Week 5 (due Tuesday, 30 August):
1. What can we learn about dealing with issues of disagreement between brethren from Acts 15? In other words, what does Acts 15 have to say about how to deal with brothers who disagree?
2. What has been the most powerful story to you from the book of Acts? Why?
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There are many powerful story in the book of Acts but the most I like is Saul's conversion. It tell me that no matter I am in the pass or how much sin I am, I still have a chance and he always give us a chance. He using us as we are, it not just a good person but every one for his will. I still remember that day, that he came to my light, brought me out from the darkness to be in the light with him. From that day, I have made a new person and new life with out sin and having a second chance, repent and living a new life according to his will, also to be his tools. Therefore I am his witnesses, how he had change my life so that I will do so to other, for the sake and glorify God.
ReplyDeleteUndoubtedly, many times in a group of people, whether in a family or church and even among our brothers and sisters, there are disagreements, often are normal, but the point is, as we will fix it. According to Acts 15 about the disagreement, the first thing was that we reached an agreement to discuss the issue and reach a solution. Interestingly, the face of this discussion was not all the Church met to discuss the matter, only the apostles and elders, I think it is his wisdom, experience, etc.. I can also see the face of discussion Peter responds with what says God's word, this is interesting for me, when you get a disagreement between the brothers, to reach a solution, we must involve the will of God, for example in disagreements (I think this is the right thing, but my brother says, I have the truth), but it is important to ask what the will of God in this matter, God teaches us about this, which makes Peter here. I'm sure will follow the disagreement between the brothers, as there are different ways of thinking, but against this, for example in a congregational dispute, the brothers wiser, more experienced should discuss the matter, but I think the most important considerer God's will is the problem before then I believe is right. For that reason it is very important to know whom are those who are guiding the Church, for when the disagreement can solve the best way, according to the will of God. however, there must be love, patience, and never forget that we are brothers and that we get the best deal for the benefit of the kingdom of God, the Church continues to grow.
ReplyDeleteQUESTION 2:
ReplyDeleteAlthough we haven't finished studying the book of Acts, the most powerful story to me is not necessarily one particular story but rather the rapid movement of the gospel being preached to "all nations", expanding the church. I find it very encouraging to read about the passion of the apostles and disciples in their work of spreading the gospel. They didn't only live their lives and share the gospel as a side job like a lot of Christians today, but some of them (Paul especially) traveled places because they saw a need to preach the gospel. The reason this is my favourite thing in Acts is because since I became a scuba instructor I have greatly desired to go to the Maldives (chain of islands south-west of India). And I was doing some research last week about the Maldives and I discovered that their state religion is Islam and public practice of anything else, such as Christianity, is illegal and violation of that law results in imprisonment (primarily for citizens) and deportion for non-citizens. When I saw this I have been far more passionate about wanting to go there. As we read Acts we see again and again the persecution of Christians as they carried this gospel message to "uncharted territory". This just makes me want to go to the Maldives to share this gospel with the people there and perhaps become persecuted myself, but really my worldly life is nothing compared to the opportunity of others at least having a chance to hear what Jesus offers. Since I discovered this I have been constantly praying about it and would like to be of some service in bringing the gospel to the people of the Maldives. Perhaps I am "out of my league" and dreaming too big as how can someone like me make a difference? but I know that God is all powerful and he works in those willing to serve him. This is why my favourite thing in Acts is the rapid movement of the gospel to all nations and the boldness in the people who brought it to them. If it weren't for them wanting to make a difference we wouldn't have the gospel in our homelands. Anybody have any thoughts?
The most powerful stories I see in the book of Acts is how the gospel of Christ is being heard and obeyed by all places, Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles, I can really see that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believe and obey it. But especially the story more powerful was the conversion of the apostle Paul, Paul being formerly a persecutor of the Church, Jesus calls him, he is baptized, and it is amazing how this man changed his life for Christ. No doubt when the cross of Jesus, touches the life of a person and really understand what Jesus has done for us, life changes, and all we can do is serve you and glorify Him for he rest of our lives.
ReplyDeleteIf God could change a man, like Saul of Tarsus, surely we can change and save us all. That's the power of the gospel. not only change a person's life, unless it, prise the Lord.
