26 | Encouragement and Disagreement

Acts 15:30-41 | Encouragement and Disagreement

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Slides:

Theme: We steward grace and conflict. 

Encourage one another. Look for evidence of God’s grace, and then call attention to it. 

-Maybe both men were right.

-Maybe both men were wrong.

-God is sovereign.

2 Timothy 4:11

Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

…this example of God’s providence may not be used as an excuse for Christian quarreling. -Stott

Where 2 or 3 are gathered, those sinners are going to hurt each other.

-Ritchie Johnson 

-Let the diversity of the Body of Christ cause you to rejoice.

-Encourage one another. Look for grace, and then call attention to it. 

Hebrews 3:13

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 10:23-25

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging [one another;] and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

When you go through conflict, grow through conflict.

Steward Conflict

When conflict comes - preach the Gospel to yourself

-The Gospel “thickens your skin, and softens your heart.”

-Awareness of your need for salvation will keep you humble

-Awareness of God’s love for you will uphold you

-The forgiveness of Christ to you, will help you be ready to forgive others

-Recognition of the Spirit’s ongoing sanctifying work in your life will help you be ready to recognize it in your brother or sister’s life as well

-The Gospel keeps our hearts and minds seeking first the Kingdom and trusting Him for everything else.