Divide and Conquer Acts 15:36-41 - BLOGGING THE BIBLE- JournalHome.com

6/24/2010 - Divide and Conquer Acts 15:36-41

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DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Guest Blogger: Rich Lattman

REFERENCE: Acts 15:36-41 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, "Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing." 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

Observation: It is OK for Godly people to disagree. Barnabas had been the first one to accept Paul's conversion as real, and welcome him as a brother, even convincing the other disciples in Jerusalem to fellowship with Paul as well. Then they were sent out along with John Mark on their first missionary journey. Many lives were changes and the Word spread across distant lands. Somewhere along the way John Mark decided to return home. The reasons were not clear.

Now Paul and Barnabas are preparing to go out again, and their disagreement is so strong they separate. One of the results is that the Gospel is furthered to more places and more people.

Application/Confession: God knows our hearts, and His ways are not our ways. Each of us, like Paul, know best our own sins and limitations. Yet we can be so stubborn in thinking our way of following God is the best way- that thought gives us a sense of security. People obviously disagree about the best way to worship God, or what the Spirit might be saying or doing in a given situation. Sometimes these disagreements even cause splits in friendships, or church bodies.

I'm not saying this is a good thing, but it seems to be a normal thing. And God works even these disagreements out for good if each person remains sincere in seeking Him.

Our church experienced a bitter split a several years ago, and it was very painful to go through. But the Word is being preached in more locations at more times and having a good effect throughout our community. I really respect Pastor Randy for extending grace to those who left, and many of those people also have been graceful and allowed the Lord to bring reconciliation.

PRAYER: Lord, make me an instument of Your peace. Help me to be the biggest cheerleader for the church and pastor where You have called me. May I never consciously or otherwise cause division by my words or actions, or by listening to negative gossip. Also I want to prayerfully support Your body in other fellowships and churches.

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