The Relentless Evangelist

Saul/Paul

The Full Picture

Acts 15:1-2 Then certain individuals came down

from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 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 discuss this question with the apostles and the elders.

“judaizers”

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:3

So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the believers.

Outcast cities

Outsiders “converting”

Nazareth to Samaria

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:4

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.

Welcomed

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:5

But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.”

What outward signs do we impose

Pharisees

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:6-7

The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter.

After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the Gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers.

Peter’s Call VS

Paul’s Action

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:8-9

And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us; and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us.

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:10

Now therefore why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?

We had to so you do too?

Holding others to standard you can’t do

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:11-12

On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. 

Grace – the great equalizer

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:13-14

After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name.

Who is Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:15-16

This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written, ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; from its ruins I will rebuild it, and I will set it up,

They had been quoting the Bible for the circumcision debate, but needed to be reminded of what else the Bible said. Details vs Big Picture

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Acts 15:17

so that all other peoples may seek the Lord— even all the Gentiles over whom my name has been called. Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things

What About the Bible?What does this mean?

Everyone is included? Really?What if you had been following hundreds of

rules as part of your faith and suddenly those who had not, were included?

What differences between people might Paul list today if he were convincing us that we are all one in Christ?

Saul was given a new name marking his new life.If you were given a new name, for service,

what would it be?Do you think you need something as drastic as

a name change to change your life?

Questions for Conversation

Read Galatians 6:17

When Paul talked about having the “Marks of Jesus branded” on his body in Galatians 6:17, he probably wasn’t talking about tattoos. His marks may have been scars from his persecution or imprisonments. Like tattoos, they may have been permanent markings that came with pain and tagged him forever.Draw/write some of the things that have

painfully “marked” you on the paper provided

Marks of Christ

Anyone have any interesting scar stories?How do you feel about tattoos?

How about after you have kids?Or are a grand parent?

What would a tattoo symbolizing YOUR “mark of Christ” look like?

Do you “wear” your faith more publically or privately? Where would you put your “mark of Christ” tattoo?

Questions for Conversation

Sharing God in our livesRose

High point in your faith and/or life over the last week

ThornLow point in your

faith and/or life over the last week

Suggestions for May Youth Group event?One final spot remaining for Mystery Mission

Trip 2013Car Wash – June 2

All are asked to come and participate (Mystery Missionary kids required)

Kiddie Carnival – Old Settlers WeekendAll are asked to come and participate (Mystery

Missionary kids required)Confirmation Day is May 19, all 3 confirmands

will be robing and acolyting that day.

Announcements

From Philippians 1:3-5I thank my God every time I remember you

Ryleigh, Mary, Wyatt, Jake, Keaton, Erica, Taylin, Devin, Kode, and Zach, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.

Benediction & Sending