Acts
15 – Conflict Over Circumstances.
The
law of Moses stated unless you are circumcised, you cannot be saved. This became an issue between the people and
the apostles. Peter was able to set the people straight by informing them that
God had extended grace to the Gentiles and in that it was sufficient and there
was no longer a need to be circumcised. Our circumcision comes from the heart.
When we cut ourselves off from the world and put our trust in God, that is all
the circumcision we need.
Paul
and Barnabas made a great team, but it was temporary. Paul was called to a
worldwide mission. Barnabas was called to recognize and encourage those who needed
it. Because they could not agree on Mark, they separated.
People
sometimes believe their communication and action are separate parts of life.
They wrongly assume that we can communicate one way and live another. But if
what we say and what we do contradict each other, one is a lie. Paul and Barnabas
acted consistently with that they honestly believed to be true. They parted as
brothers on different missions. They didn’t make staying together more
important than obeying God. The Lord in turn blessed each of them. Believers
have separated or stayed together too often for the wrong reasons. When we
decide to win an argument rather than obey God, we have already taken a wrong
turn.
Four
laws of communication:
1.
Tell the truth.
2.
Unless it is
agreed upon to discuss it later, always deal with your anger before going to
bed.
3.
Be kind,
tenderhearted, and forgiving. It is listening to another’s viewpoint, it is
consideration of another’s feelings, It is letting love cover a multitude of
sins.
4.
Mark probably
didn’t enjoy the fact that Paul and Barnabas separated over him, but he had to
appreciate that someone believed he was worth another chance. Conflicts can
lead to good endings.
Please
read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.
If
you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.
Nelson’s
Quick Reference Commentary.
Dr.
David Jeremiah Study Bible.
J.
Vernon McGee Through the Bible.
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