THURSDAY August 3, 2023
Risking Your Life for Christ
Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 15:24-26
James wrote his letter to the believers in Antioch using the spiritual gift of the word of wisdom. Once and for all, he settled the issue against Jews who were troubling the Gentile believers by insisting they be circumcised, according to the Law of Moses, in order to be saved. Here it is, “...we gave no such commandment.”
Instead of making the Gentiles stumble by placing on them a yoke of bondage––the Law––James gave them liberty in Christ. Knowing the work of God among the Gentiles, in wisdom, he knew the Lord had an open door for people to come into His kingdom by faith. Why hinder them?
Notice this beautiful phrase in this verse: men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:26). Paul and Barnabas were such men––men who were willing to risk their lives for Christ. They counted the cost for the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
This is the type of men and women who God is looking for. Are you that person? Are you willing to count the cost? It will cost you your life! Jesus said to His disciples:
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-26).
Take to heart the call to follow Jesus!
Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost your life!
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
