Author: Larry Soape

RE Verse passage:  Acts 15:1-29 (day four)   The final word is what most of us want to have.  We want to be able to make the decision that ultimately stands.  The early church leaders had their own version of a ‘chat’ going on…they did not have technology, but they did have conversation trying to make a decision on the subject of what should be required of the Gentile believers.  Verse 7 says, “After there had been much debate”…Paul and Barnabas weighed in, the Pharisees weighed in, Peter testified, and everyone at the council worked to process all of the information for a decision.  It was James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, who gave us the model to follow.  In verse 15, he takes the statements of all who had testified and took them back to scripture.  Only scripture can illuminate the truth in all of our best discussions.  God’s Word is truth…it should be our standard and plumb line.

Guest Blogger: Larry Soape – Associate Pastor, Education, Adults & Missions

RE Verse reading-Acts 13:1-5, 13-14, 42-52 (day four)
Paul and Barnabas had large crowds listening and responding to their gospel message in the synagogue.  There were two responses…the Jews were jealous and rejected all that Paul had to say.  They blasphemed and stirred the crowd up against the missionaries.  The gentiles on the other hand, when they heard that Paul would now take the gospel to them, rejoiced.  This was not the first time we have seen this dual response.  In Matthew 9, Jesus was eating with tax collectors and sinners.  The Jews reacted to His message.  Jesus said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.” The gentiles recognized their need for salvation…the Jews thought they had no need.  Familiarity with the gospel does not equate to a personal relationship with Christ.  A hunger and thirst for His truth is the first step toward salvation.

Guest Blogger: Larry Soape – Associate Pastor, Education, Adults & Missions

RE Verse reading – Acts 11:1-26 (day four)
There is a transition taking place!  The gospel has been resident with the Jews, but the Gentiles are slowly becoming the recipients of the repentance that leads to salvation.  First, it was the Ethiopian eunuch.  Then, there was Cornelius and his relatives and close friends.  Peter’s testimony of the baptism of the Holy Spirit has glorified God.  Now witnesses have gone to Antioch, a Greek city, and a large number have turned to the Lord.  Now God calls a man to lead the discipling process with the gentiles…a very unlikely choice.  Saul was zealous beyond measure, a model Pharisee, a Jew among Jews.  Saul’s obedience to God’s call causes a shift of the center of the New Testament church from Jerusalem to Antioch.  What has God called you to do?  Do you believe you are the last one to be able to accomplish this task?  Obey God’s call and see what He does!

Guest Blogger: Larry Soape – Associate Pastor, Education, Adults & Missions