WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.360 Acts chapter 15 is where we are today. It's the centre of the book. We're kind of halfway. 00:00:08.019 --> 00:00:16.240 ! But in many ways Acts 15 is the centre of our faith. Acts 15 addresses what is the core of Christianity. 00:00:17.600 --> 00:00:26.019 It talks about an issue that if you take it out of Christianity, the whole movement kind of comes crumbling down. 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:43.359 It's 15 years have passed since Acts chapter 2. 15 years ago the Holy Spirit came upon the church and we have seen in the book of Acts the gospel go out from Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria to the ends of the earth. 00:00:44.260 --> 00:00:53.579 The last two chapters saw Paul and Barnabas spreading the gospel all over Asia Minor but the churches are still very young and very fragile. 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:59.600 Any major disruption could cause the movement to spiral. 00:01:01.379 --> 00:01:06.659 And this chapter involves key places, key people and a critical time. 00:01:07.459 --> 00:01:11.879 In terms of places you've got Jerusalem. It's like the religious epicentre of the world. 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:15.359 It's where all the core leaders are located. 00:01:15.359 --> 00:01:22.459 What happened in Jerusalem on a religious level had implications all over the world. 00:01:23.140 --> 00:01:25.140 All across the Middle East. All across Asia. 00:01:26.480 --> 00:01:27.519 It's a bit like Westminster. 00:01:28.620 --> 00:01:35.180 And so decisions that are made in Westminster, well the rest of the country we feel the force of them. 00:01:37.420 --> 00:01:39.700 On the other side there's Antioch, another city. 00:01:39.700 --> 00:01:45.140 And Antioch is the kind of cultural, social, economic force of the time. 00:01:45.939 --> 00:01:48.439 It's a cosmopolitan crossroads. 00:01:49.320 --> 00:01:54.219 And it was a key place for the gospel movement of those who weren't Jewish. 00:01:56.300 --> 00:01:58.520 It's a bit like kind of Hollywood really. 00:01:59.420 --> 00:02:00.579 The kind of cultural centre. 00:02:00.939 --> 00:02:05.120 And Hollywood decides on something and that spreads all across the globe doesn't it? 00:02:05.120 --> 00:02:06.800 And Antioch was a bit like that. 00:02:08.039 --> 00:02:09.900 It was the kind of cultural centre of the world. 00:02:11.300 --> 00:02:14.240 Trends in Antioch affected all over the place. 00:02:15.800 --> 00:02:21.560 And at the centre of this newfound faith you have Jerusalem with Jewish believers. 00:02:22.420 --> 00:02:24.620 You have Antioch with the non-Jewish believers. 00:02:25.900 --> 00:02:30.719 Paul and Barnabas are sent off on their missionary journey from the church in Antioch. 00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:35.020 And when they come back from their journey they land right where they started. 00:02:37.219 --> 00:02:39.939 But it wasn't just places that are important in Acts 15. 00:02:40.300 --> 00:02:40.960 And there are people. 00:02:41.639 --> 00:02:42.680 Giants of the faith. 00:02:42.840 --> 00:02:44.740 Heavyweights like Paul and Barnabas. 00:02:45.340 --> 00:02:46.580 Like Peter and James. 00:02:46.879 --> 00:02:49.060 The big beasts of Christianity. 00:02:50.039 --> 00:02:52.539 And all of this leads up to one main issue. 00:02:52.639 --> 00:02:55.159 There's lots of things you can look at in Acts 15. 00:02:55.599 --> 00:02:57.060 But I want to focus in on one issue. 00:02:57.539 --> 00:02:59.579 So there are four parts of the story. 00:02:59.580 --> 00:03:01.440 And they all begin with D. 00:03:01.620 --> 00:03:02.120 A demand. 00:03:02.480 --> 00:03:03.060 A debate. 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:03.800 A decision. 00:03:04.440 --> 00:03:04.960 A delivery. 00:03:06.080 --> 00:03:06.620 A demand. 00:03:07.160 --> 00:03:07.680 A debate. 00:03:08.660 --> 00:03:09.100 Delivery. 00:03:09.340 --> 00:03:09.740 A decision. 00:03:09.939 --> 00:03:10.439 And then delivery. 00:03:11.160 --> 00:03:12.939 So the first few verses of Acts 15. 00:03:13.300 --> 00:03:15.860 There are grey clouds and a storm is brewing. 00:03:17.240 --> 00:03:20.600 It's got the potential to fracture the Christian movement. 00:03:21.720 --> 00:03:24.380 And it all revolves around a demand in verses 1 to 5. 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:27.680 There are a few guys that come up from Jerusalem to Antioch. 00:03:27.680 --> 00:03:32.719 Where tons of Gentiles are being saved by the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:03:32.939 --> 00:03:34.700 But they don't come up with encouragement. 00:03:35.860 --> 00:03:37.340 They come up with a demand. 00:03:38.400 --> 00:03:40.719 And they basically say if you want to be in God's family. 00:03:40.980 --> 00:03:42.620 Believing in Jesus is not enough. 00:03:43.719 --> 00:03:45.780 You've got to follow the laws of Moses. 00:03:46.780 --> 00:03:48.439 And you've got to be circumcised. 00:03:48.439 --> 00:03:53.780 The claim is that to follow Jesus is not enough. 00:03:53.859 --> 00:03:57.680 But you have to adopt the Jewish customs to be a real Christian. 00:03:58.500 --> 00:04:02.879 And it threatens the very foundation of the Christian message. 00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:07.400 The gospel is good news. 00:04:08.319 --> 00:04:10.400 We have great news for this city. 00:04:10.859 --> 00:04:13.979 And the good news is that Jesus has done all the work. 00:04:15.039 --> 00:04:16.959 Jesus has paid all the price. 00:04:17.860 --> 00:04:22.000 So that sinners like you and I can be saved from the penalty of sin. 00:04:22.439 --> 00:04:24.980 And be brought back into a relationship with God. 00:04:25.100 --> 00:04:26.100 Into the family of God. 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:27.740 Jesus has done it all. 00:04:28.340 --> 00:04:29.879 And the gospel is free. 00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:35.300 This morning you don't have to do anything to earn your right. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:37.240 Into the family of God. 00:04:38.200 --> 00:04:41.420 Paul and Barnabas have risked their lives spreading the good news. 00:04:41.939 --> 00:04:44.640 That people could have a relationship with God again. 00:04:45.580 --> 00:04:47.660 That there's a door that was opened for them. 00:04:47.780 --> 00:04:48.939 Opened by the Lord Jesus. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:52.080 And there's nothing that you can do. 00:04:52.400 --> 00:04:53.939 And there is nothing more to be done. 00:04:53.939 --> 00:04:57.579 But this group come from Jerusalem. 00:04:57.719 --> 00:05:00.259 And they say well actually to enter into God's family. 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:03.019 You've got to become Jewish. 00:05:03.959 --> 00:05:06.220 To be a real follower of God. 00:05:06.339 --> 00:05:07.720 You've got to become Jewish. 00:05:09.180 --> 00:05:11.139 Imagine you've got a friend who works for Legoland. 00:05:11.939 --> 00:05:13.100 Children have you been to Legoland? 00:05:13.639 --> 00:05:13.899 You've been? 00:05:14.159 --> 00:05:14.459 Or have you been? 00:05:14.819 --> 00:05:17.100 So imagine you've got a friend who works for Legoland. 00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:19.659 And he comes to you and he says. 00:05:19.779 --> 00:05:21.120 Here are some tickets for your family. 00:05:21.620 --> 00:05:23.300 Go to Legoland on me. 00:05:23.939 --> 00:05:25.699 Probably want to throttle him. 00:05:26.379 --> 00:05:27.819 But he says to the family. 00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:29.699 Go to Legoland on me. 00:05:29.920 --> 00:05:31.519 Free tickets for the entire family. 00:05:32.600 --> 00:05:34.120 You can go whenever you want. 00:05:36.160 --> 00:05:39.720 You kind of work hard to clear your schedule. 00:05:40.720 --> 00:05:42.560 You put it on the family diary. 00:05:43.459 --> 00:05:45.240 And so you can take all the family there. 00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:49.759 Everyone is super excited to spend a day at Legoland. 00:05:50.819 --> 00:05:52.360 You get everyone ready to go. 00:05:52.460 --> 00:05:53.600 You pack your lunch. 00:05:53.900 --> 00:05:55.819 You queue up in the enormous queue. 00:05:56.639 --> 00:05:58.060 And the person at the gate says. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:05:59.400 Ah come on in. 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:00.280 Welcome to Legoland. 00:06:01.900 --> 00:06:03.360 You're riding the rides. 00:06:04.160 --> 00:06:05.579 You're enjoying the displays. 00:06:05.840 --> 00:06:06.819 You're loving the day. 00:06:06.879 --> 00:06:07.900 It's a wonderful time. 00:06:07.899 --> 00:06:11.539 And then somebody from Legoland. 00:06:11.659 --> 00:06:12.500 Who's employed by Legoland. 00:06:12.659 --> 00:06:13.899 Comes up to you and says to you. 00:06:14.439 --> 00:06:15.339 Can I see your tickets? 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:18.019 You hand the free tickets over. 00:06:18.159 --> 00:06:18.519 And they say. 00:06:18.719 --> 00:06:19.279 They say. 00:06:19.359 --> 00:06:20.319 I'm really sorry. 00:06:21.459 --> 00:06:23.639 But you either have to leave now. 00:06:24.339 --> 00:06:25.779 Or you have to pay the full price. 00:06:27.739 --> 00:06:29.060 Can you imagine the confusion? 00:06:30.279 --> 00:06:31.019 And the frustration. 00:06:31.159 --> 00:06:31.359 You say. 00:06:31.419 --> 00:06:31.739 No, no, no. 00:06:31.979 --> 00:06:32.599 Our friend. 00:06:32.719 --> 00:06:34.219 They gave us these free tickets. 00:06:34.279 --> 00:06:35.319 They work for Legoland too. 00:06:35.319 --> 00:06:37.339 And the person says. 00:06:37.399 --> 00:06:39.040 No, you either have to leave now. 00:06:39.399 --> 00:06:40.699 Or you need to pay the full price. 00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:41.319 For the whole family. 00:06:42.360 --> 00:06:43.099 And you're thinking. 00:06:43.259 --> 00:06:44.180 Who am I supposed to believe? 00:06:44.420 --> 00:06:46.120 Am I supposed to believe my friend. 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:46.939 Who works for Legoland. 00:06:47.259 --> 00:06:48.600 Who gave me the free tickets. 00:06:49.199 --> 00:06:50.319 Or am I supposed to be. 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:51.180 Believing this person. 00:06:51.439 --> 00:06:52.039 You say. 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:53.699 Is there no one else. 00:06:53.860 --> 00:06:54.519 I can talk to. 00:06:54.579 --> 00:06:55.620 Can I speak to a manager? 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:57.360 Is there anyone higher up. 00:06:57.420 --> 00:06:58.279 That I can speak to? 00:06:59.939 --> 00:07:01.060 We've sacrificed a lot. 00:07:01.120 --> 00:07:01.659 To be here. 00:07:01.920 --> 00:07:03.060 We've cleared our schedule. 00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:04.800 We're enjoying our time. 00:07:06.139 --> 00:07:07.639 It would be so confusing. 00:07:07.779 --> 00:07:08.139 Wouldn't it? 00:07:10.019 --> 00:07:11.199 Well the Gentile Christians. 00:07:11.339 --> 00:07:11.839 In Antioch. 00:07:11.920 --> 00:07:13.000 Were probably feeling that. 00:07:13.099 --> 00:07:13.779 Times a million. 