Tag: Acts 15

The Berean Standard

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. — Acts 17:11

I’ve always loved a good theological debate. After delivering a sermon, there’s nothing better than engaging in meaningful conversations with people who want to dig deeper into the Word. It’s not about proving who’s right or wrong—it’s about sharpening one another as we seek to understand the truth.

The Bereans from Acts 17 are a perfect example of this approach. When Paul preached to them, they didn’t just take his word for it. They eagerly listened, then went straight to the Scriptures to verify his teachings. This wasn’t an act of defiance or distrust but one of deep respect for God’s Word. They understood that no human teacher, not even Paul, had the final authority—only Scripture could claim that.

There’s a lesson here for us. While pastors, teachers, and theologians are valuable guides, our faith cannot rest solely on their interpretations. There is no substitute for personal study of the Scriptures. God has given us His Word, and it’s our responsibility to read it, meditate on it, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for understanding.

When we approach the Bible this way, we honor God and strengthen our faith. Like the Bereans, we become noble-minded, discerning truth from error. It also transforms our conversations within the church. Rather than being passive recipients of teaching, we become active participants, encouraging one another to grow deeper in the knowledge of Christ.

So, dig into the Word. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or wrestle with difficult passages. And don’t hesitate to have those post-sermon discussions! When we engage with Scripture personally and thoughtfully, we grow not only in knowledge but in our relationship with the Author Himself.

When You’re Here, You’re Family

Paul’s letters to the Galatians brim with a message of liberation, none more so than his family illustration in Galatians 3–4. He reminds believers that, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are no longer slaves but children of God, heirs to His promises. This shift in status is monumental. Slaves live in constant worry, striving to prove their worth and avoid punishment. But children? They rest securely, knowing their place in the family is unshakable.

As believers, we often fall into an “employee” mindset, measuring our worth by what we do. Did I serve enough? Pray enough? Give enough? But Paul tells us that our relationship with God is not transactional. We are not hired hands, working for approval. Instead, we’re sons and daughters, adopted into God’s family. This changes everything. Family doesn’t keep score; family loves unconditionally.

Consider the joyful security this brings. As part of God’s family, we don’t have to earn His favor—it’s already ours. We can work with freedom and passion, not out of fear but out of love. Our service becomes an overflow of gratitude, not an attempt to maintain our place. And when we stumble or fall short, we don’t lose our status. God’s grace restores and reassures us, just as a loving parent embraces a wayward child.

So today, let go of the exhausting weight of “earning” and step fully into the family of God. Rejoice in the truth that your place is secure, not because of what you’ve done but because of who He is. You’re not just accepted—you’re beloved. And nothing can ever change that.