Freedom to Live a Holy Life



Abstain from Idols, All sexual Sins, blood and strangled meats

 

I took notes as our Bible Study prior to church took a New Testament turn.

Acts 10:34-36 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.  The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—

The Law was written by the hand of God who never changes and was given to Moses.  Prophets told of a coming Messiah to be born of a Virgin in Bethlehem.

Jesus fulfilled that prophesy and walked the earth as man, yet He is God.

Jesus died; rose again and showed Himself to many.  He then ascended into Heaven with a promise that He would return.  In the mean time, Jesus told them to wait for the Holy Spirit to be poured out.

There was a shift in time - - The Israelites in Egypt were slaves, but God brought them out as free men, into the Promised Land.  There was a change from bondage to freedom.

The Holy Spirit was another shift in time when the promise was received.

The weak, timid believers were endued with power and were set free to minister the Gospel of a Risen Savior. 

At first they only preached to the Jews, but in a vision it was revealed to Peter that God is not partial only to the Jews, but there was a separation from Strict Law to Grace.  Peter questioned, but obeyed the vision and went to a Gentile home where he was welcomed and surprised.

Many gentiles believed on Jesus and upon them was also poured out the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.

After prayer and consideration, the disciples decided that the new Gentile Christians need not be put into bondage that they were unable to keep. 

They were urged to only keep themselves free from idols, blood, strangled meats, and fornication (sexual sins.)

It was their responsibility to experience Grace – Not Sloppy or Greasy Grace but according to conscience and God’s Word. 

They were given freedom to make decisions based on the Law of Love along with the exhortation to remain Holy.

Their desire was to Please God in every area of their lives.