September 27, 2026

Nearly twenty years after Pentecost, the early church faced its most defining theological crisis. The Jerusalem Council's decision in Acts 15 settled a question that still shapes how we understand salvation today: does grace alone save us, or do we need to add something to it?

What makes this sermon so compelling is how relatable the conflict feels. Even genuine believers struggled to let go of old systems and traditional practices. They carried personal baggage into their faith, and that baggage almost derailed the gospel message for Gentile converts entirely.

Paul and Barnabas testified to God's miraculous work among the Gentiles, and Peter made clear that God showed absolutely no distinction between Jews and non-Jews, giving both the Holy Spirit through faith alone. James then supported thi ...