In Acts 15, the early church wrestles with what it really means to follow Jesus. James’ decision reveals a tension we still face today: we can fall into legalism, believing our obedience earns God’s love, or cheap grace, believing God’s love means our lives don’t need to change.
But the Gospel offers something better.
Grace doesn’t replace transformation—it makes transformation possible.
In this message, we explore what it means to “abstain” not simply by eliminating things from our lives, but by replacing false loves with true loves. Drawing from Augustine, Dallas Willard, J. K. A. Smith, Bonhoeffer, and others, we look at how our loves shape our lives and how spiritual practices can help us reorder our hearts around God.
The goal isn’t simply to try harder, sin less, or perform better.
It’s to learn how to live the life Jesus offers by adopting the lifestyle Jesus lived.
Because we don’t practice to become sons and daughters.
We practice because we already are.
We don’t practice to earn the life Jesus offers.
We practice because Jesus has already given us His life.
Acts 15:13–35
