Dealing with Church Conflict

 After their return from 1st. missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas gave a report.  Conflicts arose.

Acts 15:1  Jews have the history, were God's chosen people.  Established the sacrifices, upheld the Law, have been worshiping God for years.
Then .... Gentiles come in.  Jews feel must become Jews first - be circumcised, keep the Law, attend synagogue, etc.   Circumcision = proof of the covenant given to Abraham. 
Gentiles are coming from idolatry paganism, many ungodly practices.

Acts 15:2 Paul is upset.  Relates his credentials - Hebrew, tribe of Benjamin, pharisee, taught by Gamaliel, Christ personally gave him the Gospel.  (Gal. 1)
Gal. 2:15-16 - What he taught.
Eph. 2:8-9 = for by grace you have been saved.
Yes, Paul was upset.  He labored hard to reach these Gentiles.  The later, Gal. 5:12  Gospel was preached.  Then the cults moved in.

Wasn't only Paul.  The Jerusalem church had to deal with the situation.

Acts 15:3-11 = Peter gives his credentials.  Says, no distinction.  Hearts are cleansed by faith!  Saved through grace just as they were.  Same teaching as Paul!!

Another testimony:  James (half brother to Jesus, leader of the church in Jerusalem)  'We are saved by grace through faith!'
Acts 15:12-19 - James sided with the others.  God gave clarity and unity on this.  Message came from God to the Apostles then to the church.
Amos 9:11-12 - old testament trial laws.  - 2 or more witnesses = Paul, Barnabas, Peter, James, Scriptures, miracles.  God was affirming these guys.

Question:  Salvation has come to the Gentiles and they can do whaever they want?  NO.  Are other things need to be done.  

Acts 15:20-21  Not salvation, but 4 important things for Gentile believers:
1)  abstain from things sacrificed to idols    2)  sexual immorality  3)  strangled meat  4)  consuming blood
Of all the things, why these?  Way more to do and not to do?  Not an issue of salvation.
These likely were specific problems with specific groups.

Two reasons these were addressed:
1)  Untangle from idolatry, idols, sexual immorality
2)  Strangled and blood?  - (Noah - Gen. 9) but was pagan as well.    Not the main reason.  But, you don't need to stop being a gentile when you come to Christ, but you need to stop being a heathen.
Christ calls us to a holy standard of living.

1 Cor. 6:9-11 and  2 Cor. 5:17   James not dealing strictly with that.  Acts 15:20-21 again.  Was dealing with protecting the unity and the witness.

Paul deals with the meat issue:  Rom. 14:13-23 - 1. Cor. 8, 1 Cor. 10

We should want to get along.  Psm. 133:1

Preacher once said "Is it bothering God or is it just bothering You?"  - good thing to consider when conflicts arise.

Acts 15:22-23 - Is that not the biggest miracle?

Acts. 15:24-28 - God is good!  Agree with God.

Acts 15:29-33  Stand on the truth.

Closing:  1 Cor. 9:19-27

The Mixed Reviews of the Gospel

Example:  Question - "How was the morning sermon?"  Answer = "mixed reviews!"
No matter how well the gospel is presented ... will always get "Mixed Reviews!"

Paul and Barnabas ... sent out by the church in Antioch in Syria  (Acts 13:1-4)
1st. Missionary Journey - in Modern day Turkey
Covered approximately 1200 miles - round trip
Travel time = approx. 53 days
Journey lasted ?  1 - 2 years

How will were Paul and Barnabas received? 
Answer = Mixed Reviews!!!

Acts 13:42-52 - in Pisidian Antioch - Gentile city
On one hand, "word spread throughout the whole region"
However, Paul and Barnabas were "expelled"  (driven out!)
The disciples were still at Antioch - vs. 52

So... went to Iconium  (90 miles) - Acts 14:1-7
On one hand, "great numbers believed" 
However, "unbelievers stirred up/ poisoned minds"

Result??  (1)  city divided  (2) plot to stone them!!!

So.... the fled to Lystra and Derbe  (20 miles)  continued to preach!!
Acts 14:8-13  (Note confusion over Zeus and Hermes - messenger) 
Were perverting the gospel to their own ideas
Acts 14:14-18
On one hand, people probably not pleased when they stopped the Sacrifice!
However, No TALK of STONING THEM!!!

