The Inconvenient Faith - Peter Part 2

Jerusalem, A.D 51

The meeting was called to order... Those in attendance were Peter, Bishop of Antioch; James, Bishop of Jerusalem; Paul, Barnabas, Barsabbas, Silas, other Apostles and presbyters. The issue at hand was if salvation could be attained by the Gentiles. There was much discussion with the Jewish Christians (Judaizers) demanding that all must follow the Mosaic laws. Paul voiced his opinion that salvation could be attained by all though Jesus Christ. Then Peter spoke,

"My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they. (Acts 15:7-11)"

I find it interesting to note that although James was the Bishop of Jerusalem, Peter's mandate settled the issue. After all, Jesus placed Peter as the head of the apostles and they listened (Matt 16:17-19; John 21:15-17). Peter's line of authority continues today with Pope Benedict XVI.

When Peter speaks, all faithful to the church must listen and obey. Why then don't we listen and obey? Simple, it's inconvenient to our modern lifestyle. The scary truth is that faith isn't based on convenience. If you truly believe that the grace of the Lord Jesus saves us, then you must also believe in the authority of his Church; because it is only by the authority of his Church, that we Gentiles were deemed redemptible.

God bless us; the Church that Christ gave us; it's earthly leader Pope Benedict; and all who listen and obey the voice of Peter. Lord, open the hearts and minds of those who love you, but separate themselves from your Church because of their desire for convenience. St. Peter, pray for us.