Acts 15:1-21
Reflect
In June of 1985 the NHL Board of Governors decided to introduce the “offsetting penalties” rule. What this involved was, when both teams received a penalty on the same play, the teams would still be able to put five skaters each on the ice instead of four on four. This became known as the “Gretzky Rule”, since it was introduced mainly because the Oilers would consistently score goals when playing four on four or three on three. This rule was, coincidentally, reversed in 1992 after the Oilers were no longer as dominant.
In our passage today we see much discussion as to whether or not there should be a rule added to what is required for salvation. Some believers who had a Jewish background felt that it would only be fair to expect Gentile converts to adopt Jewish traditions. Paul and Barnabas and the Jerusalem council concluded that adding prerequisite rules in order to make things “fairer” does not align with Jesus’ teaching on salvation. Scripture makes it very clear that it is by grace through faith we are saved. Do we ever add rules to what we believe is required to follow Jesus?
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Lia Daniels, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; Bookkeeper Lynette Carlson.