00:07:15.219 --> 00:07:17.120 It was deeply unsettling. 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:17.740 For them. 00:07:17.879 --> 00:07:18.459 To hear. 00:07:19.040 --> 00:07:20.079 That they had to become. 00:07:20.279 --> 00:07:21.079 Jewish people. 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:22.379 In order to be true Christians. 00:07:23.579 --> 00:07:24.639 Who do you believe? 00:07:25.100 --> 00:07:25.500 Do you believe. 00:07:25.639 --> 00:07:26.579 Paul and Barnabas. 00:07:26.639 --> 00:07:28.060 Who told us the message. 00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:29.860 Or do you believe. 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:30.339 These people. 00:07:30.439 --> 00:07:31.159 Who've come from HQ. 00:07:31.959 --> 00:07:33.519 Who are coming on the scene. 00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:35.699 Who seem to have authority. 00:07:35.859 --> 00:07:36.699 Who do you believe. 00:07:38.359 --> 00:07:38.959 Can you imagine. 00:07:39.060 --> 00:07:39.500 Being told. 00:07:39.639 --> 00:07:41.219 You have a free gift. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:42.740 And then afterwards. 00:07:42.740 --> 00:07:43.579 Being told. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:44.339 No. 00:07:44.399 --> 00:07:45.599 You've got to pay a steep price. 00:07:45.600 --> 00:07:48.920 Not just a financial one. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:50.140 But one that would affect. 00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:51.680 The whole of your life. 00:07:51.740 --> 00:07:52.340 From now on. 00:07:54.720 --> 00:07:56.400 I'm sure there were loads of men. 00:07:56.500 --> 00:07:56.939 In this group. 00:07:57.320 --> 00:07:58.140 Desperately hoping. 00:07:58.140 --> 00:07:58.540 That the. 00:07:58.540 --> 00:08:00.120 The Jerusalem delegation. 00:08:00.340 --> 00:08:00.740 Was wrong. 00:08:01.980 --> 00:08:03.439 The issue is so central. 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:04.100 It couldn't be. 00:08:04.379 --> 00:08:04.700 Ignored. 00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:05.260 It couldn't be. 00:08:05.460 --> 00:08:05.939 Accommodated. 00:08:06.320 --> 00:08:06.500 And so. 00:08:06.500 --> 00:08:07.139 Paul and Barnabas. 00:08:07.220 --> 00:08:08.620 Quickly confront these guys. 00:08:10.160 --> 00:08:11.000 Because they're. 00:08:11.259 --> 00:08:11.819 Out of line. 00:08:12.060 --> 00:08:13.040 With God's way. 00:08:13.339 --> 00:08:14.300 And God's message. 00:08:14.699 --> 00:08:15.439 The demand. 00:08:15.600 --> 00:08:15.959 Become. 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:16.980 To become Jewish. 00:08:17.100 --> 00:08:17.879 Would fracture. 00:08:18.100 --> 00:08:18.920 The early church. 00:08:22.180 --> 00:08:23.480 But if Jerusalem. 00:08:24.600 --> 00:08:25.379 And the leaders. 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:25.920 Of the church. 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:26.560 There in Jerusalem. 00:08:27.560 --> 00:08:28.000 Agreed. 00:08:28.079 --> 00:08:28.540 With the people. 00:08:28.699 --> 00:08:29.480 That had been sent. 00:08:30.980 --> 00:08:31.680 It would mean. 00:08:31.779 --> 00:08:32.860 There would have to be a break. 00:08:32.940 --> 00:08:33.720 There would have to be. 00:08:33.799 --> 00:08:34.539 A fracturing. 00:08:34.539 --> 00:08:35.779 There was no way. 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:36.740 That these two things. 00:08:36.939 --> 00:08:38.000 Could go forward together. 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:40.819 Either the gospel. 00:08:41.019 --> 00:08:41.519 Was a message. 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:42.860 Of free. 00:08:43.719 --> 00:08:44.719 Unimaginable grace. 00:08:46.299 --> 00:08:47.019 Or it was. 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:48.219 That you had to become Jewish. 00:08:48.919 --> 00:08:49.879 People could not. 00:08:50.199 --> 00:08:50.679 Coexist. 00:08:51.419 --> 00:08:52.539 There's a lot on the line. 00:08:53.899 --> 00:08:54.459 And so. 00:08:54.699 --> 00:08:55.219 What would. 00:08:55.419 --> 00:08:56.019 The leaders. 00:08:56.299 --> 00:08:56.779 In Jerusalem. 00:08:57.579 --> 00:08:58.599 Where would they stand. 00:08:58.659 --> 00:08:59.120 On this issue. 00:08:59.959 --> 00:09:01.179 The Pharisees. 00:09:01.379 --> 00:09:02.679 That is the religious authorities. 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:04.139 Weren't just challenging. 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:04.679 The doctrine. 00:09:04.679 --> 00:09:05.639 Of grace alone. 00:09:05.960 --> 00:09:06.879 But they're also challenging. 00:09:06.980 --> 00:09:07.179 Aren't they? 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:07.819 The credibility. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:08.919 Of Paul and Barnabas. 00:09:10.519 --> 00:09:11.340 And so the church. 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:11.860 In Antioch. 00:09:11.919 --> 00:09:12.740 They get a convoy. 00:09:12.779 --> 00:09:13.539 Convoy together. 00:09:13.639 --> 00:09:14.360 They get a delegation. 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:15.939 With Paul and Barnabas. 00:09:16.019 --> 00:09:16.860 And they send them. 00:09:16.939 --> 00:09:17.620 Up to Jerusalem. 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:18.879 200 miles away. 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:21.819 They stop. 00:09:21.860 --> 00:09:22.439 At different places. 00:09:22.439 --> 00:09:22.939 On the way. 00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:24.460 And they share. 00:09:24.600 --> 00:09:25.120 About what God. 00:09:25.179 --> 00:09:25.740 Has been doing. 00:09:26.559 --> 00:09:27.299 Among the Gentiles. 00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:27.679 They are. 00:09:27.740 --> 00:09:28.419 They are pumped. 00:09:28.419 --> 00:09:28.980 About it. 00:09:29.179 --> 00:09:30.200 And once they arrive. 00:09:30.200 --> 00:09:30.700 In Jerusalem. 00:09:31.080 --> 00:09:31.779 They're received. 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:32.679 Well by the church. 00:09:32.679 --> 00:09:32.919 There. 00:09:33.879 --> 00:09:34.339 And again. 00:09:34.419 --> 00:09:35.039 They share. 00:09:35.179 --> 00:09:36.359 What God has been doing. 00:09:36.479 --> 00:09:37.500 All over Asia Minor. 00:09:41.719 --> 00:09:43.239 So are the Pharisees. 00:09:43.459 --> 00:09:44.099 Going to be right. 00:09:44.339 --> 00:09:44.779 Demanding. 00:09:44.979 --> 00:09:45.959 That all people. 00:09:46.139 --> 00:09:47.120 Become Jewish first. 00:09:47.219 --> 00:09:47.599 In order. 00:09:47.839 --> 00:09:48.679 To enter into the family. 00:09:48.679 --> 00:09:49.099 Of God. 00:09:50.259 --> 00:09:51.159 That's the demand. 00:09:52.219 --> 00:09:52.879 Here's the debate. 00:09:53.059 --> 00:09:54.259 The debate is in verses 6 to 11. 00:09:54.299 --> 00:09:54.739 If you look there. 00:09:55.899 --> 00:09:56.899 The debate begins. 00:09:56.979 --> 00:09:57.659 People from different. 00:09:57.659 --> 00:09:59.039 Side starts speaking up. 00:09:59.199 --> 00:10:00.059 There's probably a good deal. 00:10:00.059 --> 00:10:01.179 Of energy in the room. 00:10:01.659 --> 00:10:02.559 And commotion. 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:04.899 And Peter. 00:10:05.059 --> 00:10:06.019 Takes the stage. 00:10:06.799 --> 00:10:07.600 Steps up to the mic. 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:09.959 Peter reflects back. 00:10:10.039 --> 00:10:10.839 His experience. 00:10:10.839 --> 00:10:11.779 From a few years ago. 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:12.899 When God showed him. 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:14.000 That the Gentiles. 00:10:14.159 --> 00:10:14.959 Are to be included. 00:10:15.199 --> 00:10:15.839 In God's family. 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:18.519 Remember Cornelius. 00:10:18.579 --> 00:10:18.839 He said. 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:19.579 The Gentile. 00:10:20.319 --> 00:10:21.079 Who asked Peter. 00:10:21.079 --> 00:10:21.899 To come down. 00:10:22.079 --> 00:10:22.639 And Peter. 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:23.959 Comes and goes into his house. 00:10:24.059 --> 00:10:24.899 And he starts preaching. 00:10:25.759 --> 00:10:26.679 And as he preaches. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:27.699 The Holy Spirit. 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:28.480 Descends. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:29.139 On this. 00:10:29.439 --> 00:10:29.939 Non-Jew. 00:10:30.039 --> 00:10:30.639 This Gentile. 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:31.179 Cornelius. 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:31.799 And all his family. 00:10:32.699 --> 00:10:34.279 Before they were ever circumcised. 00:10:35.179 --> 00:10:36.519 Before anything had happened. 00:10:36.659 --> 00:10:37.579 God gave them. 00:10:37.840 --> 00:10:38.500 The Holy Spirit. 00:10:38.779 --> 00:10:39.740 Just as he'd given. 00:10:40.059 --> 00:10:40.480 The Holy Spirit. 00:10:40.559 --> 00:10:41.220 To the Jewish people. 00:10:41.279 --> 00:10:42.039 In Acts chapter 2. 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:44.399 God had made. 00:10:44.679 --> 00:10:45.340 No distinction. 00:10:47.139 --> 00:10:48.179 On who he was going to. 00:10:48.179 --> 00:10:49.480 Pour his grace on. 00:10:52.059 --> 00:10:53.000 Notice how Peter. 00:10:53.279 --> 00:10:54.299 Again and again. 00:10:54.899 --> 00:10:56.199 Shows that God. 00:10:56.319 --> 00:10:57.439 Is the initiator. 00:10:57.659 --> 00:10:58.279 Of his work. 00:10:59.559 --> 00:11:00.240 Verse 7. 00:11:00.480 --> 00:11:01.379 God chose. 00:11:02.279 --> 00:11:02.620 Peter. 00:11:02.740 --> 00:11:03.539 To speak to the Gentiles. 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:04.439 Verse 8. 00:11:04.519 --> 00:11:04.939 At the beginning. 00:11:05.079 --> 00:11:05.860 We see that God. 00:11:05.959 --> 00:11:06.340 Is the one. 00:11:06.439 --> 00:11:07.519 Who knows people's hearts. 00:11:08.240 --> 00:11:09.279 It is God. 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:10.159 Who bears witness. 00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:10.980 To the Gentiles. 00:11:11.179 --> 00:11:12.279 It is God. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:13.319 Who gave the Gentiles. 00:11:13.419 --> 00:11:13.919 The Holy Spirit. 00:11:14.199 --> 00:11:14.899 It is God. 00:11:14.919 --> 00:11:15.860 Who made no distinction. 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:16.340 Among them. 00:11:16.340 --> 00:11:17.279 It is God. 00:11:17.340 --> 00:11:18.220 Who cleansed their hearts. 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:18.840 By faith. 00:11:20.240 --> 00:11:21.319 Over and over. 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:22.399 Peter. 00:11:22.579 --> 00:11:23.379 Is emphasizing. 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:25.320 And trying to hammer home. 00:11:25.419 --> 00:11:26.220 That it is God. 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:26.939 Who initiates. 00:11:27.100 --> 00:11:27.340 God. 00:11:27.379 --> 00:11:27.840 Who chooses. 