Until... Acts 14:19-20
(Paul stoned and left for dead and ONLY 1/2 of one verse regarding this!!)

So.... next city = Derbe  (75 miles)  Acts 14:21a
no mention of opposition there! 

But Note next Move!!

Acts 14:21b - retraced steps/ revisited churches in...
(1)  Lystra - wehre Paul was stoned!
(2)  Iconium - where people planned to stone them (they fled)
(3)  Antioch (Pisidian) where were 'expelled' (run off)

 Why?  Acts 14:22-23  "to strengthen,  to Encourage, to appoint elders
Point:  Paul and Barnabas were evangelists!! = church planters, disciples!
On one hand, evangelism = necessary step in propagation of the gospel.
However, it is only a step.
Then, they continued to retrace their steps ... back to Antioch (Syria)
Acts 14:24-28
Where they (1)  gathered the church
                  (2)  gave a report of their travels
                 (3)  stayed for a long time

Mixed reviews of the gospel message = expected
BUT ... why such Extreme opposition?  (violent opposition)

Some Reasons:
#1.  Religious Reasons - ie Christianity can be seen as a False religion/ a danger to society
Examples:  the Jews in Paul's day, the Muslims today

#2.  Cultural Conflict  (CHANGE!!)  with acceptance of the Gospel comes new worldview, new lifestyle which may conflict with long established customs - considered essential to truth and community well-being!!

#3.  Financial Reasons  (ex = Ephesus  in Acts 19)
Christian morals often clash with accepted business practices!!

#4. Political Reasons  ex. = eventual conflict with Rome.
Today?  abortion?  homosexual marriage = Political Points or Moral Issues??

#5.  Relational Upsets - Matt. 10:34-36
Example:  1 spouse accepts Christ and the other doesn't ?!?

#6.  Spiritual Opposition  (spiritual warfare!)
The Gospel Message = a threat to Satan's plans!
AND Spiritual attacks often manifest themselves in physical ways!
Example:  Job - lost his kids, cattle, health
Example:   killing prophets, stoning Saul

#7.  (above all/or combo of the above...)
The Gospel challenges a person's sense of Self Righteousness! 
Challenges the way of thinking, acting, living, etc.

SOME OBSERVATIONS SURROUNDING THIS SUBJECT:

(1)  The Gospel is Offensive  (to many)
Example:  Ugly Pill
This is NO excuse to BE offensive!)

(2)  The Gospel is Divisive  (as per Matt. 10)
Gospel invokes STRONG feelings!
Therefore some = readily accept/ some gradually accept/ some refuse to accept/ some ACTIVELY Oppose!!
So.... 1 Pet. 4:12-16 = don't be surprised when you encounter opposition

BUT...
(3)  The Gospel is NON-Negotiable!!   IF you customize it to fot your notion, preference, etc.... it won't be the Gospel!!!  It was established by God and stands as written!!!

Therefore:
(4)  IF you share the gospel (as instructed...)
     Expect Opposition!!  (in varying degrees)  Mostly here in the US, opposition won't be violent.

But 
(5)  should also Expect a Positive Reception  "mixed reviews!"  You never know who or when someone will accept the Gospel.

"Positive Reception" - on one hand, are many opposed!  However, "great numbers believed!!"

(6)  Determine (in advance) to Persevere  -- results belong to God
ie:  (1) in the Faith  (example = Book of Hebrews)
     (2)  in evangelism  (a Christian lifestyle includes evangelism)
    (3)  in discipling!

(7)  Be Realistic ... many will reject/oppose.  BUT many will accept, continue, spread....
The "church" grew then!  It's still growing (worldwide) today!
(And... you NEVER know who will accept, reject)

S0.... concerning the gospel message.... what are you doing??  and what should you be doing?

If you have never accepted Christ, give Him a fair review - NOT a knee jerk reaction  (as in these chapters of Acts.
The Question is NOT does the Gospel conflict with YOUR religious view?  With your cultural preference, with your political stance.

The Question = IS IT TRUE??
And, IF IT IS .... How should you respond?

If have accepted Christ, examine yourself - are you an active part of His plan to change the world?  Usher in His Kingdom?
(through sharing, spreading the Gospel Message)

Closing Scripture:  Matt. 28:18-20

The Realities of Ministry

Recap where we were before Christmas.

