It's interesting, the conclusion of the council in Jerusalem. The
question has risen, can you be saved without circumcision? After much
discussion, Peter's testimony, Paul and Barnabas' testimony, and finally the
affirmation of the scriptures, they are agreed that circumcision is not
necessary. So what message do they send to the church in Antioch where the
controversy began? "You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from
blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will
do well to avoid these things." (Acts 15:29)
Notice they didn't say, "You will be saved if you avoid these
things" but, "you will do well..." These were not requirements
for salvation, so what were they? The answer is found in verse 21, "For
Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in
the synagogues on every Sabbath." In other words, these were restrictions
placed on Gentile believers so as to not offend the Jews living in their
communities. This could be a real hindrance to Jewish evangelism if they are
doing these things.
Our culture is changing. I recently read a story of a High School
football team practicing in the middle of the night because most of their team
were Muslim and they didn't want to make them break Muslim law during Ramadan.
Christians are complaining because the coach is forcing the whole team to live
according to Sharia law. I wonder, are these the same Christians that insisted
that there be no games on Wednesday night because that's prayer meeting night?
And our Bible doesn't even require us to meet on Wednesday night. Hmmm... I
understand their anger and frustration, but it also makes me wonder what Peter,
Paul, and James would say.
Father, I don't want to roll over and let Secular Humanism, or the
Muslim faith, or any other false belief system destroy this country as I have
known it. But Father, even more, I don't ever want to be an offense or a
hindrance to your gospel. Give me wisdom and discernment in these matters. Send
your Holy Spirit before me to prepare hearts for the gospel, and make me
sensitive to what your Spirit is up to. All, for your glory.
Comments
Post a Comment