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:29.039 God. 00:11:29.100 --> 00:11:29.700 Who pursues. 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:30.439 God. 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:31.220 Who rescues. 00:11:31.559 --> 00:11:31.939 God. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:32.879 Who bears witness to. 00:11:33.179 --> 00:11:33.559 God. 00:11:33.600 --> 00:11:34.299 Who provides. 00:11:34.639 --> 00:11:34.799 God. 00:11:34.799 --> 00:11:35.360 Who cleanses. 00:11:35.439 --> 00:11:36.000 The Gentiles. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:39.039 And so. 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:40.399 If anyone is going to oppose. 00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:41.240 The Gentiles. 00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:42.559 Coming into the family of God. 00:11:42.639 --> 00:11:43.600 They are not just opposing. 00:11:43.700 --> 00:11:44.419 Paul and Barnabas. 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:46.480 They are opposing God himself. 00:11:48.620 --> 00:11:48.899 And so. 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:49.500 God. 00:11:49.659 --> 00:11:50.220 If God. 00:11:50.340 --> 00:11:51.279 Did not distinguish. 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:52.000 Between Jew. 00:11:52.120 --> 00:11:52.620 And Gentile. 00:11:52.659 --> 00:11:53.240 How in the world. 00:11:53.960 --> 00:11:54.639 Why would we? 00:11:56.700 --> 00:11:57.480 Chop it off. 00:11:58.200 --> 00:11:58.480 Peter. 00:11:58.960 --> 00:11:59.539 Shows that. 00:11:59.679 --> 00:12:00.039 He is a. 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:00.879 He is a Jew. 00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:01.639 Is saved. 00:12:01.919 --> 00:12:02.820 In the same way. 00:12:02.940 --> 00:12:03.720 As the Gentile. 00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:05.539 Look at verse 11. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:09.159 we believe that we will be saved 00:12:09.159 --> 00:12:13.559 through the grace of the Lord Jesus, 00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:14.559 just as they will be. 00:12:16.679 --> 00:12:18.600 There aren't two ways to God. 00:12:19.659 --> 00:12:21.340 There is only one way to God. 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:25.700 And so this is the last we hear of Peter. 00:12:27.500 --> 00:12:28.600 Start of Luke's Gospel, 00:12:28.740 --> 00:12:30.059 he's just an ordinary fisherman. 00:12:31.019 --> 00:12:32.440 Until Jesus comes on the scene 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:33.820 and encounters Peter, 00:12:33.820 --> 00:12:37.100 he invites him to be part of what he's doing. 00:12:37.300 --> 00:12:38.900 Jesus takes him along in his movement, 00:12:39.400 --> 00:12:42.680 this movement that changes the landscape of the world. 00:12:43.580 --> 00:12:45.100 But when Jesus is arrested, 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:46.300 Peter denies him. 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:48.680 He's ashamed of being associated with Jesus. 00:12:49.060 --> 00:12:50.620 Quickly, Peter realises his error. 00:12:51.440 --> 00:12:53.360 He confesses he was wrong and he comes back. 00:12:54.540 --> 00:12:55.560 In the book of Acts, 00:12:55.660 --> 00:12:57.620 it is Peter who preaches at Pentecost. 00:12:57.940 --> 00:12:58.960 It is through Peter 00:12:58.960 --> 00:13:01.760 that God brings thousands into his family. 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:05.279 And then he uses Peter to spread the Gospel message. 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:07.259 An ordinary fisherman 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:10.379 used for global purposes in God's movement. 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:12.700 The debate's just getting started. 00:13:12.819 --> 00:13:13.360 Verse 12, 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:14.639 Paul and Barnabas, 00:13:14.819 --> 00:13:16.600 they've just got back from their missionary journey, 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:18.759 recounting how Gentiles 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:21.120 are believing the Gospel 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:22.819 and it's spreading like wildfire. 00:13:22.820 --> 00:13:26.960 They talk about how people are being healed 00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:28.560 and they wrap up. 00:13:30.560 --> 00:13:31.620 And as they wrap up, 00:13:31.660 --> 00:13:33.120 one of the most influential men 00:13:33.120 --> 00:13:34.420 in the whole of the council 00:13:34.420 --> 00:13:35.600 in the Church of Jerusalem 00:13:35.600 --> 00:13:36.500 gets to his feet. 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:38.520 It's James. 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:39.760 He's the half-brother of Jesus. 00:13:40.760 --> 00:13:42.020 He's well respected. 00:13:43.520 --> 00:13:45.560 The way that James goes 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:48.420 will largely affect how the council goes. 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:51.639 And so like this heavyweight champion, 00:13:51.860 --> 00:13:54.979 James comes with poise and carefulness. 00:13:55.479 --> 00:13:58.860 And James wants Jewish and Gentile Christians 00:13:58.860 --> 00:13:59.699 to be united. 00:14:00.979 --> 00:14:03.379 He threads the delicate needle 00:14:03.379 --> 00:14:05.000 of including Gentiles 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:07.719 without making the Jewish people feel excluded. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:11.419 He doesn't want to put an unnecessary burden 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:13.099 on the Gentiles. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:15.059 But at the same time, 00:14:15.099 --> 00:14:16.319 he doesn't want the Jewish Christians 00:14:16.319 --> 00:14:17.199 to feel alienated. 00:14:17.200 --> 00:14:21.340 Where Peter and Paul and Barnabas, 00:14:21.420 --> 00:14:23.060 they reflect what God has been doing 00:14:23.060 --> 00:14:24.420 in these last 12 years. 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:26.460 James takes another approach. 00:14:26.560 --> 00:14:27.820 He goes back 700 years. 00:14:28.940 --> 00:14:30.280 He quotes from the Old Testament 00:14:30.280 --> 00:14:30.720 and he says, 00:14:30.800 --> 00:14:31.920 there's going to be a time coming 00:14:31.920 --> 00:14:33.120 when there would be a great restoration 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:33.840 for the world. 00:14:35.040 --> 00:14:36.340 This rebuilding time. 00:14:36.460 --> 00:14:38.800 And it wouldn't only be for Jewish people 00:14:38.800 --> 00:14:40.300 but for Gentiles too. 00:14:40.640 --> 00:14:42.160 God was going to gather a people 00:14:42.160 --> 00:14:42.879 from the nations. 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:45.060 From all over the world. 00:14:45.059 --> 00:14:47.819 And so James tells the Gentiles, 00:14:48.219 --> 00:14:50.419 he tells the Jews in council 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:53.279 that the Gentiles have always been part of God's plan. 00:14:54.839 --> 00:14:57.299 The very scriptures that the Jewish people 00:14:57.299 --> 00:14:58.879 hold in high regard 00:14:58.879 --> 00:14:59.859 teaches them 00:14:59.859 --> 00:15:01.379 that the Gentiles 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:02.699 don't have to become Jewish 00:15:02.699 --> 00:15:03.799 in order to be saved. 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:06.479 They don't have to fulfill 00:15:06.479 --> 00:15:09.459 any ceremonial sacrificial laws. 00:15:11.339 --> 00:15:12.259 But James knows 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:14.240 this would be a hard pill to swallow 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:16.019 for some of the Jewish people. 00:15:18.019 --> 00:15:19.019 They would have wondered, 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:20.879 if this doesn't matter, 00:15:21.679 --> 00:15:22.599 does anything matter? 00:15:24.059 --> 00:15:25.019 And so James winsomely 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:27.139 weaves in a few thoughts 00:15:27.139 --> 00:15:27.979 to encourage 00:15:27.979 --> 00:15:29.740 the Gentile Christians 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.719 to avoid this. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:31.979 Look what he says in verse 20. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:34.879 He says, 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.099 but write to them 00:15:36.099 --> 00:15:37.079 to abstain 00:15:37.079 --> 00:15:38.419 from the things polluted by idols 00:15:38.419 --> 00:15:40.899 and from sexual immorality 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:43.359 and from what has been strangled 00:15:43.359 --> 00:15:44.000 and from blood. 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:46.000 Why does James put these four things down? 00:15:48.500 --> 00:15:49.579 Are these things 00:15:49.579 --> 00:15:51.019 that the Gentile Christians 00:15:51.019 --> 00:15:52.019 have to do 00:15:52.019 --> 00:15:52.899 in order to be saved? 00:15:52.979 --> 00:15:53.199 No. 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:54.899 Not at all. 00:15:55.939 --> 00:15:57.120 But James' vision 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:58.959 is that the church of Jesus Christ 00:15:58.959 --> 00:16:00.379 would be a unified church 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:01.219 across the world. 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:04.360 It would be filled with 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:05.879 Jewish people 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:08.019 and Gentile people 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:08.860 who have come to know 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.800 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:16:09.800 --> 00:16:10.759 and they've come together 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:11.360 to know him. 00:16:13.879 --> 00:16:14.680 It's an issue 00:16:14.680 --> 00:16:15.560 for the Jewish people 00:16:15.560 --> 00:16:16.139 scattered. 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:18.220 Where they are, 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:19.259 they're a minority. 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:22.220 And maintaining purity 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:23.120 for the Jewish people 00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:24.139 was for them 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:25.100 a matter of survival. 00:16:25.100 --> 00:16:28.360 and part of their identity. 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:31.000 One of the bedrocks 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:31.940 of the community 00:16:31.940 --> 00:16:33.259 was eating a meal together. 