Scripture Union Daily Guide 7th July 2025: Handling Doctrinal Controversies
Daily Guide Devotional For Today 7 July 2025 (Monday)
Welcome to Scripture Union Daily Guide Devotional today. As you read, study and meditate, may the Lord Almighty reveal His essence to you in Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Scripture Union Daily Guide 7th July 2025 Today’s Devotional
Topic: Handling Doctrinal Controversies
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, I request that you help me to encounter you as I meditate on your word.
Scripture: Acts 15:13-29
Question(s) For Meditation:
► Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
► Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 7th July 2025 Outline
To resolve the controversy of Gentiles’ circumcision, James, a respected leader of the Church, reminded the assembly that Paul and Barnabas were not the first to go to the Gentiles. Peter was the first and God accepted Cornelius and his household (Acts 10). He quoted from the Old Testament (Amos 9:11-12) to show that salvation for Gentiles without circumcision did not contradict what the Old Testament prophets said about God’s plan of salvation for the world.
What are the main issues in James’ recommendation (Acts 15:19-20,28-29)? Take note that these requirements were not prerequisites to salvation, but lifestyles expected of converted Gentiles as people who have been regenerated. While James cautioned that the Jewish believers should not make it difficult for Gentiles to follow Christ (Acts 15:19), he also expected the Gentiles to practise their faith with consideration for their Jewish brethren (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:9-13).
Think of similar doctrinal controversies in the Church today. For instance, what do you think of the belief that unless you speak in tongues, you are not born again? What can the contemporary Church learn from the Apostles in Acts 15:22-28?
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give our leaders divine wisdom to handle controversies and all issues that create conflicts in the church.
One Year Bible Reading Guide:
2 Kings 12-14; Psalms 62.
One Year Bible Reading Guide, Hard Copy Version:
Jonah 1-4
