Scripture - Acts 15:1 –Acts 15:2 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

Observation - Paul and Barnabas came into sharp dispute (stasis - a standing position, a popular uprising; controversy, dissension, insurrection, uproar) with some men from Judea regarding, of all things, doctrine!!! Being circumscised Jews, they began to teach Gentiles who had gotten saved that they needed to be circumsicsed to be saved, basically because they had. Paul, though he was circumcised, completely disagreed with any "salvation by works" message.

Application - I love that Paul felt it necessary to "defend" truth to the point of becoming sharp! In the house of God, there aren't many things worth arguing over, but any teaching that takes away from the saving power of the grace of Jesus Christ needs to be argued!

This is an important scripture to remind leaders that we are charged with the defense of the Gospel. There is a message in the house that needs to be protected vehemently. Doctrine is of eternal consequences! Through the years there will be those who attempt to subvert the message, either from within or without, but the message of salvation is life-changing water that needs to remain pure. We must protect the water source!

Prayer - Lord, thank you for your word! Let it remain pure and flowing in our lives!