Paul openly communicates the gospel which he is to preach among the Gentiles in Jerusalem. However, among the apostles he discusses privately should their seemingly disunity affect the work of the gospel. During the meeting there were spies from the Jewish authorities that they may have them follow rules that were abolished at the cross. But they did not bow to pressure that the truth of the gospel may be sustained. Whoever they were it was no difference to Paul for God does not show favourtism in judgement. Whether circumcised or uncircumcised. The gospel for the uncircumcised was given to Paul and the circumcised was to Peter. Thus, when Peter, James and John saw the grace given to Paul, they gave Paul and Barnabas to go to the Gentiles. One thing they asked was that they should remember the poor which Paul was eager to do.
1) Among leaders we should discuss matters privately and set a direction for the church rather than each having his own view in public causing confusion.
2) We should not follow unnecessary rules lest it becomes a stumbling block for new believers.
3) What is important is not what your pastor, elder, deacon, bible teacher, youth leader say but what the Bible says.
4) God does not judge us according to our works
5) Remember the poor who had given up their material possessions for God
During meetings it is the opportunity to air my views. Whatever we have decided we should all support it 100%. I should not challenge the decision such as making counter proposals which would make it harder for the initiative to gain support. We should leave our differences after the decision is made but rather work together for the good of the gospel and the church.
Sometimes we have many rules to follow but we should consider which is the law and the commandment. The rest should not have to be observed because it is the law but rather you want to.
Many times one likes to ask advise from leaders in church. It is good to do so, but at the end of the day we must consult the Bible as the Bible is the only rule of our faith.
Even if I am an evangelist and thousands come to Christ it does not affect my salvation. Salvation does not come about by any of the works I do but rather Christ imputed righteousness. I should be careful to remember that I am unworthy but Christ is worthy that is why we have the assurance of salvation.
Sacrifice is not easy. That is especially so for time. Anyway, here what the Bible wants us to remember is that we should take care of those who had given up everything for God. Love one another.
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