Acts 15:28 – May 20, 2022

It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, Acts 15:28 NABRE                 

In the early church there is a discussion and decision about what is required to become a follower of Christ. Some think it is necessary to be fully Jewish, following all the purity rituals, the Sabbath requirements, celebration of feasts as well as circumcision for men. But others think it is not necessary to become Jewish to be a follower of Christ. In fact, the leaders of the church, Peter, and James the brother of Jesus want to send a message to the forming churches that describes what is necessary. They begin by declaring that it is from the Holy Spirit that no undo burden should be put on those who want to become members of the community of people who become known as Christians. Imagine if you have to completely change who you are and your habits to become a follower of Christ, you may never find anyone who is willing to convert. These early church leaders make the requirements to join as simple as possible.

It is a good policy to make it as easy to become a follower of Christ. The church through the years has fallen away from this overarching idea of making it easy and push ritual requirements, telling us there are things we can and cannot do, and we must attend certain ceremonies and feast to become fill members. The early church leaders know it is the heart that is important to God, nothing we can do, or act we can perform will be transformational if we have nothing going on internally, nothing working on our inner being and creating hearts open to God and the love He has for us and all people. Experience God, let it change your heart and by divine love you will be witnesses to how to live. 

How do you experience God? Can you receive divine love?

The early church leaders know it is the heart that is important to God, we need to be working on our inner being and creating hearts open to God and the love He has for us and all people, then we become witnessed to God's message. Click To Tweet

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