Scripture: Acts 15:1-35
Grace is all we need.
The Jews were trying to impose circumcision and the whole Law of Moses on the new Gentile converts.
Paul, more than anyone, understood their zeal for the Law:
If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith…
Philippians 3:4-9
But he also understood grace.
He, Peter, James, and Barnabas gave accounts of God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit amongst the Gentiles in response to their faith alone…their hearts were cleansed without distinction (Acts 15:9).
So rest easy in your faith. Rest in the grace of God. Glorify Him with your lives by living out that grace in faith.
Journal: Write down any hindrances to your freedom in Christ. Are there any “rules” you’re holding on to too tightly? Hold them with an open hand and thank God that you’re saved by grace.
Move: Run intervals: just like those 800 meter (half mile) intervals we did last week…let’s do them again, PLUS ONE.
Run half mile at a pace just out of your comfort zone, recover for .25 mile, and then repeat x5.
{Beginner’s run #2: Walk 5 minutes to warm-up, then run 2 minute/walk 1 minute x6, then walk 5 minutes to cool-down.}
Praise the Lord, and keep showing up!
Free and Fearless 