THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL: UNITY IN DIVERSITY - A FAITH BASED HUMANITARIAN AND EVANGELICAL ORGANISATION

BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS

April 14, 2024

THE DAMASCUS ROAD CONVERSION: TRANSFORMATION THROUGH GRACE

April 19, 2024

SERIALISED PRACTICAL GUIDE

TITLE: WHAT IS NEXT AFTER THE RESURRECTION?

DAY 11 OF 14 SERIES (MONDAY 15^TH APRIL, 2024)

TOPIC: THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL: UNITY IN DIVERSITY

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE-DOKPESI

SCRIPTURE

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:” (Acts 15:28)

THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL: UNITY IN DIVERSITY

A debate arises within the early church regarding circumcision for Gentile converts. The Jerusalem Council, led by Peter and James, seeks to find a solution through prayer and discussion. Their decision emphasizes the importance of unity in the church while acknowledging differences in cultural practices. A sense of harmony descends upon the council as they reach a consensus. The Holy Spirit guides them towards a solution that honours both Jewish and Gentile traditions.

BENEFIT: The Holy Spirit empowers us to navigate differences within the church, fostering open communication and focusing on core values. Unity does not require uniformity, but a shared faith in Jesus Christ.

ACTION STEP:

· Engage in respectful dialogue with someone who holds different beliefs from you.

· Seek common ground and focus on the things that unite Christians, such as the love of God and the teachings of Jesus.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, guide your church towards unity in diversity. Help us to bridge differences with love and respect, honouring the richness of your global body. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Further Exploration: Romans 14:1-12, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.