00:16:34.540 --> 00:16:35.080 There would have been 00:16:35.080 --> 00:16:36.019 no way 00:16:36.019 --> 00:16:36.560 would therefore 00:16:36.560 --> 00:16:37.460 Jewish Christians 00:16:37.460 --> 00:16:38.639 with very strict 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:40.139 dietary requirements 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:41.659 to sit and share a meal 00:16:41.659 --> 00:16:43.300 with Gentile Christians 00:16:43.300 --> 00:16:43.960 who don't 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:45.240 follow the same. 00:16:48.920 --> 00:16:50.000 It's a bit like 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:51.360 having vegans 00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:52.300 in church life. 00:16:52.299 --> 00:16:55.500 And so 00:16:55.500 --> 00:16:56.479 I want to say to you 00:16:56.479 --> 00:16:57.519 if you're a vegan here 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:59.019 you're very, very welcome. 00:17:00.459 --> 00:17:01.740 But you've got to admit 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:02.519 it's a pretty hard work 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:03.199 having you for lunch. 00:17:06.919 --> 00:17:07.879 It's the type of thing 00:17:07.879 --> 00:17:08.599 that's happening here 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:11.039 amongst the Gentile 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:11.779 and the Jewish Christians. 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.799 The Gentile Christians 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:13.419 they're free to eat 00:17:13.419 --> 00:17:14.039 whatever they want. 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:16.359 But the Jewish Christians 00:17:16.359 --> 00:17:17.039 by their conscience 00:17:17.039 --> 00:17:18.159 they're more restricted 00:17:18.159 --> 00:17:18.659 in their diet. 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:19.680 James knows this. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.740 He knew they wouldn't be able 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:21.740 to share a meal together. 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.900 It shows us the importance 00:17:22.900 --> 00:17:23.599 of hospitality 00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:24.779 sitting around the table. 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:27.099 He wanted them to be able 00:17:27.099 --> 00:17:27.759 to come together 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:28.279 in unity. 00:17:28.440 --> 00:17:28.700 So he says 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:30.000 Gentile Christians 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:31.000 if you can abstain 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:31.859 from certain foods 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:34.019 it'll make it much easier 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:34.660 to be united 00:17:34.660 --> 00:17:35.220 with your Jewish 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:35.920 brothers and sisters. 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:38.400 You don't have to 00:17:38.400 --> 00:17:39.259 become Jewish 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:40.220 to be saved. 00:17:41.240 --> 00:17:42.299 That would be hypocrisy. 00:17:42.880 --> 00:17:43.880 But be mindful 00:17:43.880 --> 00:17:45.200 of your brothers and sisters 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:46.500 who are Jewish. 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:48.039 There are things 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:49.220 that you might do 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:50.200 that would be a huge 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:51.339 stumbling block from them. 00:17:51.339 --> 00:17:53.039 So abstain from certain foods 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:53.579 from foods 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:56.679 for idols. 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:58.439 Respect them 00:17:58.439 --> 00:17:59.500 in their situation. 00:17:59.699 --> 00:18:00.919 Accommodate to their needs. 00:18:01.439 --> 00:18:02.199 And as it relates 00:18:02.199 --> 00:18:03.279 to sexual immorality 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:04.419 pagan temples 00:18:04.419 --> 00:18:06.099 scattered all over the land. 00:18:06.379 --> 00:18:07.159 Keep away from them. 00:18:08.919 --> 00:18:09.919 James says here 00:18:09.919 --> 00:18:11.199 the Apostle Paul says 00:18:11.199 --> 00:18:12.679 over and over again 00:18:12.679 --> 00:18:13.339 in his letters 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:15.059 stay away from sexual immorality. 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:17.779 That's not the way of God. 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:20.359 He doesn't say this 00:18:20.359 --> 00:18:21.000 so that you can 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:21.819 earn away 00:18:21.819 --> 00:18:22.759 to God. 00:18:24.359 --> 00:18:25.019 He's saying 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.200 if you're a follower 00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:26.980 of the Lord Jesus 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:28.319 you've got to let go 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:29.519 of those pagan ways 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:31.339 and follow God alone. 00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:34.179 Peter, Paul, 00:18:34.399 --> 00:18:35.299 Barnabas and James 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:36.779 have all come 00:18:36.779 --> 00:18:38.059 to the place 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:38.519 in this debate 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:39.440 firmly landing 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:42.559 with Jesus. 00:18:43.860 --> 00:18:44.600 Showing that 00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:46.000 anyone can be saved 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:46.900 by God's grace alone. 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:48.400 Number three 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:48.940 the decision. 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:52.019 Verse 22 to 29 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:53.460 the council decides 00:18:53.460 --> 00:18:54.079 to write a letter. 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:56.319 The letter is from 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:57.440 the entire church 00:18:57.440 --> 00:18:57.960 in Jerusalem 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:58.660 the leaders 00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.420 and the apostles. 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:00.599 It is binding 00:19:00.599 --> 00:19:02.819 on other churches. 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:04.859 They are of one accord. 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:06.940 The letter begins 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:07.819 by recognizing 00:19:07.819 --> 00:19:08.779 the tense situation 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:09.559 in Antioch. 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:10.440 They're unsettled. 00:19:10.940 --> 00:19:11.500 There's a stir 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:12.160 being created 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:14.099 because of these people 00:19:14.099 --> 00:19:14.579 that have come up 00:19:14.579 --> 00:19:15.160 from Jerusalem 00:19:15.160 --> 00:19:16.500 demanding that they 00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:17.299 become Jewish. 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:20.839 Paul and Barnabas 00:19:20.839 --> 00:19:21.160 would have been 00:19:21.160 --> 00:19:21.700 so grateful 00:19:21.700 --> 00:19:22.319 for this letter 00:19:22.319 --> 00:19:22.700 that said 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:23.180 these guys 00:19:23.180 --> 00:19:24.080 didn't come from us. 00:19:24.380 --> 00:19:25.180 They do not speak 00:19:25.180 --> 00:19:25.759 with the authority 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.319 of the church. 00:19:28.580 --> 00:19:29.940 Tells those 00:19:29.940 --> 00:19:30.299 in Antioch 00:19:30.299 --> 00:19:31.019 that Paul and Barnabas 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:31.900 they are dear brothers 00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:32.900 who risked their lives 00:19:32.900 --> 00:19:33.460 for the gospel. 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:34.600 The church 00:19:34.600 --> 00:19:36.019 in Jerusalem 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:37.180 the church council 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:37.840 has decided 00:19:37.840 --> 00:19:39.080 that Paul and Barnabas 00:19:39.080 --> 00:19:40.220 were doing it 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:40.900 the right way. 00:19:43.120 --> 00:19:44.140 The letter continued 00:19:44.140 --> 00:19:45.240 that key representatives 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:46.120 are being sent 00:19:46.120 --> 00:19:46.779 along with them 00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:48.259 with this critical 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:48.980 decision 00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:50.120 based on 00:19:50.120 --> 00:19:50.819 the Holy Spirit's 00:19:50.819 --> 00:19:51.200 direction. 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:54.559 And the voices 00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:55.319 on the council 00:19:55.319 --> 00:19:55.900 the decision 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:56.559 of the council 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:58.100 which was binding 00:19:58.100 --> 00:19:59.160 was that there 00:19:59.160 --> 00:19:59.880 would be no 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:00.980 further requirement 00:20:00.980 --> 00:20:01.660 to be followed 00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:02.660 except believing 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:03.420 in the Lord Jesus 00:20:03.420 --> 00:20:03.880 Christ. 00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:07.779 Let me just say 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:08.460 as an aside 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:10.180 they didn't say 00:20:10.180 --> 00:20:10.400 did they 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:10.900 and we're all 00:20:10.900 --> 00:20:11.740 independent churches 00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:12.240 alright 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:13.980 you knock yourselves 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:14.740 out in Antioch 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:15.640 you decide what's best 00:20:15.640 --> 00:20:16.480 have a vote on it 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:16.880 you decide 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:17.500 that's not how 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:17.960 it worked. