Abstain from Idols, All sexual Sins, blood and strangled meats |
I took notes as our Bible
Study prior to church took a New Testament turn.
Acts 10:34-36 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I
perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him
and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the
children of Israel ,
preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—
The Law was written by the
hand of God who never changes and was given to Moses. Prophets told of a coming Messiah to be born
of a Virgin in Bethlehem .
Jesus fulfilled that prophesy
and walked the earth as man, yet He is God.
Jesus died; rose again and
showed Himself to many. He then ascended
into Heaven with a promise that He would return. In the mean time, Jesus told them to wait for
the Holy Spirit to be poured out.
There was a shift in time - -
The Israelites in Egypt
were slaves, but God brought them out as free men, into the Promised Land. There was a change from bondage to freedom.
The Holy Spirit was another
shift in time when the promise was received.
The weak, timid believers
were endued with power and were set free to minister the Gospel of a Risen
Savior.
At first they only preached
to the Jews, but in a vision it was revealed to Peter that God is not partial
only to the Jews, but there was a separation from Strict Law to Grace. Peter questioned, but obeyed the vision and
went to a Gentile home where he was welcomed and surprised.
Many gentiles believed on
Jesus and upon them was also poured out the Holy Spirit with the evidence of
speaking in other tongues.
After prayer and
consideration, the disciples decided that the new Gentile Christians need not be
put into bondage that they were unable to keep.
They were urged to only keep
themselves free from idols, blood, strangled meats, and fornication (sexual
sins.)
It was their responsibility
to experience Grace – Not Sloppy or Greasy Grace but according to conscience
and God’s Word.
They were given freedom to
make decisions based on the Law of Love along with the exhortation to remain
Holy.
Their desire was to Please
God in every area of their lives.
2 comments:
Seeking to please God in every area is what is lacking now.
I pray the Lord ensues us with strength so we can stand firm for Him alone.
Many Blessings Aunt Hazel.
Yes, may God help us to seek to please Him in every area, also. I think often of that Scripture where it says, "without holiness, no man shall see the Lord". We must be holy, as He is a holy God, and sin will never enter Heaven. His Word will not change. Thank God, He is a faithful God!
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