God Doesn't Give Up Series

God Doesn't Give Up

Acts 15:36-41

Prayers asked for staff – leading well in making future decisions for TCAPL

-- Dinner on Sat night to discuss several upcoming things; praying through choices

-- Pray for us to hear from God and seek Him in everything we do

Introduction

The Christian brothers and sisters at Antioch had good reason to rejoice

-- They had been at the center of a great controversy; and stood firm in it

-- The controversy? Answering, “What must we do to be saved?”

The “church” wanted to set standards for Gentiles who accepted Jesus

-- But after debate, discussion, and prayer, they came to the right conclusion

Therefore, we saw a letter sent declaring the freedom of all Believers in Christ

-- They were not made free because of the letter; but ONLY because of Jesus

-- Jesus died on the cross. Jesus was raised from the God. Jesus is Savior!

-- We must (if necessary) remind ourselves daily of this important fact

-- There is a God … I (we) are not Him.

This morning we are going to examine what happens when believers disagree

IMP: We will not ALWAYS agree on EVERYTHING – it is impossible

-- Anyone who thinks this way is really one who is out of touch with reality

-- The Disciples were humans and disagreed – and we will experience this as well

Read Acts 15:36-41

There are four players in today’s story … the first is the young man, Mark

Point 1 – Mark

Mark was a young believer; most likely a teenager in age due to his actions

As the bible shows us; Mark was one who deserted the believers at some point

-- No clear reason why; but could have been because he disagreed with church

-- He could have been a Jew who disagreed with Gentiles being brought in

-- This most likely led to him simply walking away; to ignoring his calling

As we saw last week; this was a common occurrence in the church

-- “You don’t worship like us so you are not welcome”; plagues the church today

The church of Acts faced many like this who were called to serve differently

-- Mark, being young, showed the immaturity that we are called to grow out of

Mark deserted the church just like someone who was very uncommitted

APP: Today we see Christians who are like this as well … challenge = run away

-- Remember cutting corners when mom/dad asked you to get something done?

-- I’ll do whatever it takes to serve you Lord as long as I don’t have to do …

So, when another missionary trip was planned, Barnabas wanted his cousin to go

-- This put Mark in between two spiritually mature men arguing over his value

-- I am sure this wasn't pleasant, but often it’s necessary to iron things out

TRANS: Our next player in this story is Barnabas

Point 2 – Barnabas

Barnabas is a great encourager; he was a man who supported Paul tremendously

-- Many in the church today are encouragers to others; they stand together

-- Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Barnabas suggests that Mark come along to give him another chance

-- What is interesting is that Mark also deserted Barnabas since he was with Paul

-- IMP: Yet … Barnabas is not willing to just toss him aside and forget him

APP: Many of us have been tossed aside and know that feeling … we must not repeat that action with others and be willing to restore others to service

Barnabas understood that Mark needed to serve; needed to be exposed to service

-- He wasn't ready to just give up on him despite his past sins and faults

IMP: Barnabas grasped something we must also: The person is MORE important than the task to be done (trying, failing, and restoring is the best method)

TRANS: This sets us up to see the other side of this argument from Paul

Point 3 – Paul

Paul is a detailed oriented person; he’s on a mission to bring others to Jesus Christ

-- Acts 9 showed us how he was converted and his work ethic is without question

The Bible says that Paul “did not think it wise” – Why? Mark was not dependable

-- “Mark was one who deserted us in the past, why would I trust him now?”

-- Mark has proven himself untrustworthy and dead weight is not needed

Bottom line: (paraphrase) “That kid ain't going with me – ever!!”

Challenge: How many of us have given up on people in our lives in this way?

-- Paul had his facts straight; he was standing on conviction; and wasn't budging