Witness: Connects #7 Series

We began a conversation 5 weeks ago about what gives us meaning in this life and I suggested that the question is actually a mute point for those who call themselves Christian because if we believe that Christ came, died and rose again then we must also live out this reality. To live out this belief we are call to become a witness for Christ. A witness is an impossible role without the acceptance of the God into one’s heart, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for the single intent of glorifying our Lord through public declaration of a belief in and adherence to Jesus Christ over an extended period of time.

This week we will continue the lesson by continuing with the heart of God as given to us through the scriptures. However, before we dive in, I’d like to tell you a story of connection.

One of the first churches I worked at was a man named Al. He was a bit quirky. When he gave me a tour of the church on my first day. I couldn't stop thinking that if was a leader in the church, no wonder why they weren't growing. However, over the course of the next two years I realized how much the community of faith respected him. He was there at every turn. Every project. Every need. He was there. He never was really communicative but he was loving, kind and reliably Christian. When I left that church, AL and I went through the building to discuss the need for certain changes to bring it up to the standards of the surrounding community. It would be five years later when I would return for his funeral. He died suddenly in the church finishing the last of the projects. His funeral was so amazing. People told stories of the awkward guy who loved and cared so completely he didn't need words. End the Story with: “A great witness demands unity of the body (connection) and acceptance of one another as Christ's heirs.”

To see this played out within scripture, I’d like to ask you turn to Chapter 15 in the book of Acts. While you are turning there, let me highlight what has transpired since we left the disciples last Sunday in chapter 13. I encourage you to read all of chapter 14 but the cliff notes or spark notes are: Paul and Barnabas continue preaching and teaching boldly in a number of cities. At one point, Paul is stoned and left for dead outside Lystre. He, of course, doesn’t die but a pops up and continues on his journey. He even returns to the places he was persecuted by some to strengthen those who had come to know Jesus. He truly was living the “Don’t leave a man behind” mantra. He would eventually settle back in Antioch until a church dispute came up. Its here we pick up the story in Acts 15:6 - Pray for the Spirit’s transformation of souls

Scripture

6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question.

It seems someone from corporate heard that the new converts weren’t following all the rules. They were still acting like their old selves so a Pharisee more than likely, headed to Antioch to lay down the law. They obviously needed to know they weren’t doing it right. This created quite a stir and the biggest flare up came around the question of whether or not new followers of “The Way” would need to be circumcised like faithful Jews. Obviously, this was causing an issue for the men but it also showed there were some who saw Jesus’ ministry as a supplement to the Law of Moses not a fulfillment of Old Testament law (matt 5:17). So Paul and Barnabas went to corporate to get this issue straight.

7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

Peter eventually stands up as a leader. He has heard all sides of the debate. I’m sure there were pre-meetings and power plays. However, it was Peter who brought forth the facts. The Holy Spirit was given to all who would believe. No special ritual or perfect life was required for God to share His Spirit. The old “rules” didn’t apply anymore. God was doing something new. The next line tells us that it was at this moment, Barnabas and Paul jumped in to give concrete examples of God’s working in the world.