Note for 20250730

Acts

Fifteen

Part 15 - Acts 15 - Yoked

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The House of Bread · Note for 20250730 - Acts - Part 15 - Acts 15 - Yoked

Acts 15:1-41 KJV

[1] And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. [2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. [3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. [4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. [5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. [6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. [7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. [8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; [9] and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. [10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? [11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. [12] Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. [13] And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: [14] Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. [15] And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, [16] After this I will return, And will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; And I will build again the ruins thereof, And I will set it up: [17] That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, Saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. [18] Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. [19] Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: [20] but that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. [21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. [22] Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: [23] and they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: [24] forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: [25] it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, [26] men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [27] We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. [28] For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; [29] that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. [30] So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: [31] which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. [32] And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. [33] And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. [34] Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. [35] Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. [36] And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. [37] And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. [38] But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. [39] And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; [40] and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. [41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.15.1-41.KJV

Today, we read a great deal of procedural matters. Travels, the viewpoints of men shared with one another, and with no great surprise, a trouble for the gentile believers being raised by those from the Pharisees among them. Friends, do not forget that Paul himself was first known as the Pharisee’s, Saul. If you think this is the last time you have heard about the contention about circumcision, it is not. This was one of the first matters that nearly divided the church, and some practice it to this very day. Irrespective of personal viewpoints, this is what the council in Jerusalem determined:

Acts 15:28-29 KJV

[28] For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; [29] that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.15.28-29.KJV

This is what we have from the preserved scriptures as we have it today. This, and also the Gospels and the Epistles, not forgetting that those that Jesus entrusted to take forward the Gospel were among those who made this declaration.

Now, today the circumcision is not such a great divider as it was back then, but we have brought in other matters that divide the church. Things that were of such great contention that it divided the councils into factions. It is the truth, it is seen throughout the world. But, at this point, it will do us all well to remember Who the Head of Salvation is, that it is the Risen Jesus Christ at the Right Hand of our Father in Heaven, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Creator of Heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in it.

Very early on in this ministry that GOD has called me to, and prepared me for, we looked at the question of who is the church of Jesus Christ? This was long before all that you now see implemented for the benefit of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ (which is the most extensive series that I have brought to you to date.)

Today, we have contention about baptism, redemption (ie. Rapture teachings,) holy days and festivals, dates and calendars, abstinence or indulgence and much much more, with divided councils. And what Jesus United in His Blood, has become divided by the viewpoints of mere mortals. Now, of recent, the contention about the communion of Jesus Christ, and even contention of Who Jesus "was" in a lack of knowledge, because Jesus Christ IS ALIVE at the Throne of GOD. Which has brought a great amount of weeping for me, since many are walking back into the bondage which they were freed from, and I expect to see some Pharisees, Sadducees or scribes somewhere within the crowd of contention again. Of course, we always have the Gospels and more specifically, the Sermon on the mount to reference, but if Christ is lost in the conversation, what is left of Salvation? Undoubtedly, we then stand at the Great Falling Away moment.

Is this no reason for concern?

Once we start chopping up the Word of GOD into little sections that we are prepared to hear, then we deserve division, even as a division of goats and sheep. Then the House is no longer standing united in Christ. That sad truth, is that the house, which is in you for the Holy Spirit of GOD is divided too, isn't it? Divided in sections of love and hate, good and evil and so much of that is driven by the teachings of devils. These false doctrines, spearheaded by men (and women) of vanities, carving names out for themselves in a "follow me" mentality, in an age of excessive self-love. And once more a single line which Christ spoke sends terror through my bones. I will quote the verse, that contains that statement:

Luke 18:8 KJV

[8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.18.8.KJV

Will He find faith on the earth if He came today? I cannot speak for the earth, but will He find it in me today? And on what basis will Christ determine that faith, will it not be upon His own ministry here on earth, which He confessed is not of Him, but by that of which He heard of His Father in Heaven? So, the Gospels and more specifically, the Sermon on the mount, sealed with His Blood upon the cross of curse-wood. I have given you this in series form, both. And if I didn't, which I have, it still remains on the pages of the written Word. But, if you walk away from Jesus Christ and the Word of GOD, I (as a man) have nothing left to give you. Then, friends, I have nothing to give you, except to set up a meeting with GOD for you in my prayers. If you won't hear me, maybe you will hear GOD when He speaks by Thunder and Lightning. If the still soft voice is ignored, then the thunder and lightning will come plead with you for the sake of your soul.

Now, surely, this is not for all who hears me? Surely, mankind is hearing me? Are you? Then send me a wave or a thumbs up or anything, and let's see who is listening? However, it is not me you should hear or answer, it is GOD, and that conversation is between you and Him in secrecy.

Selah, Shalom

www.thehouseofbread.co.za

Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App (Extended from verse 17)

James 4:13-17 KJV

[13] Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: [14] whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. [15] For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. [16] But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. [17] Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jas.4.13-17.KJV

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