“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. For you don’t go in, and you don’t allow those entering to go in.
The Dispute
Jesus + circumcision
Rebuilding the wall - us and them
Law was never enough
Hebrews 10:1 HCSB
Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the actual form of those realities, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year.
The Defense
Yoke no one has been able to carry
Peter sent to Cornelius, Paul’s success, Prophets fore told
Holy Spirit was the evidence
It is about grace not works
Ephesians 2:8–9 HCSB
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.
The Decision
Doctrinal - Jesus alone
Romans 8:1–2 HCSB
Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
Practical - concession for unity
Romans 14:13 HCSB
Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.
Grow or Divide
Unity is the key
John 17:20–21 HCSB
I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message. May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.
Grow or Divide
Love is the key
Keep the Door Open
Believers are never told to become one; we already are one and are expected to act like it.
