But what about those Jews who insisted on the stricter lifestyle? Did they suddenly lose their salvation because they chose to place trust in not just the Holy Spirit, but in their tried and true rituals, as well? The way I read it, they did not. They stayed in Jerusalem and observed the stricter laws of the Old Testament, while living out their faith in Christ. I imagine the early church really had its challenges as people from different walks of life struggled to live together in harmony. But they did it.

In my simplistic way of looking at things, it appears to me that somewhere along the way we lost that ability to live together in harmony, and denominations came into being. Me? I'm Southern Baptist, but when I'm traveling and need a place to worship on Sunday morning, I'll walk into any Christian church. Two years ago, it was a Catholic church, and I was so uplifted and inspired by the music and preaching that I glowed for the rest of the day. Yes, the Catholics live by a different set of rules than my own denomination, but really? I don't agree totally with all of even my own denominational set of guidelines. So who am I to say that if someone believes they have to also do such-and-such, they've turned their backs on Christ? Read Acts 15. This chapter was freeing to me. I can allow others to serve Him their own way, and I can serve Him in mine. If they claim Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as their Savior and turn away from their past life of sin, that's the ticket for me. They are fellow believers, and I must love them as my brothers and sisters in Christ. Having done that just this past weekend, with believers all across the board, I've found that there is a sweetness of spirit that draws me to a different plain of worship.