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AVALON, CATALINA ISLAND - The Simplicity of The Gospel Part Two -- Please join us this Sunday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m., as Calvary Bible Church hosts a special Bible Teaching & Communion Fellowship in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study of The Simplicity of the Gospel Part Two: Acts of The Apostles, Chapters 14 & 15.
As Paul and Barnabas continued preaching the Gospel throughout Asia and the Islands of Greece, they run into some of the disciples from Jerusalem who were teaching "unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1) The number of believers among Jews swelled in the City of Antioch (where they were first called "Christians"), but so did thousands of Gentiles (non-Jews) who also accepted Jesus as their Messiah. A dispute arose among the disciples over this issue, so Paul and Barnabas travelled back to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders of the Church. Known as the "First Council of Jerusalem," the leaders of the early Church met together, prayed and fasted, and after consulting Scripture, were in one accord that salvation through Jesus Christ was available to everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike. Great jubilation spread like wildfire throughout the Gentiles of Asia, that the God of the Jews had given salvation to them also. There was no longer a distinction between Jew, non-Jew, man or woman, slave or free -- ALL had entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven!
Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is Jesus Christ who saves us from sin and gives us eternal life -- we do not save ourselves. Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation. Peter, as well, reminds us "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) It is only by our repentance of sin and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured. Peter, again, tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) Are you ready to receive the free gift of life with Jesus?
Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse. Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided. Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching. Celebration of the Lord's Supper for believers follows the service with our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" immediately afterwards. Prayer Fellowship meets every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. in the beautiful, shaded park across from City Hall, weather permitting. Bring your lunch and join us for prayer and cast all of your cares on Jesus, the Great Physician of us all! For more information, please call 310-510-8300. Can't join us? Then call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967). Remember... Read the Book, Learn the Truth!
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