Acts 15:2 NKJV

Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

Acts 15:2 NKJV

Paul and Barnabas were preaching and teaching the glorious life that comes through Jesus, to live in a restored state that Christ has brought to all mankind, through God's grace.

The people request Paul and Barnabas to go to Jerusalem to enquire with the apostles about the issues they had. It was obvious they were still holding on to both tradition and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Paul and Barnabas found the same thing happening in Jerusalem. Even the apostles had condoned religious practices till this discussion was brought forward.

When we as leaders keep mixing up grace and works of men, we give room for religion to set in and bring bondage to the people of God.

Peter got caught in the religious spirit and was blinded by what was going on in Jerusalem under his watch. We have to be alert to the teachings of Christ and not mix them up with religious practices.

As God is Spirit and we are called to worship in spirit and in truth, we ought to focus on our spiritual identity and the word of God. Live life as children of God and not as children of men.

Be watchful that we don't bring ourselves into bondage and restrict our liberty and power by submitting ourselves to carnality.

Let us hold fast, stand strong in the position Christ has brought to all of us, and let the Holy Spirit bring enlightenment to God's word.

Live in the blessings,

Ps Ambrose