Unity in the Gospel

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 11:1-18

 

Acts 11:17-18

 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” ¹⁸ When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

(ESV)

 

World leaders often speak of unifying their countries, but few have accomplished unification.  The major obstacle to unification is a belief by each group of individuals within the nation or community that their group, and its ideas,  are somehow superior to other groups.  To achieve unity a leader must rally those he or she leads around an idea or movement they can believe in that enhances their lives.  All philosophies and ideas of humanity fall short in this area for they are based upon the ideas of men and women who fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).  However, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide a universal and unifying message people can believe in and be saved with the reward of eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10).  The best news is that receiving this message of salvation is available to all because it is not based upon the works of any man or woman but the work of the sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8). 

 

The reports of Peter's encounter with Cornelius in Caesarea have received attention throughout Judea causing criticism from the circumcision party (Acts 11:1-2).  This circumcision party is also mentioned in Titus 1:10 in the context of those who are insubordinate, empty talkers, and deceivers (Titus 1:9-11).  The theology of the circumcision party was that Gentiles coming to a belief in Jesus as savior must be circumcised as a demonstration of their faith in Jesus as their savior.  This is in direct contradiction with the teaching of salvation through grace based upon the completed work of Jesus on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Despite the errancy of their theology, this group had power with Peter even backing down from being with Gentiles when men came to him from James, out of fear of the circumcision party (Galatians 2:12). 

 

It is interesting that Peter feared the circumcision party when in Antioch and stood up to them in Jerusalem after witnessing the Holy Spirit falling on those in the household of Cornelius (Acts 11:4-17; Galatians 2:12).  Perhaps Peter was caught up with feelings of euphoria after the events in the household of Cornelius at Caesarea, later succumbing to fear in Antioch after the feelings of euphoria wore off.  Consistency of faith comes not through feelings but through transformation by the renewing of one's mind with knowledge from the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2).  This is why it is imperative, especially in the chaotic times in which we find ourselves in 2020, to practice the spiritual disciples of prayer, the study of God’s Word, and meditation on God’s Word so we can apply it to our daily lives and remain consistent. 

 

The world needs revival or a return to living according to the Godly principles contained in the Word of God for this is the unifying message that all humanity needs for all people have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23).  The Gospel dispels any feelings of superiority as it places all humanity on equal ground as sinners under a death penalty for their sins (Romans 6:23).  However, God universally makes salvation available to all who accept it through the death of His son Jesus (Romans 5:8).  I want to invite anyone reading this who has not accepted the gift of salvation to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I now urge everyone reading this to share this post on social media and with those on their contact list by text and email so they too can unify around the life-transforming message of the Gospel.  May God bless everyone reading this post.