+ Nothing

Key Takeaways

• The gospel is Jesus + Nothing = Everything.

• Adding anything to Jesus for salvation is offensive to both religious and secular people.

• God cleanses hearts by faith alone, not by works or rituals.

• A Jesus + Nothing community is reconciled and puts the gospel on display.

• Faith in Jesus gives us not just forgiveness, but also righteousness.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Reflect on ways you might add to the gospel in your own life. How can we guard against this tendency?

• Question 2

  John discusses proofs for "Jesus + Nothing" from Peter, Paul, and James. Which of these proofs resonates most with you and why?

• Question 3

  How does understanding the difference between forgiveness and righteousness (as illustrated in the bank analogy) impact your view of salvation?

• Question 4

  John mentions that a "Jesus + Nothing" community makes room for others. How can our church or other groups you may be a part of embody this principle?

• Question 5

  There is often tension between being "free in Christ" and "gladly bound to one another for the sake of the mission of God." How do we navigate this tension in practical terms?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Sufficiency of Christ

READING :

Galatians 2:15-21

DEVOTIONAL :

Today's passage reminds us of the core truth explored in Acts 15 - that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Paul emphatically declares that we are justified not by works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be tempted to add to the gospel. Are there ways you try to earn God's favor or prove your worth? Remember, Jesus + Nothing = Everything. His grace is sufficient. Take time to rest in the finished work of Christ, letting go of any self-justifying efforts.

Day 2 : Cleansed Hearts by Faith

READING :

Acts 15:6-11

DEVOTIONAL :

Peter's testimony in this passage reveals a profound truth - God cleanses hearts by faith. Not by rituals, not by law-keeping, but by faith alone. Consider the state of your own heart. Do you feel unclean, burdened by guilt or shame? Remember that God is the "heart-knower" and he offers cleansing through faith in Christ. Spend time in prayer, asking God to cleanse your heart anew. Thank him for the gift of faith and the purifying work of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Day 3 : Unity in Diversity

READING :

Ephesians 2:11-22

DEVOTIONAL :

The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 grappled with how Jewish and Gentile believers could be united in Christ. Today's reading beautifully articulates how Christ breaks down dividing walls of hostility, creating one new humanity. Reflect on the diverse body of Christ - people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences all united in Jesus. How can you practically demonstrate this unity in your local church or community? Consider reaching out to someone different from you, seeking to build bridges and foster fellowship in Christ.

Day 4 : Freedom and Love

READING :

Galatians 5:1-15

DEVOTIONAL :

The early church faced the challenge of balancing freedom in Christ with love for others. Paul's words here echo that tension - we are called to freedom, but warned not to use it as an opportunity for the flesh. Instead, we're to serve one another in love. Examine your own life. Are there areas where you're using your freedom in ways that might hinder others? How can you use your freedom to better love and serve those around you? Ask God for wisdom to navigate this balance of freedom and love.

Day 5 : Living as Witnesses

READING :

Matthew 5:13-16

DEVOTIONAL :

The Jerusalem Council's decisions in Acts 15 were partly motivated by the church's witness to the world. Today's passage reminds us that we are called to be salt and light. Our lives together as believers should reflect the character of God and draw others to him. Consider your daily interactions - at home, work, or in your community. How can your words, actions, and attitudes better reflect Christ's love and truth? Pray for opportunities to be a living witness, letting your light shine before others in a way that glorifies your Father in heaven.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

All: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.

Psalm 103:1-4

Confession of FAITH

We believe that while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since therefore we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 5:6-11

Confession of Sin

Father, we confess we make your gospel harder for others by adding hurdles to your grace. Lord Jesus, we try to hide from the offense of your cross by clinging to our own respectability. Holy Spirit, we trouble the fellowship you create when we withhold welcome from those you have cleansed. Forgive us, Triune God, and cleanse us by faith alone, that our life together may display your reconciling love to the world.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 16:1-10