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:19.980 There is 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:20.460 isn't there 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:21.860 there is an 00:20:21.860 --> 00:20:22.940 authority here 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:25.100 with the elders 00:20:25.100 --> 00:20:26.580 that is obviously 00:20:26.580 --> 00:20:27.480 the prototype 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.400 of a presbytery 00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:30.240 where decisions 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:30.640 are made 00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:31.340 which are binding 00:20:31.340 --> 00:20:32.440 on all the 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.160 congregations 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:34.820 and so this 00:20:34.820 --> 00:20:35.620 decision is made 00:20:35.620 --> 00:20:36.200 based on the 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:36.800 Holy Spirit's 00:20:36.800 --> 00:20:37.140 direction 00:20:37.140 --> 00:20:38.720 there is no 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.800 further requirement 00:20:39.800 --> 00:20:41.340 to enter into 00:20:41.340 --> 00:20:42.060 God's family 00:20:42.060 --> 00:20:43.940 except to believe 00:20:43.940 --> 00:20:44.519 in the Lord Jesus 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:44.940 Christ. 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.039 You want to be 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:47.600 in God's family 00:20:47.600 --> 00:20:48.100 this morning 00:20:48.100 --> 00:20:50.080 all you have 00:20:50.080 --> 00:20:50.460 to do 00:20:50.460 --> 00:20:51.840 is receive 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:52.420 God's grace 00:20:52.420 --> 00:20:53.200 in Jesus Christ. 00:20:54.340 --> 00:20:55.059 You do not 00:20:55.059 --> 00:20:55.559 have to become 00:20:55.559 --> 00:20:55.940 Jewish 00:20:55.940 --> 00:20:57.660 there is no 00:20:57.660 --> 00:20:58.160 need for you 00:20:58.160 --> 00:20:58.559 to follow 00:20:58.559 --> 00:20:59.440 all the ceremonial 00:20:59.440 --> 00:20:59.799 laws 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:01.620 but as James 00:21:01.620 --> 00:21:02.259 has already laid 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:02.759 out there's a 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:03.460 deep unity 00:21:03.460 --> 00:21:03.860 isn't there 00:21:03.860 --> 00:21:04.440 there's a deep 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:04.880 oneness 00:21:04.880 --> 00:21:05.559 with our Jewish 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.019 brothers and 00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:06.820 sisters in Christ 00:21:06.820 --> 00:21:09.059 and so abstain 00:21:09.059 --> 00:21:09.519 from sexual 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:09.980 morality 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:11.000 food offered 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.500 to idols 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:13.900 it's remarkably 00:21:13.900 --> 00:21:14.220 isn't it 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:14.460 that the 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.259 Jerusalem 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:15.780 council 00:21:15.780 --> 00:21:16.420 came to 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:16.900 a unified 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:17.440 decision 00:21:17.440 --> 00:21:18.220 I think 00:21:18.220 --> 00:21:18.900 it's remarkable 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:21.500 in our 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:21.900 house 00:21:21.900 --> 00:21:22.720 somebody says 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:23.180 what do you 00:21:23.180 --> 00:21:23.900 want to watch 00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:25.340 that decision 00:21:25.340 --> 00:21:26.360 takes ages 00:21:26.360 --> 00:21:27.500 there's all 00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:27.880 sorts of 00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:28.240 debate 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.780 when the 00:21:29.780 --> 00:21:30.220 meal planner 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:30.700 is not up 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:30.980 to date 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:31.360 and somebody 00:21:31.360 --> 00:21:31.800 says and 00:21:31.800 --> 00:21:32.240 what do you 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:32.540 want to 00:21:32.540 --> 00:21:32.820 eat 00:21:32.820 --> 00:21:33.360 there's 00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:34.040 carnage 00:21:34.040 --> 00:21:35.519 debate 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:36.040 goes on 00:21:36.040 --> 00:21:36.580 for ages 00:21:36.580 --> 00:21:37.560 but here 00:21:37.560 --> 00:21:37.860 there's a 00:21:37.860 --> 00:21:38.240 debate with 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.200 great consequence 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:40.019 one belief 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:40.320 that is 00:21:40.320 --> 00:21:40.800 central for 00:21:40.800 --> 00:21:41.100 the great 00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:41.860 gospel movement 00:21:41.860 --> 00:21:43.320 and there's 00:21:43.320 --> 00:21:43.660 unity 00:21:43.660 --> 00:21:44.360 among the 00:21:44.360 --> 00:21:44.720 council 00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:46.380 the story 00:21:46.380 --> 00:21:47.120 concludes in 00:21:47.120 --> 00:21:47.580 Antioch and 00:21:47.580 --> 00:21:47.759 there's 00:21:47.759 --> 00:21:48.200 delivery 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:49.300 fourth day 00:21:49.300 --> 00:21:51.300 verses 30 00:21:51.300 --> 00:21:51.980 to 33 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.540 the leaders 00:21:52.540 --> 00:21:52.920 from the 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:53.300 church in 00:21:53.300 --> 00:21:53.519 Jerusalem 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:53.900 come up 00:21:53.900 --> 00:21:54.140 and they 00:21:54.140 --> 00:21:54.580 deliver this 00:21:54.580 --> 00:21:54.880 wonderful 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:55.300 news 00:21:55.300 --> 00:21:57.420 a church 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:57.940 that has 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:58.800 been confused 00:21:58.800 --> 00:21:59.640 is now 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.820 given clarity 00:22:00.820 --> 00:22:01.540 and encouraged 00:22:01.540 --> 00:22:04.400 that you 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:04.800 and I 00:22:04.800 --> 00:22:05.279 can be 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:05.820 restored 00:22:05.820 --> 00:22:07.340 to a 00:22:07.340 --> 00:22:07.860 relationship 00:22:07.860 --> 00:22:08.320 with the 00:22:08.320 --> 00:22:08.660 God 00:22:08.660 --> 00:22:09.160 who made 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:09.500 us 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:11.100 by believing 00:22:11.100 --> 00:22:11.500 in Jesus 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:12.120 Christ alone 00:22:12.119 --> 00:22:14.079 and that 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:14.339 is the 00:22:14.339 --> 00:22:14.759 good news 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:14.979 of the 00:22:14.979 --> 00:22:15.259 gospel 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:17.979 I can 00:22:17.979 --> 00:22:18.419 imagine 00:22:18.419 --> 00:22:18.639 that 00:22:18.639 --> 00:22:19.039 congregation 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:19.939 was overjoyed 00:22:19.939 --> 00:22:20.179 I can 00:22:20.179 --> 00:22:20.479 imagine 00:22:20.479 --> 00:22:21.159 the men's 00:22:21.159 --> 00:22:21.559 group were 00:22:21.559 --> 00:22:22.139 absolutely 00:22:22.139 --> 00:22:22.739 delighted 00:22:22.739 --> 00:22:23.099 that they 00:22:23.099 --> 00:22:23.419 didn't have 00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:23.619 to get 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.339 circumcised 00:22:24.339 --> 00:22:28.720 so Luke 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:29.500 is establishing 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:31.899 that the 00:22:31.899 --> 00:22:32.259 gospel 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:32.720 which is 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.019 moving 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:33.439 throughout 00:22:33.439 --> 00:22:33.740 this 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.179 region 00:22:34.179 --> 00:22:34.639 it's 00:22:34.639 --> 00:22:34.959 rooted 00:22:34.959 --> 00:22:35.919 in the 00:22:35.919 --> 00:22:36.359 promises 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:37.179 of the 00:22:37.179 --> 00:22:37.319 Old 00:22:37.319 --> 00:22:37.679 Testament 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:38.699 but you 00:22:38.699 --> 00:22:39.019 are not 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:39.419 required 00:22:39.419 --> 00:22:39.779 to become 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.179 Jewish 00:22:40.179 --> 00:22:42.279 belief 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:42.740 in the 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:42.919 Lord 00:22:42.919 --> 00:22:43.220 Jesus 00:22:43.220 --> 00:22:44.839 is the 00:22:44.839 --> 00:22:45.319 only 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:45.980 requirement 00:22:45.980 --> 00:22:47.159 to be 00:22:47.159 --> 00:22:47.419 part of 00:22:47.419 --> 00:22:47.539 his 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:47.899 family 00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:49.480 trust 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:50.799 in the 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:50.959 Lord 00:22:50.959 --> 00:22:51.220 Jesus 00:22:51.220 --> 00:22:52.119 reliance 00:22:52.119 --> 00:22:52.659 on the 00:22:52.659 --> 00:22:52.819 Lord 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:53.159 Jesus 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:54.680 is the 00:22:54.680 --> 00:22:55.000 only 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:55.560 requirement 00:22:55.560 --> 00:22:56.000 to be 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:56.340 part of 00:22:56.340 --> 00:22:56.440 his 00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:56.759 family 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:58.820 you don't 00:22:58.820 --> 00:22:59.240 have to 00:22:59.240 --> 00:22:59.779 fulfill 00:22:59.779 --> 00:23:00.920 a long 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:01.279 list of 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:01.700 requirements 00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:03.360 