DAY ONE - The big debate (part 1)
Acts 15:1-5
A big part of Peter and the apostles work after Jesus' ascension was to work out the details of how the church would function. Jesus had left them with a doctrinal base and an organizational framework, but there were many smaller issues that cropped up that had to be prayerfully addressed, like the issue of circumcision brought up in this passage. While they were embracing a new covenant under Jesus, not everything from their Jewish history had to be thrown away. The trick was figuring out how it was all going to work out.
When we start our own families, we are coming from a long history of our past generations. Our beliefs, traditions, values, or even just habits might not be shared by our husband. What differences did you discover when you got married? What differences emerged later on in your marriage, perhaps when you had children, or as the children grew? What differences have presented themselves between you and your children?
When we start our own families, we are coming from a long history of our past generations. Our beliefs, traditions, values, or even just habits might not be shared by our husband. What differences did you discover when you got married? What differences emerged later on in your marriage, perhaps when you had children, or as the children grew? What differences have presented themselves between you and your children?
DAY TWO - The big debate (part 2)
Acts 15:6-11
"The apostles and elders were gathered together to consider this matter. And after there had been much debate..."
The definition of debate is "a formal discussion on a particular topic, in which opposing arguments are put forward." Oftentimes it is hard to imagine that another way of doing things could be at least as effective as our own way, let alone a better way. When differences come up, do you allow for debate - a presenting of opposing sides? When Peter rose to make his pronouncement, it seems that he listened to all the arguments and then gave his summation. What might have helped Peter to listen fairly to all sides and then come up with the right answer to the question? How can we mimic Peter when it comes to our own differences of opinion with our families?
DAY THREE - Signs and wonders
Acts 15:12-18
After Peter speaks on the Gentile issue, Paul and Barnabas tell their stories of the signs and wonders God has done through the apostles among the Gentiles. Then James rises and quotes scripture that states that God will rebuild and restore the ruins so that all may seek the Lord.
Our children come to us new, waiting to be taught and instructed in what we choose. What wonders has God done through you, for your children, as you have taught them the gospel?
But, like James says, sometimes it is not about newness and teaching, sometimes it is about restoring and rebuilding. What wonders has God done through you, for your children, after they have fallen in sin and need restoration?
Our children come to us new, waiting to be taught and instructed in what we choose. What wonders has God done through you, for your children, as you have taught them the gospel?
But, like James says, sometimes it is not about newness and teaching, sometimes it is about restoring and rebuilding. What wonders has God done through you, for your children, after they have fallen in sin and need restoration?
DAY FOUR - A written letter
Acts 15:19-35
The big debate has come to a close. Peter, Paul and James have all spoken their piece. Now James recommends that they write letters, as church authorities, to be taken to the Gentiles to help clarify the principles and practices. But it is not a long letter that contains all the points of the debate regarding circumcision, and it does not try to defend their position. Instead, the apostles filtered down the message to three key commandments. Underline what they emphasized in their letters to the Gentiles (verses 20 and 28-29.)
Write down each of your children's names. What difference exists right now between you? Write that down under each name. Now look at that issue and try to discern if there is something deeper, more important behind it. For the apostles, obedience was not going to be about the Law of Moses or circumcision, but there were a few key commandments that were necessary for the Gentiles to adhere to. Under each child's name, write down what the key commandment or doctrine you really want to teach them in regards to this issue. If you have a chance, write a letter or short note (as age appropriate) to your child to help express your feelings on the issue.
Write down each of your children's names. What difference exists right now between you? Write that down under each name. Now look at that issue and try to discern if there is something deeper, more important behind it. For the apostles, obedience was not going to be about the Law of Moses or circumcision, but there were a few key commandments that were necessary for the Gentiles to adhere to. Under each child's name, write down what the key commandment or doctrine you really want to teach them in regards to this issue. If you have a chance, write a letter or short note (as age appropriate) to your child to help express your feelings on the issue.
DAY FIVE - Sharp contention
Acts 12:35-41
Are you as unsettled as I am to end a study on the apostles of the new church with a sharp disagreement and contention? Most of the rest of the book of Acts follows Paul, and so this is really the end of the account of the apostles in general.
What message do you see in the recording of this "contention so sharp between them that they departed asunder one from the other?" We have carefully studied the building of a church, in hopes to relate it to the building of our families. We have studied the leaders of the church to compare it to motherhood and leading our children. We have studied the growth of the gospel, and we have the hindsight of seeing it flood the earth, so we know that this was not the disintegration and end of the church. Knowing that the church succeeded, what insight does that give into this contention and separation?
What message do you see in the recording of this "contention so sharp between them that they departed asunder one from the other?" We have carefully studied the building of a church, in hopes to relate it to the building of our families. We have studied the leaders of the church to compare it to motherhood and leading our children. We have studied the growth of the gospel, and we have the hindsight of seeing it flood the earth, so we know that this was not the disintegration and end of the church. Knowing that the church succeeded, what insight does that give into this contention and separation?
