week of 6/2

Unit 34 Session 1

PRIORITIZING THE GOSPEL

ACTS 15

 

When questions arose about the Gospel, the early church gathered to clarify that justification is through faith alone, affirming a core doctrine that unites all of God's people.

As the church grew, people from non-Jewish backgrounds were coming to faith in Jesus Christ. At first, Cornelius believed under Peter's ministry. Then persecution caused believers to scatter and bring the gospel to Hellenists (Acts 11:20-21). Then Paul and Barnabas brought the gospel from Antioch throughout Asia Minor. Now the church had to deal with an important question: do you first have to become Jewish to follow Jesus? This question created a great conflict among believers who wanted to be faithful to the Bible.

Points to consider:

✞   The church experiences division 

     in applying the Gospel.

     * What types of works do 

        people add to the Gospel?

     * How do you guard yourself 

        from adding to the Gospel?

✞   The church exercises wisdom 

     in affirming the Gospel.

     * How does God's grace work 

        so that we might believe 

        the Gospel?

     * How do we help others grow 

        in Christ without burdening 

        them?

✞   The church encourages unity 

     in advancing the Gospel.

     * What steps can you take 

        to stand for Gospel unity?

     * How can we encourage 

        others toward more unity?