1. The Gospel is for all people – Acts 15:1-35 1. Growth results in a problem a. caused by large number of Gentile Christians a. caused by large number of Gentile Christians b. Do these Gentiles have to become Jews? - v.1,2,5 b. Do these Gentiles have to become Jews? - v.1,2,5 c. A good solution results in worldwide growth of the Church c. A good solution results in worldwide growth of the Church

2. 2. What is essential for salvation? Many take part in the conference –v.3-6 We have detailed the input of:- a. Peter – v.7-11 b. Barnabas & Paul – v.12 c. James – v.13-21. The O.T. looked forward to the Gentiles being temple worshippers. Jesus is the new temple & Jews & Gentiles are one – Eph.2:11-22; 1Pet.2:4-10

3. Peters input (Paul & James agree) 1. It is the same Gospel for all – v.10 2. It is a Gospel of grace –v.11 We receive:- a. Cleansing from sin – v.9 a. Cleansing from sin – v.9 b. The gift of the Spirit, new life – v.8 b. The gift of the Spirit, new life – v.8 3. We receive salvation by faith – v.7,9 It is by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone

4. Pauls teaching – Gal.3:6-14 1. Abraham was saved by faith – v.6,7 2. Abraham heard the Gospel & believed. He heard that it was for all nations – v.8,9 3. The law condemns us – v.10-12 4. Christ took our judgment/curse – v.13 5. When we trust in Christ we receive:- a. Forgiveness a. Forgiveness b. The Spirit b. The Spirit Paul is strong that circumcision is not necessary – Gal.1:6-9; 5:1-6,11,12; 6:12-16

5. 3. What is vital for unity? There was unity in the decision – v.22,25,28 a. Inflexible on the essentials, flexible on the non- essentials – cf. Acts16:3; 21:17-26; 1Cor.9:19,20 b. A humble, loving spirit - circumcision party - circumcision party - Peter – cf. Gal.2:11-13 - Peter – cf. Gal.2:11-13 - James - James - Paul & Barnabas - Paul & Barnabas

6. 4. Our response a. Taking hold of Gods salvation – in Christ alone, through grace alone, by faith alone b. United in life & work – we need to be:- 1. Humble 1. Humble 2. Sensitive 2. Sensitive 3. Devoted to the Gospel & spreading it 3. Devoted to the Gospel & spreading it - local mission - local mission - world mission - world mission