The Great Declaration of Salvation

 The Great Declaration of Salvation - Acts 15:6-22 Introduction: Q: When it comes to living as a Christian, how do you smell? Five Points Concerning Today’s Message: I. The Jerusalem Council Met to Discuss Gentile Salvation - L– v.6,7a “Much disputing” indicates no one was ___________________________________   II. Peter’s Great Declaration - v.7b-11 A. He had shared the ______________________________ with Gentiles - L– v.7b-8; L– Acts 10:44-48 1) Cornelius and his house believed Peter 2) Cornelius and his house _________________________ the Holy Spirit - L– v.45 3) Cornelius and his house were _______________________ - L– v.48; L– Acts 15:8 B. Peter knew Gentile hearts were changed - L– v.8,9 C. Peter downplays the ________________________________ of the law - L– v.10 Point: The Jews had _____________________ commandments of the law. Matthew 23:4; L– Matthew 11:28-30 D. Peter reminds the council of God’s _____________________________ - L– v.11 “Grace” is unmerited favor or getting something we don’t deserve   Q: What was Peter saying about salvation? R: 1) We are either saved by the law which _____________________ on our worthiness. 2) We are saved by grace which depends on __________________ Jesus’ worthiness. Galatians 3:10,11; Ephesians 2:8,9   III. Paul and Barnabas’ Great Declaration - L– v.12   A. Barnabas shared before Paul - L– Acts 11:22-24 B. Barnabas ___________________________ Paul to help disciple - L– Acts 11:25,26 IV. James’ Great Declaration - L– v.13-21   A. James supports Peter’s declaration - L– v.13,14 B. James quotes _______________________________ - L– v.15-17 C. God foreknew and ______________________________ these things - L– v.17c-18 D. James’ final conclusion - L– v.19-21   V. The Church Council Found Common Ground - L– v.22   Conclusion: Four Points of Interest   1. There’s only __________ Way to salvation - John 14:6   2. Gentiles find salvation the same way Jews do - Romans 6:23   3. God’s grace provides the ______________________ to be saved - Ephesians 2:8,9   4. God’s salvation is available to everyone - L– v.17