Devo Acts 15

Chapter 15
7After 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. 8God, who knows the heart,
showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did
to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts
by faith. 10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the
disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No!
We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as
they are.” 12The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and
Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the
Gentiles through them. 13When they finished, James spoke up: “Brothers, listen
to me. 14Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by
taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15The words of the prophets are in
agreement with this, as it is written:

Meditation:
1. The Jerusalem council is a good model of handling conflicts within a church:
to face the problem, listen to all sides, try to show no partiality, appoint
spiritually mature leaders to lead the discussion, to make wise decision, and
when the decision is made that the community will obey.
2. In our church’s brief history, has there been any problem or conflict? How
was it handled? Compare it with the Jerusalem Council, what can we learn
from them?
3. Is there any problem in my cell? What should I do or how to handle it?

Personal Note:
This is the first major church conference in history.  I agree with point one in the meditation.  In any conflict, we face the problem, listen to both sides, seek spiritually mature leaders to lead and make wise decisions, and the decision is made, the whole community obey.  In Crossroad's, conflicts are imminent (bound to happen).  We all have different personalities and preference.  Whenever there is a problem, be slow to make any judgement.

During our meetings, let's have the patient to learn from one another.
What makes Paul, Barnabus, James articulate and strong in their leadership?
They are genuine love and faith for Jesus Christ.  They worked hard for the Christ sake and they personally experienced God's grace.  If you want to be respected and taken seriously, live out the Gospel.  Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12)