Elder James Allen – The Pattern of the New Testament Church

Summary

Elder James Allen's sermon focuses on the early church's handling of doctrinal disputes, particularly the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, which addressed whether Gentile converts needed circumcision for salvation. He emphasizes the importance of salvation by grace alone, rejecting works-based salvation as heresy, and highlights the autonomy of local churches and the role of evangelism guided by the Holy Spirit. The sermon underscores the necessity of doctrinal purity for the church's integrity and the authority of the church body in discipline and membership. Allen also stresses the unity of the gospel for Jews and Gentiles and the spiritual nature of true circumcision.