I like so much the words of Sam and Jacob, your desire to continue to serve God, maybe we have not the opportunity to travel to another country to take the gospel, but we have many friends, neighbors and people around us, which also need of salvation, listen to and obey the gospel of Jesus. We also serve Christ here. God loves us all equally, I am a sinner and i need the help of God every day, and also i need your help, also we need to pray for one another, let us help each other, so that God will continue to work in our lives. We are one body, and together we serve God and reach heaven.God is alive and still working in this world THROUGH us, we are the light.
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ReplyDeleteSorry, but i went to eat my dinner. Continuing the theme of the disagreement on Acts 15. I wanted to mention the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, I can to learn here that although there were differences between them, and each went their separate ways, but most importantly, the gospel of Christ continued to be preached. Maybe not ever get to a solution, but the gospel and God's work must never stop
ReplyDeleteBetween the brothers ertainly disagreements That is something we see daily in a family in Which Each tries to stand up and Defend Their position, But We Must Recognize That in most cases, That Makes the final word or is the parent Gives solution.
ReplyDeletein the book of Acts chapter 15 we see a disagreement Once Again Between the brothers and the issue at hand is not small as the point at issue have to do with Salvation Certainly none of the Something That two sets of brothers in discussion Can be solved Because the Conditions to be saved God puts so much as it is an issue That Requires care and Consideration IT WAS DECIDED That I decided to go to the apostles Who Were the representative of God and the elderly Who Were Men Who Were responsible for Ensure the Lord's church This Issue to address no Doubt Who After Having a meeting is not small, the apostle Peter, the Apostle Paul, Barnabas and James, They unveil the answer from the Father of all, confirming what I said father of the prophets THROUGH, leaving aside Any Between the brothers disagreement and doing the Father's response prevail
Is That What we learn to solve some problems we Must Be humble to go to Those with More experience in the Things of God and seek the help They Need to reach an agreement.
Certainly the answer always eat from the Lord When We sat down to talk and are willing Our Differences to put aside our thoughts or hear the voice and Thoughts of our Father.
That the words the Apostle Peter in verse 9, Teaches About us much Difference Between us we are brothers do that, the Apostle wants us GOD THE FATHER THAT IF DO Difference Between BROTHERS, NOR DO WE DIFERENCAIS AMONG U.S.
MAY BE UNITED IN SPIT OF JESUS CHRIST IN OUR DIFFERENCE.
Pablo, question 1: good point about leaders of church discussing the issue and not the whole church. It would be very impractical as well as more divisive if everyone was given opportunity to discuss the issue. Even so, when decision was made to send letter to other churches, the church was involved in the choosing of the men(Acts 15:22). This is similar to Acts 6. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMarcelo, thanks. To maintain unity all parties must strongly desire it. That's where many go wrong. They desire to be right more than they desire to maintain unity. But to find solutions to disagreements all parties must desire unity more than their party being right. Thanks.
ReplyDeletePersonally, the most powerful stories I can see in the book of Acts is the conversion of those 3000 on the day of Pentecost.
ReplyDeletewhy this story is powerful for me? first: because the crowd that had gathered that day came from different nations under heaven, and were there with the same purpose which was to worship God.
Second, the Apostle Peter's preaching of the Risen Christ and the call to repentance caused a great impact on the lives of the listeners so that you put the question to Peter and other apostles, Brothers, WHAT SHALL WE DO?.
But the most surprising to me was like 3000 people who had come from different places under the sky, with different perspectives of God, different languages and customs could be due to one message and that despite all their personal differences, social and cultural pudiron they persevere together in the doctrine of the Apostles, the breaking of bread and in prayers. (ACTS 2:42)
No doubt the message preached by the Apostle Peter caused a major change in the lives of these 3000. The way how God works in the lives of them to keep them together was amazing and the way as igesia started was something worthy of emulation, perseverance, God-fearing, united, all things in common, generous, every day in temple, hospitable, humble of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people and the Lord added to the church those who were being saved. (ACTS 2, 41-47)
THIS IS THE CHURCH FOR WHICH CHRIST DIED ON THE CROSS AND PRAY THAT WHICH held together (John 17:20-21) and for which I pray every day to stick together.
