Antioch was a big city, so we are reading about an urban church plant in this passage. With the density and diversity of Antioch it is amazing to realize that Christianity flourished in the large cities of that day. The Scripture and history have shown that the challenges of urban life have been a seedbed for church growth. In the rigors of different cultures and religions, the followers of Jesus were so distinct that they received a new name – Christians! What about our day? Are we living in such a way that we are distinct from all of the voices that call out around us? Like the story of Antioch, we have an amazing opportunity in front of us. The gospel was made to prosper in times like these. Today’s commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org  Read less

Unfortunately we live in an age where Christianity has become a product. From Christian mints to bobble head Jesus, the faith has been commercialized to the point that we go to the church of our choice, we rate the preacher or music, we’ll even opt for online community because sacred space and live people seem too inconvenient. We’ve created a consumer Christian who, according to recent polls, is more dissatisfied with their spiritual walk than ever. But the true Christian message is one of denial, not convenience. A cross-less Christ becomes stale bread and cheap wine. It has no power and therefore can be easily parodied and marketed. Today’s commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org  Read less

This cuts us to our core. If we were honest, we want to work for our righteousness. We like the feeling of accomplishment as we figure out how to be in right standing with our boss, our spouse, or our friends. But the gospel tells us something very demeaning: we are not smart enough, strong enough, or good enough to be in right standing with God. This insults our intelligence, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe the gospel is not about our abilities, but God’s mercy. If the doorway to righteousness is humility, then this righteousness becomes available to any who are willing to receive. It is an equal opportunity message. It is also an equal opportunity revolution, for the gift that God gives has the power to change us in ways in which we can’t change ourselves. Today’s commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org  Read less

Ethnic prejudice is exposed in this confrontation between Peter and Paul. The Jews and Gentiles had very different mindsets and lifestyles, but the gospel had brought both groups together. This is the pattern of the gospel: God is reconciling all people from all ethnicities to Himself. At times this will mean confrontations as our customs are challenged, but the fruit of acting in line with the truth of the gospel is the antidote to the fear of people who are different from us. Today’s commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org  Read less

There is a tension in this passage. Some Christians speak the truth with no love, leaving a path of devastated people who have been assaulted by God’s word with no compassion. Other Christians display love without truth, which allows dysfunction to thrive in Christian community with disastrous results. It is when we speak the truth in love that we will grow up in all things. It is truth in love that leads us closer to Jesus, the Head of his Church. Today’s commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org  Read less

The apostle Paul gives us a hint in how to deal with opposition: be as one man for the faith of the gospel. Living gospel centered lives means working things out with other believers. This is the role of the local Church. When we are in godly relationship we know that we are not standing alone. If we get off base in our walk with God, we know that we have a community to call us back. This can deal with the fears that assail us. To try to walk the Christian faith alone is unnatural to the design of the gospel. Today’s commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org  Read less

This is the beginning statement for the Christian. Where other religions begin with “Now get to work!”, the follower of Christ starts off with the finished work of Christ. We are not busy about our Fathers business because we are trying to get God’s approval. We already have God’s approval in Christ, and that reality empowers us toward good works. This is the uniqueness of the Christian faith. God’s finish line is our starting block! Today’s commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org  Read less