Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Simple Grace

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 2/8/11 Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15 - Simple Grace

S- Acts 15:10 JBP, "Why then must you now strain the patience of God by trying to put on the shoulders of these disciples a burden which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Surely the fact is that it is by the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved by faith, just as they are!"

O - Some disciples from Jerusalem had traveled to Antioch and began to place "The Law" on the shoulders of Non-Jewish Believers. But James admitted that not even the Jewish fathers had been able to bear the Law!  So they discussed this dilemma and decided to send a letter with simple words of encouragement, releasing these people from further expectations.  It is by Grace that we are all saved. Period.

A- Do we sometimes make the gospel too complicated?  Do we put too many works on people, others as well as ourselves? Jesus has done it all - we are to live in that. Look at the results of Grace - v 31, "They handed over the letter to them. And they, when they read it, were delighted with the encouragement it gave them."  Let's encourage others with the Gospel of Grace, not Works and Law. Let's stop "straining the patience of God!"

P - Father, I believe we have it all mixed up... Old Covenant and New. Teach us the difference and the ability to walk free of Law and simply in the Life of Jesus.  

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