STORY / CONTEXT

• We are continuing our journey through the book of Acts

• In Acts 13–14, we saw the gospel advancing rapidly through the work of the Holy Spirit

• Gentiles are coming to faith in large numbers

• But growth brings tension—and now the church faces its first major internal crisis

Big Question in Acts 15:

What does it actually take to be saved?

Illustration:

• Two invitations to dinner

  • One says: “Come—everything’s already prepared.”

  • The other says: “Come—but bring something to earn your place.”

Acts 15 reveals which invitation the gospel really is.

SCRIPTURE READING – Acts 15:1–5

• Some believers insist Gentiles must follow Jewish law to be saved

• Circumcision is presented as a requirement for salvation

• This is not a minor disagreement—it strikes at the heart of the gospel

Observation

The church is not being attacked from the outside—but confused from the inside.

A GOSPEL-CENTERED CHURCH… (PART 1)

Must Confront a Serious PROBLEM

• The problem: adding human effort to God’s grace

• Salvation is being redefined as Jesus + something else

• This creates division, confusion, and spiritual burden

Key Scripture:

• Ephesians 2:8–9 — salvation is by grace through faith, not works

Key Insight

• Works for grace = legalism

• Works from grace = gratitude

SCRIPTURE READING – Acts 15:6–21

• Apostles and elders gather

• There is debate—but also listening

• Peter speaks from experience

• Paul and Barnabas testify to God’s work

• James grounds the decision in Scripture

A GOSPEL-CENTERED CHURCH… (PART 2)

Commits to a Redemptive PROCESS

• The church:

  • Took the issue seriously

  • Submitted to spiritual authority

  • Rooted decisions in Scripture

  • Sought unity, not victory

Key Insight

• Healthy churches don’t avoid conflict—they handle it biblically

• Scripture, not emotion or opinion, settles theological disputes

SCRIPTURE READING – Acts 15:22–29

• A letter is written and sent

• The decision is clear, unified, and Spirit-led

• No additional burden is placed on Gentile believers

A GOSPEL-CENTERED CHURCH… (PART 3)

Takes a Faithful POSITION

• Salvation is by grace alone—nothing added

• But believers are called to live graciously with one another

Key Scripture:

• Romans 14:13–19 — pursue peace, love, and mutual upbuilding

Key Insight

• Freedom in Christ is real—but love governs how we use it

• Grace never excuses selfishness

SCRIPTURE READING – Acts 15:30–35

• The letter brings encouragement and joy

• The church is strengthened

• Teaching and preaching resume

A GOSPEL-CENTERED CHURCH… (FINAL)

Returns to Its God-Given PURPOSE

• Unity is restored

• Mission resumes

• The gospel moves forward

Key Verse:

• Acts 15:35 — teaching and preaching the Word continues

SUMMARY / APPLICATION

• Grace cannot be improved—only received

• When churches:

  • Protect the gospel

  • Handle conflict biblically

  • Choose unity over preference

The mission continues.

Questions for Reflection

• Am I adding anything to God’s grace?

• Am I extending the same grace to others that I depend on myself?

• Is the gospel still the main thing in my life?

Because the church is strongest when grace—not rules—holds us together.