Christian Essentials In An Ever Changing Culture

Mar 17, 2024 
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

Christian Essentials In An Ever Changing Culture
Acts 15:22-35


1. Gospel clarity, v. 24

Jesus + politics = not the Gospel!
Jesus + Christian nationalism = not the Gospel!
Jesus + prosperity = not the Gospel!
Jesus + my preferred style of worship = not the Gospel!
Jesus + socialism = not the Gospel!
Jesus + cultural universalism  = not the Gospel!
Jesus + activism = not the Gospel!

Jesus + nothing = Gospel


2. Decision making order, v. 28

v. 22- “it seemed good”
v. 25- “it has seemed good”
v. 28- “it has seemed good”

3. Relational sensitivity, v 29

The Jews asked for consideration in four areas…
a) abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols
b) from blood
c) from what had been strangled

Leviticus 17:10-12
Hebrews 10: 29

d) from sexual immorality
                 
I Thessalonians 4:1-8

4. The practice of remaining, v. 35

“So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord…” -Acts 14:3
“And they remained no little time with the disciples.” - Acts 14:28
“But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching and teaching the Word of the Lord, with many others also.” -Acts 15:35
“We remained in this city some days.” - Acts 16:12
“Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.” -Acts 17:14

I Thessalonians 2:7-8

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Mental worship…

1. Who or what determines “good” in your life and how do you define it?
2. In what relationship could you practice more relational sensitivity? 
3. Should anything change in the way you make decisions?
4. Does the pace of your life allow for meaningful relational engagement? i.e. “remaining”
5. Are you ever guilty of adding something to the Gospel that isn’t the Gospel? What need does this meet in you?