5 Smooth Stones

tested or checked by other leaders for biblical validity. Sometimes there have been devastating results due to prematurely releasing messages, doctrines and practices which have not been tested. In some African nations, such as Rwanda and Uganda, the Government has required the “independent” churches to form networks or associations overseen by recognized leadership to circumvent some of the abuses seen in the past. This was required in lieu direct Government oversight and intervention in the churches. The results have been generally good for the people and for the expansion of the church. In biblical times this was expected. We see this in Acts with the Jews discussing what to do about the movement within Judaism called the Sect of the Nazarene and Christians (Acts 5:33-42). Sound advice was given and received. Acts 5:35 "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. ... 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it — lest you even be found to fi ght against God." As already mentioned, perhaps the greatest example of the apostles and leaders of the church coming together to judge doctrines, applications and situations concerning the early church, was the council of Jerusalem recorded in Acts 15. Acts 15:1 “And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.” 6 “Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this ma tt er.” 19 “Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God” 22 “Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas,leading men among the brethren.” 25 “it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul” 28 “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things o ff ered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” It is notable that in the examples where the church called such important councils together, that scripture always notes that it was the “apostles and elders” who convened the meetings. (Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23, 190