The United (but Divided) Church

In Session 10, Jim Dalrymple delves into Acts 15:1-41, addressing threats to unity in the Jerusalem Counsel. The focus is on combating false doctrines, understanding the true nature of grace, and navigating interpersonal differences within the church. The session emphasizes the roles of apostles and elders in guiding doctrinal purity and raises important questions about potential obstacles to the gospel, the application of grace in Christian living, and the constructive handling of differences within the community of believers.
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The United (but Divided) Church

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About

The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

Classroom Instructions

Section 01

Backstory: The United (but Divided) Church

Acts 15:1-41 | Session 10

Jim Dalrymple | Ozark Christian College

The Jerusalem Counsel (of apostles & elders)

Threats to Unity:

1. False Doctrines:

● Jesus.

● Jesus + _____________

Who is responsible for doctrine in the church?

− Apostles / apostles

− Elders (cf. 1 Timothy 3)

▪ Examples

▪ Direction (overseer)

▪ Doctrine (teacher)

▪ Discipleship

▪ Discipline

2. False Freedoms:

● Saved by grace alone (not circumcision & faith)

● Saved by grace, to give grace:

− Abstain from meat sacrificed to idols

− Abstain from sexual immorality

3. Opinions & Personalities

● In Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Barnabas have a “sharp agreement” over John Mark.

Questions:

● Do we ever try to add pre-conditions or obstacles to the gospel?

● Should our allegiance to Christ and love for others cause us to abstain from

some actions, attitudes, etc.?

● Can God use even our differences to carry out his work and word?

The United (but Divided) Church Instructions

Section 01

Backstory: The United (but Divided) Church

Acts 15:1-41 | Session 10

Jim Dalrymple | Ozark Christian College

The Jerusalem Counsel (of apostles & elders)

Threats to Unity:

1. False Doctrines:

● Jesus.

● Jesus + _____________

Who is responsible for doctrine in the church?

− Apostles / apostles

− Elders (cf. 1 Timothy 3)

▪ Examples

▪ Direction (overseer)

▪ Doctrine (teacher)

▪ Discipleship

▪ Discipline

2. False Freedoms:

● Saved by grace alone (not circumcision & faith)

● Saved by grace, to give grace:

− Abstain from meat sacrificed to idols

− Abstain from sexual immorality

3. Opinions & Personalities

● In Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Barnabas have a “sharp agreement” over John Mark.

Questions:

● Do we ever try to add pre-conditions or obstacles to the gospel?

● Should our allegiance to Christ and love for others cause us to abstain from

some actions, attitudes, etc.?

● Can God use even our differences to carry out his work and word?