dissension

Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122 Let us go rejoicing tot he house of the Lord; John 15:1-8

OF all the chapters and verse of the bible, one of my favorite is Acts 15.

It starts with a group of people trying to teach what they had no authority to do.  Therefore, dissension arose.

Sounds like our modern situation.  How often do we encounter people who think they are experts and have the "authority" to teach when in reality they are no and do not.

Recent survey has shown that their are 42,000 denominations of Christian faith groups.  Think about that, 42, 000.  Each one them thinks they are correct.

Who is left to determine the validity of their teachings and values?  Well, some will say that scripture alone is the authority; yet we all experienced different groups using the same scripture to contradict one another.

What are we left with?  Where do we proceed?

This is why chapter 15 is so important.  The early church held a council.  As Acts 15:6 informs us, "the Apostles and the presbyters accordingly convened to look into the matter."

After much discussion, Peter stand sup to testify then James spoke up and after it was all said and done the conclusion was thus, "It was resolved by the Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Jerusalem Church, that representatives be chosen from among their number and sent to Antioch...they were to deliver this message...therefore we have unanimously resolved to choose representatives and send them to you along with Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated themselves to the cause of our lord JEsus Christ.  Those we are sending are Judas and Silas, who will convey this message by word of mouth:It is the decision of the Holy Spirit, and of ours too, not to lay  on you any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary..."


The power of the Holy Spirit was made manifest through the convening of a council headed up by the Apostles and the presbyters.

The church has done this 21 times in its history.  The ecumenical councils have gathered to pray and discerned the truth of things and how to implement them.

How blessed are we not to be  reduced to individual opinions about things as important as faith and morals!

What a beautiful gift the church is...one,holy, catholic, apostolic church.  Where is the inspiration of the Holy SPirit, where the successors of Peter and the Apostles gather to pray and discern.

BE grateful for mother church as we move toward Mother's Day.