Speaker: Rev Phil Campbell

In this final instalment of our series “Jesus for Gentiles,” Christian leaders from Antioch and Jerusalem meet to debate the important issue of what’s to be expected of non-Jews who turn to Jesus Christ in faith. Are there other entry requirements? Or is “faith alone” enough to ‘open the doors’? It was a tough argument – but the outcome resounds through the centuries, and is just as relevant today. What kind of people are acceptable to God, and why? More pointedly, why are you?

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas continue proclaiming Jesus through Asia Minor, with mixed results … at one point worshipped as gods, and at another point stoned and left for dead. So what defines ‘success’ in Christian mission? And what should we expect in our own Christian lives?

As Paul and Barnabas continue to spread the Word about Jesus into the gentile world, their first stop is always the Jewish Synagogue. Invited to speak a word of encouragement after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, Paul’s message is simple – the promise of the Prophets is fulfilled in Christ, who brings a righteousness the Law failed to bring. All the law and all the promises are fulfilled in him!

Join us as Rev Phil Campbell touches on Parable of the Sower and “deafness” in this week’s ScotsCity service “Ear Test”. Readings are taken from Luke 8.

In our wider culture, and our own personal circles, we’ll always find cultural ‘gatekeepers’ who like to set the boundaries of ‘acceptable truth’. As the Holy Spirit sends Paul and Barnabas into the gentile world to proclaim the Word about Jesus, they meet an interesting opponent well versed in ‘secret wisdom’ – but God’s truth keeps marching on!

Angry Herod, the Roman Tetrarch, likes to be called “King”, even though he only controls a quarter of the Kingdom. In fact, he even likes to be praised as “a god.” That puts him at odds with the growing but unimpressive group who people now call “the Christians.” It’s a clash of the kingdoms, and though it sometimes doesn’t look like it in the short term, The Lord Jesus is firmly in control.

When Peter returns to Jerusalem with fresh insights from his visit to Cornelius, others are unpersuaded. Barnabas, though, has a better perspective – when he sees the inclusive grace of God at work, he’s glad! Sometimes it’s hard to celebrate when God adds to his family, but we’re called to stretch our boundaries of friendship and keep on including who he does.

Sometimes our food choices are just preferences, and other times they’re cultural or religious markers. As we resume our series in Acts, Chief Apostle Peter has to come to terms with the new reality that Gentiles (like us) are welcome to join in following Jesus – and that means his old ideas of ‘clean and unclean’ will need to change, not just with his lunch menu, but with people as well.

Does the idea that God is inescapable, and that he knows your inmost thoughts, strike you as bad news? Or is it the best news you ever heard? What if God knows exactly what you’re like, but loves you anyway?