But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.
There is a maxim that says if you love hot dogs, do not watch them being made. A similar sentiment has been expressed about denominational meetings. Today is the last day of the 140th Bible Fellowship Conference. Instead of watching hot dogs get made, we have seen unity, brotherly love, singing, preaching of the word, and prayer. Sure, there has been debate but in a healthy gathering of church leaders, there will be debate because that is how you get it right. The growing fellowship of churches found out. Gentiles were being saved into an as yet Jewish sect and there was a question of whether non Jews needed to be circumcised. The first conference had begun.
There was robust debate but in the end, the right answer was agreed upon that no yoke be placed on their necks. We may have more debate today and it could get visceral. In the end though, there will be unity and love, just as before. Please pray for the decisions made here today, that they would reflect the spirit of the Jerusalem Council.
Dear Lord, thank you for establishing the church and its structure. Help us to be good stewards of your grace as we make decisions today. May you be honored and glorified in it today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church