Church in Antioch is booming.  God set apart Barnabas and Paul for mission. 
Church fasts, prays, lays hands on them and sends them out.
Traveled to and through Cyprus with an assistant names John Mark.
Proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues.  Led the Proconsul Sergius Paulus to faith. 
Had a run with a false prophet who God struck blind.

Every Christian should not only be disciples but workers as well.

Acts 13:13 - John Mark bailed.  why??   Paul gets upset.  Ends up causing a fight and a split between Paul and Barnabas later.  Barnabas took John Mark.  Paul takes Silas.

Point #1:  Christian People will hurt you the most!
Why?  James 4:1  Was Paul bad?  Was Mark bad?  Were people rooting for them to fail?  Is the church full of hypocrites? 
They and we are all people - all sinful! 
But ... who does God use?  God uses broken, sinful people.  No one perfect except for Jesus.  God uses us in spite of our sinfulness and brokenness.  

Point #2:  Failure to forgive will kill you!" 
Eph. 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you!

Heb. 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses...."

Holding grudges when hurt:   We need help daily to overcome!   Matt. 6:12-15  (Lord's Prayer)  

Unfortunately, with some people it is way easier to hold a grudge, then to forgive and let it go.

Paul and Mark did reconcile.  (See Col. 4:10, 2 Tim. 4:11)  Paul would go on to be the greatest Christian missionary.   Mark would serve closely with Peter 1 Pet. 5;13, and probably wrote the book of Mark as Peter's account of Jesus' life.

Point #3.  Make sure it's Jesus you are following! - not people.  People will let you down.

Acts 13:14-16
Paul's credentials:  tribe of Benjamin, Pharisee, taught by Gamaliel, Damascus road encounter - received the gospel directly from Christ.

Quote from Adrian Rogers - "Paul went to Arabia with the writings of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms in his knapsack and came back with Galatians, Ephesians and Romans in his heart and mind"

Jesus said search the scriptures because they testify about me.  Paul was always studying them.  2 Tim. 4:13

Point #4.  There is no off-season to ministry.
2 Tim. 4:2 - Preach the Word... Be ready in season and out of season.
1 Pet. 3:15 - always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the hope that is in you ... with gentleness and respect.  The best way to do this is spend time with God.  Is a miserable place to be in when trying to share the Lord with someone if haven't spent time with the Lord.

Point #5.  Create opportunities to serve God 
Not random.  Use strategy.  Paul visited the tabernacle.  Jews gathered there.  As visiting rabbi, he was asked to share a word in the tabernacle.   Was customary. 
Acts 13:17-41 - Paul summarizes Jewish History and uses the Old Testament to show Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 13:42-52  - Salvation through Jesus Christ is open to all, but when message rejected by the Jews, Paul turned his focus to the Gentiles.  The church today is predominantly Gentile. 
However is coming a time when there will be a great revival among the Jewish people. 
John 14:6 - Jews must enter through this gate as well.

When you fight for Jesus, you're certain to run into the enemy.
Jesus = Redeemer, author of Truth, Life more abundantly   
Satan = Accuser, Father of Lies, Steal, kill, destroy

Point #6 Don't let the enemy call the shots   There is a dividing line when you follow Jesus.

Closing Scripture:  Gal. 6:7-10

New Beginnings in CHRIST

New Year's Eve Resolutions:  Stats

2023 - poll taken in 2022 - found 37% of Americans said they had a goal or resolution for 2023.

87% said they were VERY or somewhat likely to keep it through the year.

Top 3 Resolutions for 2023: 
   #1  exercise more
  #2  eat healthier
  #3  lose weight

Success rate  (for all years ... estimated by the polls ..)
   23% quit, abandon their resolutions by the end of the 1st week!
   43% quit, abandon by the end of January
   only 9% who make resolutions complete them for 1 year!

The 2nd. Friday in January has been (unofficially) declared "National Quitters Day"!!
(polls vary but have similar findings)

Contrast:  most common New Year's Resolution for 2023 1) exercise, 2) eat healthy  3) lose weight.

For 2024 - #1 = SAVE MORE MONEY!!!  (or Spend Less)

On one hand, the Bible doesn't (directly) address New Years Resolutions
However, IT HAS A LOT to say about NEW BEGINNINGS!!

