"The Holy Spirit and we have agreed not to put any other burden on you besides these necessary rules: eat no food that has been offered to idols; eat no blood; eat no animal that has been strangled; and keep yourselves from sexual immorality. You will do well if you take care not to do these things."

(Acts 15.28-29 GNB)

Many rules that were in the Old Testament are no longer followed by Christians. And yet the New Testament is explicit about these four rules which applied to the Christians in Antioch. They do not need to follow the other Old Testament rules, but these four were considered "necessary" for these Antioch Christians.

Here is a commentary by Alan J. Thompson. "The combination of references to idolatry, blood, strangled animals, and sexual immorality would be recognized as a reference to activity associated with idolatry and cultic activities at pagan temples. With the language of “turning to God” (15:19; cf. 1Thes 1:9), James refers to the repentance from sin and idolatry that has been a part of the required response to the gospel throughout Acts. In summary, therefore, the conclusions of the council are that the only requirement for Gentiles is the same as the requirement for Jews: repentance and faith."

As I follow Christ, what old habits and behaviours do I still have that displease him?

Dear God,
please change me from the inside out
every day