Dr. Larry Martens at #usmbstudyconf "How the New Testament Church Dealt with Controversy"

There will always be issues that threaten our unity.

Acts 15
  • Clear theological issues were at stake. (15:1)
  • There was a willingness to engage in a difficult conversation. 
  • They recognized that God was doing something new. (Vs. 7-11)
  • They were guided by clear biblical understandings. 
    • “We can seriously misunderstand God’s activities in the past and present if we do not carefully examine the Scriptures.” (Geddert)
  • They practiced both grace and truth. (Vs. 19)
  • They affirmed core beliefs and allowed for diversity of expression.
    • “As long as the gospel is not compromised, diversity of expression can be tolerated.” (Darrell Bock, Acts, pg. 508)
  • They arrived at a mutually agreeable solution.
    • “How do we distinguish between the differences which make a difference, and the differences which don’t make a difference?”(N.T. Wright)
    • The text said it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and us not the Holy Spirit and me. (Vs. 28)


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sermon Notes-"Transitional Thoughts"

Introduction: As I was thinking and praying about what to share during my final sermon on staff, I began to think of the transition that I am making as well as the church.   We as pastors have been consistently focused on three priorities over the last several years: prayer, worship and equip.   So, even though I may no longer be on staff in a few weeks at this church, as a member of this church I believe just as strongly that Hesston MB needs to continue to be about these priorities in the days ahead.   However, the more I prayed about it, the more I realized that to get to these priorities, we as a church also had to make some transitions so that is why I am entitling this message “Transitional Thoughts”.   Transition is defined as “the process or an instance of changing from one form, state, activity, or place to another.” Educate to Equip- Ephesians 4:11-16 ·          What is the difference?   o    To educate the focus is information; to equip the focus is transformation o
Read more

Sermon Notes-The Challenge based on Acts 11:1-18

Introduction: What is the definition of challenge? Challenge can be defined in multiple ways: engage in a contest or fight, a demand for explanation; a calling into question or the quality of requiring full use of one’s abilities, energy or resources. We will see in our Scripture this morning from Acts that Peter faced a challenge from his friends and religious leaders.   It actually fits the definitions above: it could become a fight, it required an explanation and it uses all Peter’s abilities, energy and resources. React- vs. 1-3 ·          Why is this story repeated?   It is important for the rest of the story which includes Paul’s missionary journeys in the rest of the book of Acts. ·          Vs. 1-Others throughout Judea hear that the Gentiles have received the Word of God. o    The Good News spread quickly about what had happened with Cornelius ·          Vs. 2-The circumcision party (religious leaders) criticized Peter o    We see that the Good News of God working
Read more