you don't 00:23:03.360 --> 00:23:03.700 have to 00:23:03.700 --> 00:23:04.180 cover a 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:04.759 prerequisite 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:05.279 course 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:05.740 you don't 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:05.980 have to 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:06.160 clean 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:06.480 yourself 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:06.820 up this 00:23:06.820 --> 00:23:07.120 morning 00:23:07.120 --> 00:23:08.960 Jesus 00:23:08.960 --> 00:23:09.400 says 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:10.060 come 00:23:10.060 --> 00:23:10.660 to me 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:12.360 all you 00:23:12.360 --> 00:23:12.700 who are 00:23:12.700 --> 00:23:13.600 burdened 00:23:13.600 --> 00:23:14.279 and heavy 00:23:14.279 --> 00:23:14.680 laden 00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:15.759 and I 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.180 will give 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:16.759 you rest 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:18.900 there 00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:19.039 is 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:19.400 nothing 00:23:19.400 --> 00:23:19.839 that you 00:23:19.839 --> 00:23:20.259 can 00:23:20.259 --> 00:23:20.559 do 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:21.920 to earn 00:23:21.920 --> 00:23:22.259 your way 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:22.660 to God 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.039 there is 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:23.299 nothing 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:23.680 that you 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.099 have 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:24.619 done 00:23:24.619 --> 00:23:25.799 that need 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:26.259 keep you 00:23:26.259 --> 00:23:26.700 away from 00:23:26.700 --> 00:23:26.940 knowing 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:27.339 God 00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:28.299 and being 00:23:28.299 --> 00:23:28.779 rescued 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:29.140 from the 00:23:29.140 --> 00:23:29.440 penalty 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:29.740 of your 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:30.019 sin 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:30.700 it is 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.200 all 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:31.779 accomplished 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:32.079 through 00:23:32.079 --> 00:23:32.420 Jesus 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:33.019 Christ 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:37.160 Jesus 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:37.480 Christ 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:37.839 has done 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:38.279 it all 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:40.299 and so 00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:40.480 what do 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:40.839 we learn 00:23:40.839 --> 00:23:43.259 four things 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.279 about the 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.740 gospel as we 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:45.039 finish 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:47.420 four things 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:47.659 about the 00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:47.899 gospel 00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:48.480 number one 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.079 the gospel 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:49.579 which is 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:50.059 the good news 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:50.259 of the 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:50.659 Lord Jesus 00:23:50.659 --> 00:23:51.659 is exclusive 00:23:51.659 --> 00:23:54.500 exclusive means 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:54.879 isn't it 00:23:54.879 --> 00:23:59.059 the hello 00:23:59.059 --> 00:23:59.639 magazine 00:23:59.639 --> 00:24:00.220 the okay 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:00.579 magazine 00:24:00.579 --> 00:24:00.819 are they 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.220 still about 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:02.519 no 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:04.200 it would say 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:04.720 exclusive 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:05.339 it means 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:05.700 you can only 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:06.099 read it 00:24:06.099 --> 00:24:06.359 there 00:24:06.359 --> 00:24:06.920 you can't 00:24:06.920 --> 00:24:07.180 find it 00:24:07.180 --> 00:24:07.599 anyone else 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.019 you can only 00:24:08.019 --> 00:24:08.319 read it 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:08.579 there 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:09.559 there's an 00:24:09.559 --> 00:24:10.019 exclusive 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:10.359 offer 00:24:10.359 --> 00:24:10.759 that means 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.240 the offer 00:24:11.240 --> 00:24:11.619 isn't available 00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:12.180 everywhere else 00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:12.899 here's the 00:24:12.899 --> 00:24:13.139 offer 00:24:13.139 --> 00:24:13.799 it's 00:24:13.799 --> 00:24:14.759 an exclusive 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:15.339 the gospel 00:24:15.339 --> 00:24:16.379 is exclusive 00:24:16.379 --> 00:24:19.400 that means 00:24:19.400 --> 00:24:19.839 we can't 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.519 do anything 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:21.099 to earn 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:21.440 our way 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:21.859 to God 00:24:21.859 --> 00:24:24.779 and so 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:25.140 the famous 00:24:25.140 --> 00:24:25.539 question 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:25.779 is that 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:25.980 God 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:26.259 asks 00:24:26.259 --> 00:24:26.539 why 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:26.759 should 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:26.900 I 00:24:26.900 --> 00:24:27.119 let 00:24:27.119 --> 00:24:27.259 you 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:27.500 into 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:27.900 heaven 00:24:27.900 --> 00:24:30.539 and if 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:30.900 your answer 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:31.180 is well 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:31.319 I've 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:31.519 lived a 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:31.619 good 00:24:31.619 --> 00:24:31.980 life 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:33.339 I've 00:24:33.339 --> 00:24:33.480 tried 00:24:33.480 --> 00:24:33.619 my 00:24:33.619 --> 00:24:34.000 best 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:35.519 I've 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:35.720 treated 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:35.900 other 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:36.099 people 00:24:36.099 --> 00:24:36.480 well 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:38.119 I'm 00:24:38.119 --> 00:24:38.220 a 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:38.400 church 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:38.740 goer 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:40.619 it 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:40.900 shows 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:41.220 that you 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:41.339 are 00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:41.700 basing 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:41.980 your 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:42.480 salvation 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.299 on your 00:24:43.299 --> 00:24:43.640 own 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:43.900 good 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:44.259 works 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:46.879 there is 00:24:46.879 --> 00:24:47.140 something 00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:47.539 in each 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:47.839 of us 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.039 isn't 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:48.279 there 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:48.619 that 00:24:48.619 --> 00:24:49.200 wants 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:49.440 to 00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:49.740 earn 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:49.960 our 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.359 way 00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:51.099 to 00:24:51.099 --> 00:24:51.440 God 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:53.900 but 00:24:53.900 --> 00:24:54.200 Jesus 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:54.579 Christ 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:54.799 has 00:24:54.799 --> 00:24:55.039 done 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:55.180 it 00:24:55.180 --> 00:24:55.500 all 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:59.480 it 00:24:59.480 --> 00:24:59.759 is our 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.000 issue 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:00.299 isn't it 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:00.680 with Roman 00:25:00.680 --> 00:25:01.339 Catholicism 00:25:01.339 --> 00:25:04.940 that we 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:05.220 want to 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:05.460 say that 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:05.740 the Bible 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.059 teaches 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:06.420 it is 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:06.879 faith 00:25:06.879 --> 00:25:07.819 in 00:25:07.819 --> 00:25:08.279 Jesus 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:08.839 Christ 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:09.440 alone 