The Holiness of the Church

This week we will be exploring the nature, purpose, and result of the letter from the Jerusalem council to the believers in Antioch (Acts 15:22-35).  There is a reason for our studying this letter and it’s results more closely because though this letter seems simple and obvious on the surface its implications affect the church today, thousands of years after it was read in Antioch.

The holiness of the church was a major concern for the early church.  As more Gentiles became disciples of Christ, more baggage was brought into the church.  Many of these new believers came from a background of paganism and idol worship.  This background can have a major effect on not only the individual believer but also the church as a whole. 

What does it mean to be holy?  Why is holiness so vital within the church?  What type of idolatry are we participating in that affects not only our own growth into holiness but the church’s growth as a whole?  What is holding us back from growing into holiness?

May we prayerfully be prepared for the Spirit of God to speak to us this week, revealing to us our own hearts, and giving us the courage and encouragement to strive for holiness.