Question 1: On the topic of disagreements between brothers and sisters, Acts 15 has two stories we can learn from. First is how the Apostles dealt with the issue regarding whether or not Gentiles should abide by the Mosaic law and be circumcised as as being insisted upon by the Jewish Christians. While the Peter, Paul and James spoke for the Gentiles that they did not need to do as the Jews did, they also did not completely disregard the cultural sensibilities of the Jewish Christians and urged the Gentile Christians that if possible, refrain from doing the things which are still abominable to the senses of the Jews. I think this is a lesson on compromise for us. We must of course acknowledge and speak out for the truth, which is what Peter and company did. They were clear and unequivocal regarding the non-requirement of circumcision for salvation. However, if there is something that we can give that is not burdensome, why not do it if it means fostering good relations?
ReplyDeleteThe second lesson I think comes from the story of the parting of Barnabas and Paul. It was recorded by Luke that they decided to go on separate ways on account of Barnabas insisting that they take John Mark with them which Paul did not like. The parting was because of their sharp disagreement. Yet despite this, their parting did not prevent them from continuing the ministry work that they did as Barnabas and John Mark went on somewhere as did Paul and Silas. This teaches us that when differences in opinions and work ethic prevents people from working together, it is okay to not force the issue. We can then decide to work on different things or even give each other space if needed. But this must not stop us from fellowship with one another as ultimately, we are still brothers and sisters in Christ. We see this as John Mark is mentioned by Paul in his writings to the church in Colossians and 2 Timothy. We also know that he reunited to work with Barnabas through 1 Corinthians.
Just like with O, the most powerful story from Acts for me so far is Saul's conversion story. I've known about this conversion story from childhood having grown up in the church but more and more, its implications become significant in my life. One section of Acts that has a profound effect on me is the beginning of the chapter prior to the first account of the conversion story. In verses 1-3 of Chapter 8, we are told that Saul approved of the killing of Stephen and he was at the forefront of the persecution that befell the Christians. I find this very significant in that it tells me just how much baggage Paul was carrying when he was called. To be at the forefront of opposition to God and persecuting and killing his people must have caused great sadness and burden for Paul. When our hearts are pricked because of our sin, we feel such a profound sense of sadness and sometimes, anguish. I can't imagine what that must have been for him. But it also encourages me because it tells me that no matter how far one has gone from Christ, there is a way back. There is always room for one more sinner in God's kingdom. And God wants this to happen. And for that, I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate O related the conversion story of Paul to his own life and how Jesus came into his life. As I already stated above, I really think that Paul's story is a powerful testimony towards God's grace for everyone.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Jacob, I really do pray that you get to go and work in the Maldives. It should be a great opportunity to be missional in spreading the gospel.
Quetion 1.The disagreement that was between Paul and Barnabas was unexpected. The two were a very good team, brought people to beleve and repent. If they could not work together they whouldened have been able to make so many believers. If John Mark could abandened them once he could do it for a second time. It is realy a pity that Paul and aBarnabas had to argue about John Mark and that point of time. We know that both of them did make believers of many and did the work of Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2.
I think the most powerful story for me in Acts is in chapther 6 and 7. It is the story about Stephen, he was a God fearing believer and gave his whole life to Christ. He was persecuted and warned many times, but still preached the word of God to the people. When he was persecuted to come before the Sanhenrin, he preached before them. They got furious, dragged him out of town and stoned him. This story makes me think if I could be able to give my live to honour Jesus Christ and it is not a easy dissition to make. I will lay down my life it will help to save a soul for God.
Regarding the timing of my brother Paul (Chile) Regarding the discussion that the apostles Paul and Barnabas over John Mark's company. I think we both had very clear the purpose of preaching the message of GOD in spite of their differences, what I can learn from this is that if we look encosas of God can take the same responsibility that Paul and Barnabas were to continue to preach the gospel.