So.... New beginnings in Christ

Summary verse = 2 Cor. 5:17

On one hand, not everything has changed (I still look the same!)
However, much has changed ... IS Changed ... Will change

So... revisit what Christ has done, IS doing, will do...
should .. (1)  Inform us
             (2)  Remind us
            (3)  increase our Resolve - thankful and resolute in following Him

#1.  In Christ you have a New Beginning - fresh start - John 3:1-7  "new birth, 2nd. birth, spiritual birth"
With the new birth comes ... (1) forgiveness (from sins of rebellion!)  (rebellion like the sin of witchcraft)
                                           (2)  Cleansing  (Lev. 16 - example:  2 goats)
                                          (3)  reconciliation = NOW in proper relationship with God!   example:  Bridge
Summary verse - Rom. 8:1

#2.  In Christ you have a new status - new standing with God, new position, title, descriptive name, label, designation
       A.  "Child of God" John 1:11-12
       B.  "Saint"   as adjective = Holy Spirit, Holy vessels, Holy Temple, etc.  But as a noun, in reference to People = Saint(s)

Contrast Positional sainthood with Practical sainthood - 1 Cor. 1:2  (Holy ones)

#3.  In Christ you receive a new heart  ie:  new desires, affections, new mind, worldview,
Prophesied 500 years BC  Ezek. 36:26-27  (Jer. 31)

Problem!!!  On one hand, new inner being!!  However, old man dies hard!
Hence, Rom. 7,  Rom. 6:11-14

#4.  In Christ you have a new Master
Jesus = Savior AND Lord!!!   Boss, director, *LIFE COACH*

The Christian life more than accepting, adhering to written rules. 
Christian life = response to LIVING LORD!!
So, on one hand, should study, accept, apply His rules  (Word)
     However, should look to Him for specific directions

Following Rules = easier than following the Ruler!!  (Rules = impersonal.  Ruler = personal!!)

new heart plus new master means...
#5. In Christ you should have a new lifestyle!!
Visibly, measurably, noticeably DIFFERENT!!   "fruits"

On one hand, God makes great changes in you.
However, you must put forth effort!  Example = Paul - "Put off/ Put on"

Example:  Eph. 4:1 (hinge verse) - chapters 1 to 3 = what He's Done
                                                    chapters 4 to 6 = How You should Respond (practical application)

#6.  In Christ you have New Hope = expectation, anticipation of good things  1 Pet. 1:3
("living hope" hard to define, but very descriptive)  not man made
Confident expectation for ... (A)   this life  (1)  His presence, concern assistance
                                                       and   (2) richer, fuler, more blessed life

                                           (B)  next life - Rev. 21:3-5
(In light of what He has done, these are Reasonable Expectations!!)

#7.  In Christ you ahve a new (extended) family.  The church, the body, many brothers and sisters
So, regardless of language, race, culture, style of worship ... there is a 'Same-ness'  (BOND)

*Not all family members are equally friendly, supportive, sympathetic, helpful, accepting, loving, etc.
BUT ... "blood is thicker that water"  AND it is HIS blood that binds us!!

Summary:  You should Resolve to Know, Grow, and Show!!

Know what He's done, is doing, will do
Grow in you Faith; in your confidence
Show appreciation ... with and through lifestyle, service

If have never received Christ?  Consider Starting New Year with Him.
Already in Christ?  Consider intensifying your Resolve!  

Any Resolution to do better = good thing
But this Resolution ... will make a huge difference!!!

Closing Scripture = Phil. 3:12-15

 
              

 

The King Is Born

 Luke 2:1-20 = the most popular christmaw passage n the Bible.  

This passage changed everything.   We count the years like we do because of this event.
AD - Anno Domini.  God Himself took on flesh and dwelt among us. 
Immanuel - God with us.

Luke 2:1-3
Caesar Augustus - emperor of Rome from 27 BC to AD 14.  He set himself up as supreme ruler.  Roman Empire would refer to their dominion as "the world".  He took on name Caesar Augustus - Augustus meaning holy one or exalted one.  Reserved for gods up until then. 
So here was a proclaimed "Holy" and "exalted" one who ruled over the "world" and brought peace on earth. 
Of course, this was self-proclaimed, but widely accepted.  Was just steeped in idolatry.  Issued a decree over all the "world" to be counted, ruled, and taxed. 
This is the scene setting up the birth of Jesus.

