The Jerusalem Council

September 27, 2026 Nearly twenty years after Pentecost, the early church faced its most defining theological crisis. The Jerusalem Council's decision in Acts 15 settled a question that still shapes how we understand salvation today: does grace alone save us, or do we need to add something to it? What makes this sermon so compelling is how relatable the conflict feels. Even genuine believers struggled to let go of old systems and traditional practices. They carried personal baggage into their faith, and that baggage almost derailed the gospel message for Gentile converts entirely. Paul and Barnabas testified to God's miraculous work among the Gentiles, and Peter made clear that God showed absolutely no distinction between Jews and non-Jews, giving both the Holy Spirit through faith alone. James then supported this by pointing to Old Testament prophecy about God's inclusive plan for all nations. Could a church actually grow stronger by setting aside personal freedoms? Larry answers this through both Scripture and honest, everyday examples (including a memorable story about his kids and different house rules for visiting friends). Referencing Ephesians 2:8-9, the sermon ultimately reminds us that good works flow from grace, not toward it.