Finding God's Will

Bentley Baptist Church Sermons

Ever found yourself at a crossroads, unsure of God's direction? Acts 15 offers something extraordinary – a blueprint for navigating life's toughest decisions when the way forward seems unclear.
The Jerusalem Council marks a pivotal moment in church history. Christianity stood at a crossroads: would Gentile converts need to become Jewish first to be saved? The answer would shape the future of the faith forever. What unfolds is a masterclass in spiritual discernment that remains profoundly relevant today.
Within this ancient controversy, we discover three powerful anchors for finding God's will. First, the early believers didn't isolate themselves but conferred together across cultural divides. While our individualistic culture often prizes autonomy and inner searching, the early church recognized the wisdom found in community. When facing significant decisions, they listened to diverse perspectives and sought consensus. Second, they grounded themselves in Scripture, with James declaring "as it is written" before quoting the prophets. Even when addressing questions not explicitly answered in the Bible, they found guiding principles in God's word. Finally, they paid careful attention to the Spirit's movement, recognizing God's favor where lives were being transformed.
The results were remarkable: "It was the Holy Spirit's decision and ours," they wrote, leading to a resolution that brought joy, unity and strengthening to the church. This three-fold approach—seeking wisdom from God's people, God's Word, and God's Spirit—creates a spiritual foundation for discernment that works not just for churches but for our personal lives too. Whether you're facing major life decisions or trying to navigate our complex cultural moment, this ancient wisdom offers a path forward. Together, these three anchors can guide us toward truth, even when the answers aren't immediately clear.
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Chapters

1. The Controversy at Antioch (00:00:00)

2. Growing Pains in the Early Church (00:05:52)

3. The Jerusalem Council Convenes (00:11:23)

4. Conferring Together in Community (00:15:56)

5. Standing on God's Word (00:19:07)

6. Recognizing the Spirit's Voice (00:22:19)