 Luke 2:4-6
Mary & Joseph traveling to Bethlehem of Judea.  Joseph was of house and lineage of David.
Important, why?  God made a promise about 1,000 years earlier to a king named David in 2 Sam. 7:16 that his rule and his throne would be established forever. 
Compare:  Luke 1:32-33 - angel Gabriel talking to Mary.  Also, Matthew tells that Joseph was of the lineage of David.  

This Savior, Messiah, new king must be born in Bethlehem of Judea.  Around 700 years earlier, prophet Micah prophesied this.  Micah 5;2 
Jewish people very aware of this prophecy. 
When wise men came, Herod called the chief priests and scribes to tell him where this king was to be born.  They knew right away.   Isa. 7:14
The king would be born of a virgin.
Now, that really narrows it down.  Reference conversation between Gabriel and Mary in Luke 1.  Mary very confused as to how she could be pregnant.  Luke 1:34
Adrian Rogers preached a sermon called His Unequaled Birth as he talks of the significance and importance of just this one thing.

God is in control of history. 
God keeps his promises.  
God's timing is perfect.

He orchestrated all of this and there is a lot more, but He is pulling all things together to bring into this world its King - His very own Son. 
Comes as a little baby to humble parents, 70 or 80 mile journey to reach Bethlehem, pregnant Mary, born in a stable, laid in a manger.   

1 Cor. 1:26-31

Examples of people used by God for great things:  Gideon, David, Galilean fisherman, Mary (Luke 1:48)

God uses humble servants - to bring about major things.

God looks at the heart - Luke 2:8-15
God and shepherds. 
Moses herding sheep when God spoke thru burning bush.
David was watching sheep when prophet Samuel came to anoint him as king of Israel.
John 10:11 - Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd.
Jesus tells Peter to feed His sheep
Here He announces the birth of the king to shepherds nearby ... why?
Probably has something to do with these two point mentioned above.  These shepherds were low on the social ladder.   Possibly were tending some that would be used for temple sacrifices.  Soon would be no need for the lamb sacrifice for Jesus would be the final sacrifice.  

Back in Genesis 3 God killed an animal and used its skin to cover the nakedness and shame of Adam and eve when they sinned.  Not sure what the animal was, but wouldn't it be neat if it was a lamb? 
Later on when God was going to deliver his people out of the slavery and bondage in Egypt, his final plague was death on the first born of every family.  His people told to slaughter a lamb and put its blood on the door posts of their homes.  All who came into that house would be saved.

Later, John the Baptist was announcing Jesus and said, "behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world".  

Here is the deal:  no one can be saved without Jesus' sacrifice.  You are not good enough!  You are marred by sin and separated from God.  Only hope is through the sacrifice of Christ.  Must be "in Christ".  This is not just an intellectual exercise.  Needs to flow in and through us.

Eph. 2:8 - For by grace you ave been saved through faith.  And his is not your own doing.  It si the gift of God.

You must submit to the King of all Kings.  Then, you will be changed. 
2 Cor. 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away, behold the new has come".

You need a new heart

God will instill in you a hope and a purpose and as you walk with the Lord, His Spirit will begin to produce in you, things like love and joy and peace.
You start having those things and you're going to look much different than the world around you.  You'll have a opportunity to do what the shepherds did. 
Luke 2:15-20
They went to see Jesus!  They followed through on what God had revealed to them.  Then went and proclaimed what God had showed them.  They HAD to share the good news!  The scribes and pharisees knew exactly where Jesus was to be born, but they couldn't be bothered to go and seek Him out!

We, as believers, are commanded to share the good news.  Our walk needs to back up our talk!!
The natural overflow of our hearts ought to be for us to glorify and praise God!!

This Christmas time, let us live lives that point people to the King of Kings.  Not just this season, but always.  God help us practice what we preach!!

And, for the non-believer - you must do something with Jesus.  You either receive Him or reject Him.  You can have the peace with God that we have been talking about.  You'll never know that peace without Him.

Whatever God is calling you to do today, do it!

Closing Scripture:  John 1:1-18