ReplyDeleteCONNIE, I believe the story that you mention in the book of Acts is much to consider, I believe that men and women with that zeal for preaching the message of God no matter risking their own VIId today deserve respect and support our men and women who are now preaching the gospel in very dangerous places of the world putting their lives at risk for the sake of Christ.
ReplyDeleteI think the story in and your comment really helps us to reflect on Us to what extent we are willing to give our lives in service of others and as You mencionastes if necessary give their lives for the gospel. we are in heaven with our brother Stephen
Jacob, thanks. I didn't know this. When it comes to sharing the gospel with others we are all "out of our league" (in a sense). We need God for strength, courage, boldness, wisdom and help. I didn't know the Maldives was an Islamic country. May God guide you to where he wants you to serve him. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteEthel, thanks for your insights into how to deal with issues that divide brethren. We must stand on our convictions and yet be willing to compromise for the sake of unity. SOmetimes that is hard to do.
ReplyDeleteConnie,
ReplyDeleteYes, despite Paul and Barnabas disagreeing over Mark and going their separate ways they still did God's work.
I agree with Pablo on the question! Like it say "There is no places in this world with out conflict or disagreement, and if we can't face to it or we want to hide from it, we better go out side this world" I agree with Pablo that where is the group of peoples there always have disagreement, even in the church, family, or friends. It is tell us that one day we will have disagreement experience. So what shall we do? ignore it, fight back, or find the way to resolve it. From Acts 15, we can learn from the apostles how they deal and resolved thing which they are disagree with. First, the apostles didn't use their authority or the apostle position to deal with the problem that they were disagree with. Second, they were not resolved the problem that they disagree with by one person thought but they were a group meeting and discuss with what they disagree. Third, they didn't say that what people disagree were stupid or bad thinking but they were try to resolved what disagree and looked for the half way to meet, which have to be the wise way. The last thing that we can learn is, we can't ignore or stay away from the disagreement's situation but to resolve it by love. This is what the apostles did, they deal with a wisdom and the love from God and for the sake of other not for themselves. When we deal with the disagreement situation, we have to have the love of God and we need the wisdom from God. But there not always easy to make every one agree on one thing "we can agree with every thing but we do can accept one another with love". So find the middle way as the apostles did and it must rely and stand from the love and to glorify God.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jacob for sharing the story. I think you didn't know that God already prepared you for his work.He is build you up and sculpting you therefore you can be his tool, to share the gospel. I just want to encourage you dude, we will never and ever ready or perfect to do his will. I think "ministry of God" is require faith and we have to trust in God, no matter what will happen. If we do what we see and we know that it will work, this we not call doing by faith. Doing by faith need to trust and do what unseen and absolutely don't know how can it work. I'm sure that one day, he will called you and when is that times come, what you can do is to trust in him.
ReplyDeleteJews believers believed that if the Gentiles want to be saved they have to circumcise and keep Moses Law. I think it is a very strong statement and very demanding to me. They were not sensitive enough to think it will be hard for the Gentiles to practice the Law that for the Jews it seems easy because they have practicing the law for years, since they were born. So they don’t have a problem keeping the law. Not that I think the law is not good but I think the Jews focused to it so much and it made them blind. In the other hand, the Gentiles would probably have their opinions about what they believe also. It is easier to change others than to change yourself.
ReplyDeleteHow are they going to keep the unity? They have to compromise and meet each other half way. Both parties have to be willing to make it happened. There should be a wise men to help be build the bridge between the two. After the issue arose the apostles and elders came together and discuss to find the solution. The decision they made is based on the word of God that said, “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are”(15:11)
Disagreement is not always negative, you cannot get away with it (as you can see after they solved the issue refer to salvation between Jews and Gentiles believers, here come the conflict between Barnabas and Paul v.36-41) but what important is how you are dealing with it. Somehow God is teaching us something through the conflict. We do not see the good out of it but we know that God desires unity among us.
