TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Acts 15
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Acts 15:36–51
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
Today, conflicts arise when we give importance to the inessentials, which are unnecessary for salvation. These practices do not affect our faith and are not condemned in the Bible as wrong or evil. Issues like mode of worship, kind of music, the form of baptism, type of church government, denominational emphasis, the second coming of Christ, and others often divide the church and have members leave the body. How can this be resolved?
Unless certain practices are clearly contradictory and condemned by the Bible, they cannot be judged as something wrong. We need to respect each other’s distinctiveness which makes us unique individuals. We need to focus on the essentials that directly affect our faith. This can be found in the church’s statement of faith. Who is God? Who is Jesus? What is sin? What is the church for? We are certain that salvation is by faith alone. At the same time, believing that the Bible has the final authority is essential and can never be compromised.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we are inspired by Acts 15’s message of unity and seeking Your guidance. Just as the early Church faced decisions, guide us in our choices. Help leaders decide with Your wisdom. May we unite in our faith, transcending differences, and may Your will be our focus. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Recent Comments