Sermon Scripture Passage:
Acts 15:1-35
Complementary Old Testament Passage:
Amos 9:11-15
Sermon Outline:
- How division comes into the church
- The Law of Moses foreshadows the Gospel of Christ
- True Unity is found in the Christ of the Scriptures
- Under-Shepherds guard unity with the Word of the Good Shepherd
Family Discussion Questions:
- What are some things the Old Testament people needed to do that the church no longer has to do after Jesus came?
- How did Jesus change things?
- Why should Christians obey God’s laws?
- What are some laws from God that will never change?
- How does division come into the church?
- It is common to label it divisive for elders to address false teaching. Why is this such a successful trick?
- Why would laws based on God’s character never change?
- What is positive law and give an example or two?
- What was the purpose of the ceremonial laws found in the books of Moses and why would it be undermining Christ to require those things again?
- How does James use Amos to explain why circumcision is no longer necessary?
- What is the role of elders in this passage?
- Explain the two views regarding the instructions given to the Antioch church and how they both demonstrate that true unity is holy unity which rests in Christ.