It is really hard to decide what is the most powerful in Acts. I think I was encouraged by the story of the apostles and the believers who are faithfully followed Christ through the persecution for the sake of the gospel. If I have to choose I would say the life of Stephen, the man of faith and full of the Holy Spirit, full of God’s grace and power to do great wonders and miraculous signs (6:5,8). Through the time of persecution he still do what God has called him to do. Even though he died from stoning but he knew that he will be with God. Stephen’s life has bring many to Christ because of his faithfulness spreading the gospel.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for his life and to those who have died for the sake of the gospel. Their examples give me courage to tell others about the love of God through Jesus Christ. If they didn’t do what God had told them to do I would still be a sinner.
I am agree with O, Pablo that we should seek God's wisdom in order to solve the problem. And that love is the key to keep the unity.
ReplyDeleteJacob, thank you for sharing your dream with us. I'm encouraged by your passion for God and I'll def. pray for you that God will guide you in the future. Go Jacob! don't stop dreaming:D
Gip, thanks for your insightful response. Yes, brethren have to be willing to give and to be magnanimous (generous) to those they disagree with instead of demonising them. It is important that wise men clarify the problem before a solution is to be reached. Thanks.
ReplyDelete1) Firstly we can see that when Paul and Barnabas were first brought into debate and dispute upon the issue of circucision bringing salvation they do not go at this alone they took other believers with them, which can either say two things, power in numbers or witnesses to what is being questioned. Peter also sticks to the point it is not how the Gentiles gain salvation but how they can encourage them to absatin from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality and other that are adressed in verse 20 ultimately teaching them the will of God and truth which eventually brought them to a resolution.The disagreement between Barnabas and Paul I found interesting sometimes we have to simply agree to disagree and to part ways!!!
ReplyDelete2)Most powerful story for me so far in Acts is the small snipet about the believers sharing their possesions. This is a good reminder for me, I came into this world with nothing and will leave this place with nothing therefore what I have here on earth do my best to bless others here with what I have been blessed with, and ultimately it all belongs to God!!!!
ReplyDeleteJacob thats a pretty cool dream bout the Maldives, I like what David said we are all out of our league so true!! And your question of why God would use someone like you well I think we all wonder that sometimes, he will use anyone to do his work and I dont mean this in a prideful way but i think its a great priviledge to be an ambassador for Christ especially when we are fallen creatures go you!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Gip I like what you say about Stephen he certainly was a man of faith till death, what an example, he most certainly puts me to shame!!! Hmmm I need to work on this!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteO, Pablo quite true we cant get away from disagreements, but the beauty of disagreements teach us so many things, we are not wired the same, show us how people tick, others perspectives and grows us if we let it!!!!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of being out our league to share the gospel my gran who is terminally ill with cancer and is a not a christian asked me last night to teach her the bible im excited and SCARED at the same time, I may need a quick crash course at the bible college this week:)
ReplyDeleteChristy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. You will do well talking to your grandmother about the Bible. You don't need a quick crash course because you already know what you need to say and do. God's blessing on you.
1.
ReplyDelete(15:2 ff) 1. Church in Antioch sent delegates to help find a solution. 2. They (the delegates) met with the church leaders to give reports and came up with a decision. 3. Paul and Barnabas gave their report. 4. James made the summary of the reports and drew up conclusions. 5. Everyone decided to follow the decisions made. 6. They (the council) sent a letter with the delegates back to Antioch to report o n the decision.
They had a hard time bringing the two people together (Gentiles and Jews). Both Jews and gentiles had very different traditions, culture, languages, and etc. So they basically had nothing in common. One solution was to keep them separated, just so that there would be no conflict. But this affected how Christianities effectiveness and attractiveness. This was the total opposite of what Christ teaches us to do and takes away the very meaning of Christianity. The other solution that they thought of was to accept everyone for who they were. (Ephesians 5:1) They thought of imitating Christ, which made them tolerable, understanding and all that good stuff. We are taught on how to come together in Christ in love and worship the Saviour.
2.
ReplyDeleteI took to liking the story of Saul’s conversion which is found in Acts 9:1-22. The story of his conversion shows showed me how much i am, we are, loved by God and how He has a plan for us all no matter how dirty or sinful we are. This man Saul was killing everyone, had a passion for hatred against Christians. God still none the less loves him, has a plan for him and shows his character. How forgiving and loving God is.
