February 27, 2020
Acts 15:36-41
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”  Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them,  but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.  They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,  but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.  He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
New International Version (NIV)
Martin Luther once compared the church today to Noah’s Ark, “if it weren’t for the storm outside, they wouldn’t have been able to stand the smell inside."  Is the greatest threat to the work of the gospel external or internal?  Our study of the book of Acts reveals that the early church faced challenges from within and without.

This morning I read about some of the church conventions coming up soon.  Conflict seems to be the name of the game.  People shoot at each other on their twitter accounts dismissing and diminishing others who dare to disagree with them.  The internal conflict is painfully evident.

How did the early church handle conflict?  They met together.  In Jerusalem they had a conference to discern the mind of the Holy Spirit about whether Gentiles could become believers without adhering to the Old Testament laws.  For the sake of unity, they reduced external requirements to make it easier for Gentiles to practice their newfound faith.

One way to deal with conflict is to choose up teams and divide.  Another is to come together, listen to each other, pray and then obey the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Even great heroes like Barnabas and Paul went their separate ways.  John Mark’s egregious departure gave Paul angst about including him on another journey.  Barnabas, the encourager wanted to give him another chance.  In the end of his ministry though, Paul came full circle and wrote, “Send John Mark.  He is helpful to me.”  Have we given up on anyone?  What if we came together, sought the mind of the Spirit and trusted one more time?
Pray with me:       
Father, we have not been the answer to Jesus’ prayer, “Make them one.”  Instead, we debate and divide again and again.  O God, you have reconciled us to yourself so that we might become ministers of reconciliation.  Make us one we pray, so that the world may know we are your disciples by our love.  We pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.     
Join us in memorizing the Word.  Scripture for this week:    
Matthew 5:17-18
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan.  Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG 
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week.  In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year.  Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.  
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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