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:10.700 by grace 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:10.980 alone 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:11.279 that 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:11.579 is what 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:11.900 saves 00:25:11.900 --> 00:25:12.120 you 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:14.079 it 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.500 is 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:15.160 not 00:25:15.160 --> 00:25:15.839 going 00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:16.019 to 00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:16.400 mass 00:25:16.400 --> 00:25:17.000 it 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:17.099 is 00:25:17.099 --> 00:25:17.380 not 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:17.759 going 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:17.880 to 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:18.339 confession 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:20.920 it 00:25:20.920 --> 00:25:21.019 is 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:21.220 not 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:21.460 doing 00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:21.960 penance 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:24.099 there 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:24.360 are many 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:24.759 things that we 00:25:24.759 --> 00:25:25.559 stand with 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.240 Roman Catholics 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:26.960 on but on 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:27.860 this central 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:28.279 issue 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:28.700 isn't it 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.200 they've 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.799 misunderstood 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.579 the gospel 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:31.880 tragically 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:32.599 awfully 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:33.299 horrifically 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:33.319 ! 00:25:33.319 --> 00:25:37.500 the gospel 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:38.259 is exclusive 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:40.039 there is no 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:40.680 partnership 00:25:40.680 --> 00:25:41.240 between you 00:25:41.240 --> 00:25:41.599 and God 00:25:41.599 --> 00:25:42.059 it is not 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:42.559 faith in 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:42.799 Jesus 00:25:42.799 --> 00:25:43.299 Christ 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:43.980 plus 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.740 your good 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.119 works 00:25:45.119 --> 00:25:45.440 it is 00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:46.000 faith in 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:46.240 Jesus 00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:46.640 Christ 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:47.379 alone 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:47.940 it's 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:48.400 incredibly 00:25:48.400 --> 00:25:48.819 humbling 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:49.259 isn't it? 00:25:52.200 --> 00:25:53.099 there is no 00:25:53.099 --> 00:25:53.640 partnership 00:25:53.640 --> 00:25:54.000 that is 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.400 initiated 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:55.039 by Jesus 00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:55.559 it is 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.319 fulfilled 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:57.099 by him 00:25:57.099 --> 00:25:57.859 and it's 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:58.440 offered to 00:25:58.440 --> 00:25:58.720 you 00:25:58.720 --> 00:25:59.140 and it's 00:25:59.140 --> 00:25:59.599 offered to 00:25:59.599 --> 00:25:59.859 me 00:25:59.859 --> 00:26:00.940 and salvation 00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:01.480 is found 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:02.480 nowhere else 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:02.960 other than 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:03.319 in Jesus 00:26:03.319 --> 00:26:03.680 Christ 00:26:03.680 --> 00:26:04.059 alone 00:26:04.059 --> 00:26:05.119 and all 00:26:05.119 --> 00:26:05.599 we do 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:06.259 is respond 00:26:06.259 --> 00:26:06.740 we come 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.140 with open 00:26:07.140 --> 00:26:07.619 hands 00:26:07.619 --> 00:26:09.119 we come 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:09.319 saying 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:09.639 nothing 00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:10.019 in my 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:10.319 hands 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:10.479 I 00:26:10.479 --> 00:26:10.699 bring 00:26:10.699 --> 00:26:11.219 simply 00:26:11.219 --> 00:26:11.679 to 00:26:11.679 --> 00:26:12.159 your 00:26:12.159 --> 00:26:12.459 cross 00:26:12.459 --> 00:26:12.679 I 00:26:12.679 --> 00:26:12.819 cling 00:26:12.819 --> 00:26:13.279 the gospel 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:13.579 is 00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:14.299 exclusive 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:16.959 secondly 00:26:16.959 --> 00:26:17.539 the gospel 00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:17.859 is 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:18.639 inclusive 00:26:18.639 --> 00:26:20.659 it's 00:26:20.659 --> 00:26:21.219 exclusive 00:26:21.219 --> 00:26:22.139 but it's 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:22.399 also 00:26:22.399 --> 00:26:23.259 inclusive 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:25.559 isn't that 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:25.919 the wonder 00:26:25.919 --> 00:26:26.239 of Acts 00:26:26.239 --> 00:26:26.639 15 00:26:26.639 --> 00:26:27.059 it's for 00:26:27.059 --> 00:26:27.439 all 00:26:27.439 --> 00:26:27.859 people 00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:30.239 it is 00:26:30.239 --> 00:26:30.759 for Jew 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.119 and for 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:31.719 Gentile 00:26:31.719 --> 00:26:33.159 it is 00:26:33.159 --> 00:26:34.000 for Iranian 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:35.139 and Iraqi 00:26:35.139 --> 00:26:35.939 it is 00:26:35.939 --> 00:26:36.379 for 00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:37.640 the Brits 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.000 and the 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:38.540 Europeans 00:26:38.540 --> 00:26:39.040 it is 00:26:39.040 --> 00:26:39.580 for all 00:26:39.580 --> 00:26:40.200 cultures 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:41.340 all peoples 00:26:41.340 --> 00:26:42.200 all ages 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:42.580 it is 00:26:42.580 --> 00:26:43.480 for vegans 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:44.660 it is 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:45.760 for vegetarians 00:26:45.760 --> 00:26:47.580 all sorts 00:26:47.580 --> 00:26:48.280 of weirdos 00:26:48.280 --> 00:26:49.580 the gospel 00:26:49.580 --> 00:26:50.520 is open 00:26:50.520 --> 00:26:53.300 the gospel 00:26:53.300 --> 00:26:54.280 is inclusive 00:26:54.280 --> 00:26:56.340 you might 00:26:56.340 --> 00:26:56.880 feel very 00:26:56.880 --> 00:26:57.540 very inadequate 00:26:57.540 --> 00:26:59.800 you might 00:26:59.800 --> 00:27:00.300 feel 00:27:00.300 --> 00:27:02.140 you're from 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.500 the wrong 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:02.940 side of the 00:27:02.940 --> 00:27:03.200 tracks 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:03.520 you've got 00:27:03.520 --> 00:27:04.040 nothing going 00:27:04.040 --> 00:27:04.780 the gospel 00:27:04.780 --> 00:27:05.180 of the Lord 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:05.759 Jesus Christ 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:06.100 is for 00:27:06.100 --> 00:27:06.220 you 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:06.500 it is 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:07.060 exclusive 00:27:07.060 --> 00:27:08.060 it is 00:27:08.060 --> 00:27:08.560 inclusive 00:27:08.560 --> 00:27:10.740 number three 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:11.120 the gospel 00:27:11.120 --> 00:27:11.740 is dividing 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:14.380 because it's 00:27:14.380 --> 00:27:14.779 exclusive 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:15.960 which means 00:27:15.960 --> 00:27:16.460 there is only 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:16.960 one way 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:17.360 to God 00:27:17.360 --> 00:27:17.600 and there 00:27:17.600 --> 00:27:17.980 is only 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:18.860 one mediator 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:19.180 between 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:19.480 God 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:19.940 and man 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:21.560 it is 00:27:21.560 --> 00:27:22.480 good news 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:24.299 that people 00:27:24.299 --> 00:27:24.600 have to 00:27:24.600 --> 00:27:25.259 respond to 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:26.980 it is not 00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:27.720 fake news 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.180 that you can 00:27:28.180 --> 00:27:28.660 discard 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.360 it is not 00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:30.320 irrelevant news 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:30.860 it is not 00:27:30.860 --> 00:27:31.860 random news 00:27:31.859 --> 00:27:32.839 some refute 00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:33.019 it 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:33.819 some reject 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.079 it 00:27:34.079 --> 00:27:34.959 some ignore 00:27:34.959 --> 00:27:35.399 it 00:27:35.399 --> 00:27:37.779 but wonderfully 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.319 some believe 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.579 it 00:27:38.579 --> 00:27:40.579 and the 00:27:40.579 --> 00:27:41.659 dividing line 00:27:41.659 --> 00:27:42.659 is those 00:27:42.659 --> 