ACTS 15
The big THEOLOGICAL ISSUE today:
"Grace plus _________ equals salvation"
------ different people fill the blank with different theologies
------ such as grace + baptism = salvation
PROBLEMS WITH SAMEISM (when everyone thinks, acts and believes the same way)
- neglects growing room
"God gets to determine when and how someone grows and matures"
- assumes righteousness
"If we ever get to a place where we think we have God (the infinite, all-knowing creator) figured out, maybe we can execute more humility."
- concentrates on externals
- motivated by jealousy
"when we demand them to bear the burdens I have...we are jealous they have liberty or a freedom in Christ we may not have"
--- is there ever a time to part ways? yes (sadly) -----
WHY?
- serious theological teaching is debated
HOW?
- carefully and patiently considered
[be slow to anger and quick to listen] John 1:19
- receive representative counsel
(including those who don't agree with you - in Acts 15, everybodys got a say)
- biblical and holy spirit evidences
NEVER
- when an "-ism" occurs. reference last few weeks of sermons at FBC Clarion (meism, heroism, themism, etc.)