Acts 9:15, 16-shows us how we are called by God to commitment, not to comfort. Faith in Christ brings great blessing and can also bring great suffering. This is what Paul had to go through; he had to suffer for his faith. But God doesn’t just lets us suffer, he brings us a way out and promises us to be with us through everything.
o and ethel....the conversion story is awesome huh?...how a man full of sin God still uses....o, just like you man, i couldnt believe it when that light came along, my biggest fear was finding out that someone loves me even though my life's goal before was to be as ugly and filthy as i can be. God didnt care about who and what i was.
ReplyDelete1. What can we learn about dealing with issues of disagreement between brethren from Acts 15? In other words, what does Acts 15 have to say about how to deal with brothers who disagree?
ReplyDeleteAnswer: When there are any disagreement issues between brethren we should use the Bible to be our standard for solving the problem. In Acts 15, James quotes God’s word from the Old Testament while Peter tells his experience when God called him to teach the Gentiles (even though it is not in the Scripture at that time, but Peter explains it was God who called him through a vision, so we can use the similar event in the Bible to solve the same problem), no one can argue what God commanded. When the Jewish Christians hear these two reasons they quiet. We know that the Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16); so using the Bible means we give God to judge the problem.
2. What has been the most powerful story to you from the book of Acts? Why?
Answer: The conversion of Paul is the most inspired story to me because Paul, who loves and eagers to serve God with all his heart, has never changed his mind and never given up even people did not believe and afraid that he really was a disciple (Acts 9:26). He suffers from serving God: put in jail, flogged, exposed to death, received lash, beat with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, and got many dangerous from people and situations (2 Cor. 11:23-27). The book of Acts tells us about his missions more than other stories. We know the end of his life, he is the top of the most faithful person in the Bible; he had fought the good fight, had finished the race and had kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:7). He is my hero.
John and Sam, thanks for your response to the questions.
ReplyDeleteQUESTION 1:
ReplyDeleteFrom Acts 15 we can see disagreement among the brethren regarding circumcision which was a Jewish custom/tradition. Some of the Jewish Christians were teaching that the Gentiles had to become "like them" to be saved. Peter makes it very clear that they shouldn't try to persuade the Gentiles to become like them to be saved because the grace through the Lord Jesus Christ is what saves us. This can relate to us today on how so many people get caught up in traditions (particularly in worship services) to where they think it affects our salvation. I believe that whenever there is disagreements between the brethren we need to bring it back to the basics and realize that it is Christ who unites us and it is his grace that saves us and everything else is only personal preference.
Thank you guys for your prayers and input about my post i put up on the Maldives. It is still banging through my mind on how I am living in a country of religious freedom while others don't. I'd have to say I fully agree with Gip about her favourite story relating to Stephen. A man full of so much faith speaking the Gospel so boldly even to an audience who wanted him dead yet he did it because it needed to be done. I hugely admire Stephen for giving his life to God and done so in a humble way like that of our savior Jesus Christ! This story just encourages me even more as it greatly relates to the things that have been on my heart.
ReplyDeleteSam, regarding your answer to question 1 I would have to say I agree with what you say about using scripture to settle disagreements. The Bible is the living word of God and the ultimate standard of how we should conduct ourselves. This makes me wonder though about all the many different denominations among our communities who use the same Bible yet still disagree on the interpretations. But in saying that I don't think disagreements regarding interpretations should result in denying someone as your brother or sister. If someone SINCERELY claims that Jesus is their Lord and Savior that's good enough for me. Also like we learned in church history 2 (I can't remember exactly who) that guy who says look for "Jesus" in somebody to determine if there really a brother.
ReplyDeleteWow, we're done with Luke-Acts.
ReplyDeleteJust want to say that, John, yes the conversion story was awesome. God can certainly use the most broken of all His creations to bring glory to His name in ways we can't even imagine.
Hope you have a great trip, David!
Jacob,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. We are saved by grace - Thank God! So often we tend to accept others on the basis of our standards instead of God's. Paul was adament that faith in Christ is what matters most, everything else can fall into place behind that.
Ethel, thanks for your participation. I hope the class learned things that will help them in their journey with our Lord and Saviour. And thanks for the good trip wish. God bless.