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Going deeper...to go further

Daily Bible reading strengthens our relationship with God, nourishes our spirits and equips us to live a fruitful, effective life for Him.

This month we're reading scriptures about the Church living as a missional community. God's people are called, formed and sent to participate in His mission in the world. Each day includes an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading, a question for reflection and a daily prayer. As we read the Word it’s important that we apply what we read and pray it out over our lives. One of the way you can do this is by using the acronym SOAP. To find out more about SOAP watch this video.

Below you’ll see what we’re reading today. To go forward or back a day in our reading plan use the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons.

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Day 21 – The Gospel for All Peoples

Reflect: “How did the early church wrestle with the question of who belongs? What does this teach us about God’s mission?”

Amos 9:11-12

11“In that day“I will restore David’s fallen shelter— I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins— and will rebuild it as it used to be,12so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name,”declares the Lord, who will do these things.

Acts 15:1-21

Paul and Barnabas contest wrong teaching1While there some men arrived from Judea. They taught the believers, "You cannot be saved unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses."2Paul and Barnabas argued strongly against such teaching and so confronted these men. Paul and Barnabas, together with a delegation from the church, were appointed to go to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the apostles and elders.3As they travelled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told of how Gentiles had now been converted; and that brought joy to the believers there.4When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were given a warm welcome by the apostles, elders and the whole church. They then reported all that God had done through them.5Some believers who were Pharisees declared: "The Gentiles must be circumcised and told that they have to obey the law of Moses."6The apostles and elders met to consider this matter.7There was much debate before Peter stood to address them: "Brothers, you remember that some time ago God made it clear to you that He had chosen me to take the message of the gospel to the Gentiles so that they could believe.8God, who knows the heart of every man, showed that He had accepted them by imparting the Holy Spirit to them in the same way that He had to us.9He made no distinction between Jew and Gentile, for He purified the hearts of both groups of believers through their faith in Him.10"Now why do you question what God has done by putting a yoke on the necks of these Gentile disciples that neither we nor our fathers were able to bear?11This cannot be right! We believe that we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, just as these Gentiles have been."12The whole gathering listened attentively as Barnabas and Paul told of the miraculous signs and wonders God had performed through them among the Gentiles.13In conclusion, James summed up: "Listen to me, my brothers.14Simon has reminded you of how God first showed that it is His purpose to take a people for Himself from among the Gentiles.15This agrees with the written prophecies that have been handed down to us:16-18"'Then I will return and restore David's fallen kingdom. I will rebuild its ruins and restore it, that the faithful remnant may seek the Lord, together with all the Gentiles who believe in My name.' This is what the Lord says, for this is the purpose He determined long ago."19"Therefore, in my judgment we should not add unnecessary difficulties for the Gentiles who are turning to God.20It would be better for us to write to them, informing them that they should not eat meat offered to idols, nor indulge in sexual immorality. They should not drink blood nor eat the meat of strangled animals.21For the Law of Moses has been read and preached on every Sabbath in the synagogues in every city from the earliest times."

Thank you Jesus, that You make us a people who know and live in Your love, proclaim Your good news, welcome the stranger, serve our neighbours and participate together in Your mission. Show us those You are reaching, and give us eyes to see, ears to hear, courage to respond and love for the people around us.

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