| Author | Message | ||
| Gcfrankie Registered user Username: Gcfrankie Post Number: 612 Registered: 1-2007 |
I am reading the book of Acts and came to chapter fifteen (15) where it tells about how Paul and Barnabus were challenged by the Jewish believers from Judea about keeping the law of Moses on circumcision to be saved. It tells how Paul and Barnabus went to talk to the elders in Jersualem and after much confiring the elders said the Gentiles were not to be burdened with the yoke their ancestors could not bear and so a letter was sent to the Gentiles. I have read this many times and this time God gave me a light bulb moment. Isn't the SDA church doing the same thing as the Jewish leaders in Antioch were trying to do putting people back under the law of Moses? The only difference is they (sda) pick and choose what laws of Moses are to be followed. Since I have been out and have a clearer view of the sda church, it is like having one foot in the ot and one in the nt and trying to live in both. You can not live in the ot life style in the nt times. The ot is history to learn from and Gods' teachings. I am not talking about prophesy. I am talking about everyday living which is taught in the nt. Gail | ||
| 8thday Registered user Username: 8thday Post Number: 1282 Registered: 11-2007  |
It's embarrassing how much alike it is.. And the thing is.. the HOLY SPIRIT made the decision there, and who are we to keep trying to go back on it? | ||
| Bskillet Registered user Username: Bskillet Post Number: 607 Registered: 8-2008 |
One of the powerful things about Acts 15 is this: Paul writes in Galatians that before this meeting (must have been before this meeting for various reasons, though I won't go into the chronology of Galatians here): This indicates that the "men [who] came from James" were part of "the circumcision group," i.e. those who advocated that Gentile converts must be circumcised. The only implication that makes sense here is that, at that time James was advocating that Gentiles be circumcised. A lot of Bible-thumpers don't like this fact about James because they like to think that prominent Biblical characters, especially those who wrote the Bible, were sinless and perfect from birth itself. Yet when the Acts 15 meeting happened, we find James as the one who makes the final, unequivocal statement that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised and keep the Torah. What amazes me about this is how the Holy Spirit can bring us to do an about face on what we used to believe, changing our hearts and minds by His gracious power. James went from an advocate of circumcision to an advocate of liberty. | ||
| Martinc Registered user Username: Martinc Post Number: 101 Registered: 9-2006 |
Great point, Bskillet, that the Holy Spirit prompted a total about face in James. I had been bothered for some time knowing that the "Party of James" did not grasp the Gospel, and for awhile, were agents of Galatianism. Then, the massive change of mind of heart. His expression, "the royal law" now becomes clear; it is not any part of Moses' law. Someone changed his mind. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 10486 Registered: 12-2003  |
Very interesting point, Brent. I'd also been bothered by that apparent dichotomy. Yes, what a great example of the Holy Spirit at work! Colleen | ||
| Pegg Registered user Username: Pegg Post Number: 441 Registered: 2-2006 |
Thanks for the Scriptural illustration, Brent. It is exceptionally meaningful as we think of those we love who are left behind. Holy Spirit God is the ONLY ONE who can effect this kind of change. He does it at His own pace and within His own timing. We should never, never think that it is our studied arguments or apologetics that carry the day. When He has use for us He will provide the clear occasion as well as the words to say (or not!). Always HE Will Do The Work! Pegg  | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 7587 Registered: 3-2004  |
Pegg said, "Always HE will do the work". Amen, Amen, Amen. Diana L |
