Solving problems is hard. Solving problems in way where everyone is happy is impressive. In the early church, the biggest problem of the day was the integration of Jews and Gentiles into the church. These two groups were separate in all ways. Gentiles becoming Christians was new for the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. It was difficult for them to comprehend. It was even offensive to some. It is safe to say this was the biggest problem in the early church. How would the leaders of the early church solve this problem?
We find the answer in Acts 15. The early church leaders brought the best minds together to give input. They sought answers from personal experience, from Holy Spirit led events, and from Scripture. The way they instructed both Jews and Gentiles was crucial to the ongoing ministry of the Christian church. If they showed favor to the Jews, the Gentile ministry that was now thriving could be derailed. If they showed favor to the Gentiles, the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem might go back to legalistic Judaism. The best plan proved to be biblical, Holy Spirit inspired truth paired with loving and kind wisdom.
This Sunday at The Rock we will dig deeper into how the problems were solved. The solutions are helpful to us today. We have problems in the church ranging from political fighting, pandemic arguments, and racial tensions. We have problems in our personal lives such as anxiety, relational trouble, and health concerns. The solutions in Acts 15 in principle can be applied in many ways for us. May God give us hope and solutions in our lives today!
Please take note of ways to gather for Sunday Service at The Rock:
1) We are meeting outside at Manhattan Beach Pre-School for our Sunday Service at 3:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, masks and Bibles! For a complete copy of our guidelines for re-opening CLICK HERE.
2) We will also be live on Facebook Live (NOT ZOOM). If you don’t feel comfortable joining us in person, are feeling sick, or have been exposed to someone who is sick stay connected through this live-stream - CLICK HERE at 3:30 Sunday afternoon.
3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon. I will send out an email the week following with the sermon link attached.
“And when they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.” - Acts 15:31
- Pastor Curt
Theological Word of The Week:
Raised in Glory
A phrase describing our future resurrection bodies, which will exhibit a beauty and radiance appropriate to the position of exaltation and rule over creation that God will give us after the manner of Christ.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry
Children can join Cameron every Sunday for Bible time during the service. They will go through the Bible story by story.
Sermon Topic - April 11
Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy
Acts 15:22-35
“Solving Problems Jesus Style”
2020 Final