What We Refuse To Add To Jesus
5 Day Devotional
This five day devotional will be taking a deeper dive into the sermon from Sunday, March 22, 2026. We will explore the profound themes of guarding the gospel and growing the church, as highlighted in Acts 15, and how these themes resonate in our lives today.
Day 1
Acts 15:1-2
On the first day, we reflect on the tension that arises when traditions are added to faith, potentially distorting the core gospel message. The early church faced this challenge when some insisted on adherence to the Mosaic law for salvation. It reminds us that the essence of the gospel is grace, and grace alone, accessible to all who believe without additional burdens.
This call is timeless; every generation must guard against the temptation to complicate what is beautifully simple. We must ensure that our faith community prioritizes grace and does not weigh unnecessary requirements, thus preserving the inclusive and liberating message of Jesus.
Have you ever felt pressured to conform to certain traditions or practices within your faith community?
In what areas might you be adding unnecessary burdens to your spiritual walk or others'? How can you contribute to keeping the gospel message clear and centered on grace?
Pray for discernment to identify any additions in your faith practice that may cloud the simplicity of the gospel.
Ask God for strength to embrace and communicate the sufficiency of grace in your community.
Day 2
Acts 15:7-9
A significant teaching from the early church is the affirmation of unity across diverse backgrounds, as articulated by Peter. He reminded the believers that God extends His grace without distinction, cleansing hearts by faith alone. This truth invites us to reflect on the unity and humility that grace fosters within the church.
In a world that thrives on divisions, the church is challenged to embody a counter-cultural narrative of inclusivity and love. Recognizing that grace is non-discriminatory helps us to celebrate diversity while standing firmly on the non-negotiable foundation of faith in Christ.
Reflect on times when you have experienced or witnessed division based on cultural or traditional differences in the church.
How can you practice and promote unity within your faith community?
What steps can you take to celebrate and affirm the diversity of believers in your life?
Pray for unity within the church and that believers might be a powerful witness to the power of grace that unites.
Ask God to help you see beyond cultural and traditional barriers, to love and accept fellow believers.
Day 3
Acts 15:10-11
Peter's challenge to the church reflects a crucial understanding that trying to impose law as a prerequisite for grace burdens and tests God. Our forefathers couldn't bear these burdens, so why should we place them on others? This day is about the clarity that the gospel upholds: salvation through the grace of Jesus, not by our merit.
The clarity of the gospel liberates us by lifting the burdens we cannot carry ourselves. It leads us to genuine freedom and calls us to trust God's unmerited favor over our efforts. Reflecting on this, we commit to living and sharing this unadulterated message of grace.
Consider how understanding grace has changed the way you view your faith journey. In what ways have you relied more on works rather than grace in the past?
How does the sufficiency of Christ's grace motivate you to live differently?
Thank God for the freedom and simplicity that comes through His grace alone.
Pray for an increased experience of this freedom in your faith walk and for the ability to share it with others.
Day 4
Acts 15:19-20
James' leadership exemplifies the importance of removing stumbling blocks while preserving the gospel's purity. By not burdening the Gentiles with unnecessary customs, he promotes an environment where grace leads to sanctification rather than legalism.
This clarity not only preserves the faith of others but also enhances collective mission, maintaining unity in diversity. It underscores our responsibility to facilitate each other's journeys toward Christlikeness without impinging on their salvation with cultural constraints.
Reflect on areas in your community where cultural practices may hinder someone's faith journey.
How can you help others experience grace unencumbered by cultural expectations? What steps can you take to ensure the purity of the gospel remains the focus in your community?
Pray for the wisdom to know how to encourage faith in action without introducing legalism. Ask God to help you remain committed to preserving the purity of the gospel for the sake of His mission.
Day 5
Acts 15:30-31
The joy experienced by the church upon receiving the decision from Jerusalem underscores the powerful impact of grace-centered clarity. This clarity fosters unity and creates room for mission expansion, showing us that preserving grace leads to multiplication, not reduction.
The early church’s commitment to keeping the gospel uncut served as a foundation for future generations. We too are called to this unwavering commitment. Clarity protects the unity and growth of the church, enabling us to carry the message of Jesus with confidence and joy.
How have you experienced the joy of clarity in your own spiritual journey?
What role does joy play in your relationship with the gospel and community outreach? In what ways can you promote joy and unity in your faith community through clear proclamation of the gospel?
Thank God for the joy that comes from understanding and living out a grace-filled gospel. Pray for opportunities to share this joy and clarity with those around you, strengthening the unity of your community.