace (God’s unconditional love) alone.
The key is found in v11, “Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved“
Walking the tightrope of the obeying the letter of the law to the n^th degree, in order to gain God’s favour is a load no one could ever or can ever bear! Legalism (that’s what it is) won’t get us to God, but be warned, it will destroy us trying!
And it is in Acts 15 that the young church officially came to that realisation, writing letters to all the churches (v24-29), explaining * We’re goin down the road of grace, not the Jewish legalistic road” with some strong advice about avoiding things  that were linked with pagan worship of false gods at the time.
Tony shared that it is only by living a grace filled life we can be ourselves and not the religious version of ourselves.
He shared his story of how he discovered the life changing truth that he is unconditionally loved by God and that knowing this has made it possible to like himself, and to be real and authentic.
Tony is recommending a grace MoT this Lent, taking a daily moment to meditate on a different grace passage each week (while letting a piece of chocolate melt in his mouth). That combined with committing to the Navigators 555 reading scheme will really make this season of Lent significant.

FOR DISCUSSION

1. What stood out for you in this scripture and message? 2. What difference does God’s grace (unconditional love) make to you in your faith, in your life, in being authentic?
2. CONSIDER: Sharing communion together in your groups as a way of remembering God’s unconditional love for yo

RESOURCES: The “Enjoying God’s Grace” book by Terry Virgo is excellent