Universal Utterings
for May 8, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
05-08-2026 Acts 15 v2235 They Were Delighted With The Exhortation
The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15 Verse 22 thru 35
22 Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers. 23 This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some of our number [who went out] without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, 25 we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: 28 ‘It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, 29 namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’” 30 And so they were sent on their journey. Upon their arrival in Antioch they called the assembly together and delivered the letter. 31 When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation. 32 Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 After they had spent some time there, they were sent off with greetings of peace from the brothers to those who had commissioned them. 34 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming with many others the word of the Lord.
Acts 15:22-35 presents a pivotal moment in the early church, highlighting the apostles’ commitment to seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this passage, the Council of Jerusalem addresses the pressing issue of whether Gentile believers should be required to follow Jewish law. The apostles, recognizing the importance of unity and peace in the flourishing Christian community, come to a consensus. They decide that imposing heavy burdens on the Gentiles would be unnecessary and counterproductive.
Instead, they issue a letter giving specific admonitions to the Gentile believers: to abstain from practices that were particularly offensive to Jewish Christians, while allowing them to focus on their faith in Jesus Christ. This decision exemplifies the harmonious reality of the early church, where listening to the Holy Spirit played a crucial role in their leadership and decision-making. The apostles understood that the message of Christ transcended cultural and legalistic obligations; they sought to ensure that the Gentiles could fully embrace their faith without the weight of unnecessary regulations.
In today’s context, the necessity of listening to the Holy Spirit remains just as vital. Just as the apostles sought divine direction to promote peace and unity, we too are called to discern how to foster harmony within our communities. The spirit of their agreement urges us to prioritize what truly unites us: our dedication to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In doing so, we honor the legacy of the apostles while creating an environment where all believers—regardless of background—can grow in faith. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, may we remember that the Holy Spirit is our guide, leading us to make decisions that reflect love, grace, and a commitment to the Lord’s calling. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. Novena Day Nine for Ivanna Barrios for cancer. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
05-08-2026 Acts 15 v2235
**They Were Delighted With The Exhortation**
In the heart of ancient stone, where faithful voices rise,
A council gathered; wisdom sought beneath the heavenly skies.
From lands afar, the brethren came, in unity they’d stand,
To seek the will of God above for all of Christ’s own band.
With hearts so stirred by grace and truth, they pondered on the way,
How Gentile souls could find their home in this new faith’s display.
The elders spoke with measured calm, the Spirit’s voice was clear,
That love, not law, would guide their path, and cast aside all fear.
“Let’s not impose a heavy yoke,” one elder boldly said,
“For salvation freely flows from Christ, His blood for us was shed.
Instead, let’s write a letter wise, with words both kind and true,
To tell our brothers far and wide the good news to pursue.”
So they penned the sacred message, signed with love and grace,
To greet the Gentiles far afield, a warm and fond embrace.
“Abstain from idols, food, and strife, live peacefully as one;
For through our Lord, salvation brought, and fear of none will come.”
With trusted messengers they sent, to carry forth this word,
Silas and Paul, brave and steadfast, their voices ever heard.
They traveled far, from town to town, spreading joy on the way,
Proclaiming peace to every heart, His love would guide the day.
In every church, the message soared, and countless souls believed,
They found their home in Christ alone, their hearts to Him they cleaved.
For in that council’s humble quest, God’s will had thus been shown,
A tapestry of grace was weaved, uniting flesh and tender bone.
So let us learn from ancient texts, from wisdom handed down,
That love and grace will pave the way when faith and hope are found.
For in this life of trials and joys, we walk the journey fine,
Together as one body strong, forever intertwined. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
May 8, 2026 @ 04:43 AM EST
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**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using GodFirstforJesus@gmail.com, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**
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