It's in the Book

Acts 15:13-21 (NIV)  When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me.  Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself.  The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:  "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,  that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'  that have been known for ages. 

The debate rages on - Should the gentiles be included in the plan of salvation? This is of extreme importance and a point of contention in this early church. Paul and Barnabas have been telling their story, sharing the testimony of God's miraculous events while bringing the good news to the gentiles. They are proposing drastic change and the Jews are finding it difficult to accept.  It is always hard to change from practices which have been ingrained since birth.

Go to the source - James, head of the church in Jerusalem, turns to the scriptures and the prophet Amos for clarity and direction. He reads: 'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,  that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'  that have been known for ages.' (Amos 9:11-12) James teaches a lesson valuable for all, when conflicted about life, turn to God's Word for answers.

Still true today - Despite the compelling experiences of Peter, Barnabas, and Paul, James turned to God's Word as the ultimate test of truth. This should be the way we evaluate events. Different ideas are thought to be inferior or invalid. Ultimately, however, what matters is what God's Word says.

The more we know God's Word, the more we read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the better we will be able to discern what is right and best in times of controversy or merely daily living.

Acts 15:13-21