February 9, 2023 -- Acts 15:1-5 -- The Acts of the Apostles: facing raging debates and spiritual questions

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But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”
Acts 15:1-5 ESV

Should Christians be circumcised in order to keep the Old Testament law? The passage before us today describes this as the custom of Moses. It is a fairly easy question for us to answer. Verse 28 answers the question. No. Christians do not need to be circumcised. Their pastoral letter, sent at that time, to the various Christian gatherings who wondered about such things was simple: abstain from food sacrificed to idols and keep from sexual immorality (verse 29). Christians in every generation will experience debates and have to answer hard questions.

A number of years ago a big debate raged among a few friends who were noticing foods in grocery stores which were marked halal, or HTO which is a recognized halal certification. The designation of HTO, or halal means that it is acceptable for practicing Muslims to eat of it. In the same way that food marked kosher, or COR, or kosher OU, is used to certify foods that Jewish people can eat. (Kosher OU means food is accepter for Jewish people in common time, but not acceptable for the Passover Feast.) Some who were very upset said other Christians must not eat halal foods. Simply put, there is no other god but the LORD God Almighty. Such foods, however they have been prepared, are acceptable to Christians, unless it violates the conscience of others or makes such weaker brothers and sister stumble in their faith, see I Corinthians 8.

Every generation faces hard questions. Currently the government is promoting the nonsense of there being more than 2 genders. It was reported this week that a student in a Roman Catholic School in Renfrew Ontario was arrested for saying there are only two genders^. There are sincere Christians who debate whether or not various sexual preferences are in fact sinful. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must pray for one another. Examine the word together. Hold the line on what is Biblical and True. Know that the Devil, a.k.a., the father of lies (John 8:44), will always be seeking to subvert earnest Christians and infiltrate with subtle lies and half-truths which must be rooted out. Thankfully, Jesus also promised “Whoever is of God hears the words of God” (John 8:47). That word “hear” will immediately remind the devote believer of Deuteronomy 6:4, the Sh’ma, Hear (and obey).

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Great and awesome are all Your works. You are honoured and adored by all whom You have claimed through the blood of Jesus Christ. Merciful Father in heaven, send out Your Spirit so that Your people will face the hard questions of our age and the raging questions of our day. We confess it is tempting to want to be liked. We admit we'd prefer to be at peace with the world around us rather than being indignant and angry at the very things which violate Your Holiness. Triune God, fill our hearts, minds and, imaginations with the picture of Your splendor so that we will rise up and praise You and serve You no matter the cost and do so wherever it is You place us. As Your people live for You with great boldness, draw many to Yourself through such witness. Amen.

https://youtu.be/h-T7UbxF85g
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