00:27:44.659 who put 00:27:44.659 --> 00:27:45.279 their trust 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:45.759 in the Lord 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.500 Jesus Christ 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:47.079 alone 00:27:47.079 --> 00:27:47.659 and those 00:27:47.659 --> 00:27:48.119 who don't 00:27:48.119 --> 00:27:50.839 and the 00:27:50.839 --> 00:27:51.339 implications 00:27:51.339 --> 00:27:52.139 for what you 00:27:52.139 --> 00:27:52.779 do with this 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.339 news could 00:27:53.339 --> 00:27:53.699 not be 00:27:53.699 --> 00:27:54.059 greater 00:27:54.059 --> 00:27:54.819 the gospel 00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:55.639 alone is 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:56.059 the dividing 00:27:56.059 --> 00:27:56.399 line 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:58.200 and the 00:27:58.200 --> 00:27:58.540 way that 00:27:58.540 --> 00:27:59.220 we respond 00:27:59.220 --> 00:27:59.800 to this 00:27:59.800 --> 00:28:00.180 gospel 00:28:00.180 --> 00:28:00.820 message 00:28:00.820 --> 00:28:02.400 is what 00:28:02.400 --> 00:28:02.900 determines 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.300 whether we're 00:28:03.300 --> 00:28:03.700 in God's 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:04.080 family or 00:28:04.080 --> 00:28:04.340 not 00:28:04.340 --> 00:28:07.200 that if 00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:07.560 we will 00:28:07.560 --> 00:28:08.220 believe in 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:08.480 him 00:28:08.480 --> 00:28:09.140 we are 00:28:09.140 --> 00:28:09.640 in 00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:12.040 and if 00:28:12.040 --> 00:28:12.460 we will 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:12.900 not believe 00:28:12.900 --> 00:28:13.160 in him 00:28:13.160 --> 00:28:13.420 we are 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:13.680 out 00:28:13.680 --> 00:28:16.540 the gospel 00:28:16.540 --> 00:28:17.160 is exclusive 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:17.620 the gospel 00:28:17.620 --> 00:28:18.380 is inclusive 00:28:18.380 --> 00:28:18.940 the gospel 00:28:18.940 --> 00:28:19.600 is dividing 00:28:19.600 --> 00:28:20.259 and lastly 00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:20.640 the gospel 00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:21.340 is unifying 00:28:21.340 --> 00:28:24.160 that if you 00:28:24.160 --> 00:28:24.720 are a follower 00:28:24.720 --> 00:28:25.240 of the Lord 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.540 Jesus 00:28:25.539 --> 00:28:27.500 you share 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:27.980 a bond 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:29.059 of unity 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:30.759 with another 00:28:30.759 --> 00:28:31.500 follower of 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:31.779 the Lord 00:28:31.779 --> 00:28:32.099 Jesus 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:33.319 in a way 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:33.859 that cannot 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:34.579 compare to 00:28:34.579 --> 00:28:35.440 anything else 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:39.119 you may like 00:28:39.119 --> 00:28:39.399 the same 00:28:39.399 --> 00:28:40.119 sports team 00:28:40.119 --> 00:28:42.259 you may like 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:42.879 the same 00:28:42.879 --> 00:28:43.859 interest 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:44.879 you might be 00:28:44.879 --> 00:28:45.299 from the same 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.039 part of town 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:48.920 you might 00:28:48.920 --> 00:28:49.680 have the same 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:50.299 occupation 00:28:50.299 --> 00:28:51.779 as someone 00:28:51.779 --> 00:28:54.799 but if you 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:55.279 fly to 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:56.220 Turkmenistan 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:56.859 and you 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:57.960 meet with 00:28:57.960 --> 00:28:58.420 a follower 00:28:58.420 --> 00:28:59.160 of the Lord 00:28:59.160 --> 00:28:59.480 Jesus 00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:00.660 who you've 00:29:00.660 --> 00:29:01.039 never met 00:29:01.039 --> 00:29:01.480 before 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:03.680 you have a 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:04.680 deeper bond 00:29:04.680 --> 00:29:06.119 with that 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:06.500 believer 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:10.019 because your 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:10.700 identity 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:13.279 is in 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:13.740 Christ 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:16.480 and he is 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.240 the source 00:29:17.240 --> 00:29:18.160 of our 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:18.639 salvation 00:29:18.639 --> 00:29:21.299 and your 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:22.399 hope in life 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:23.180 and in death 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:24.080 is shared 00:29:24.080 --> 00:29:24.720 with that 00:29:24.720 --> 00:29:25.220 brother or 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:25.480 sister 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:28.039 our identity 00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:28.920 in Christ 00:29:28.920 --> 00:29:30.480 together gives 00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:31.400 us a deeper 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:32.920 unity than 00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:33.799 anything else 00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:34.160 that can be 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:34.720 found in the 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:35.039 world 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:37.519 and we see the 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:38.060 Jerusalem council 00:29:38.060 --> 00:29:38.660 speaking in that 00:29:38.660 --> 00:29:39.060 way don't we 00:29:39.059 --> 00:29:39.799 verse 23 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:41.019 we see them 00:29:41.019 --> 00:29:41.899 address people 00:29:41.899 --> 00:29:42.460 who are 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:43.179 strangers 00:29:43.179 --> 00:29:44.899 in Antioch 00:29:44.899 --> 00:29:45.440 as brothers 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:47.720 and because 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:48.139 the gospel 00:29:48.139 --> 00:29:48.879 is unifying 00:29:48.879 --> 00:29:49.639 we are brought 00:29:49.639 --> 00:29:50.480 into the 00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:50.839 family 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:52.960 we're given 00:29:52.960 --> 00:29:53.299 a common 00:29:53.299 --> 00:29:53.639 mission 00:29:53.639 --> 00:29:54.279 we're brought 00:29:54.279 --> 00:29:54.700 into the 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:54.960 family 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:55.279 and we're 00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:55.519 given 00:29:55.519 --> 00:29:58.480 this task 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.179 of bearing 00:29:59.179 --> 00:29:59.619 with one 00:29:59.619 --> 00:29:59.899 another 00:29:59.899 --> 00:30:02.159 of making 00:30:02.159 --> 00:30:02.940 sacrifices 00:30:02.940 --> 00:30:03.579 for one 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:03.839 another 00:30:03.839 --> 00:30:04.480 of giving 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:04.919 up our 00:30:04.919 --> 00:30:05.440 preferences 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:05.980 for one 00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:06.240 another 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:08.019 to use 00:30:08.019 --> 00:30:08.759 our freedom 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:09.340 wisely 00:30:09.340 --> 00:30:09.960 for the 00:30:09.960 --> 00:30:10.200 good of 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:10.320 our 00:30:10.320 --> 00:30:10.519 brothers 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.059 and sisters 00:30:11.059 --> 00:30:13.640 and so 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.240 this entire 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:15.000 gospel movement 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:15.480 hinges 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:16.100 doesn't it 00:30:16.100 --> 00:30:17.480 on this 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:18.380 one belief 00:30:18.380 --> 00:30:19.000 of how 00:30:19.000 --> 00:30:19.500 one is 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:19.840 saved 00:30:19.840 --> 00:30:20.259 of how 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:21.000 one enters 00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:21.340 into the 00:30:21.340 --> 00:30:21.720 kingdom of 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:22.019 God 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.840 how one 00:30:22.840 --> 00:30:23.519 enters 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:23.820 into the 00:30:23.820 --> 00:30:24.220 family 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:26.340 and Acts 00:30:26.340 --> 00:30:26.940 15 teaches 00:30:26.940 --> 00:30:27.440 us that it 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:28.220 is by faith 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:28.700 alone 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:30.500 in Christ 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:30.960 alone 00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:33.140 by grace 00:30:33.140 --> 00:30:33.420 alone 00:30:33.420 --> 00:30:36.220 there's one 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:36.660 requirement 00:30:36.660 --> 00:30:37.100 this morning 00:30:37.100 --> 00:30:38.880 there is 00:30:38.880 --> 00:30:39.500 one thing 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:41.360 there is 00:30:41.360 --> 00:30:41.940 one way 00:30:41.940 --> 00:30:42.320 to God 00:30:42.320 --> 00:30:44.720 to have 00:30:44.720 --> 00:30:45.180 faith 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:46.279 alone 00:30:46.279 --> 00:30:47.259 in Jesus 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:47.620 Christ 00:30:47.620 --> 00:30:47.940 alone 00:30:47.940 --> 00:30:49.400 by his 00:30:49.400 --> 00:30:49.600 grace 00:30:49.600 --> 00:30:49.800 alone 00:30:49.800 --> 00:30:50.039 let's 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:50.220 pray