It is tough when Christians don’t get along. Tougher still when we see mature, respected Christian leaders not get along. It is comforting (is that the right word?) to know that such discord was happening all the way back at the beginning of the church. Having examples of the flawed nature of the church and her leaders provides us with cover for the same happening today. It doesn’t excuse it, but it does explain it, and it allows us to see that such things are normal in a sin-sick world even among Christian leaders. Perhaps the most famous of such examples is that of Paul and Barnabas and their “sharp disagreement” over John Mark’s qualification for vocational ministry. The church’s two most prominent and respected leaders split over it with the sad reality that a resolution is never recorded. We’re blessed to have Pastor Leo Klus here on Sunday to walk us through Acts 15:26-16:5 and help us see some truths that will help us navigate conflict and controversy when it happens in the church.

Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16)

Leo Klus

Message: 42 – A sharp disagreement

Harvest Bible Chapel

Text: Acts 15:36-16:5

March 3, 2024

1. Stay the course by living on mission (15:36)

Three principles for living on mission

#1 - He lives a gospel-centred life

#2 - He knew that meant to use his gifts for Christian community

#3 - He lived his life in light of eternity

2. Know that God will teach and surprise us from conflict (15:37-41)

Top 5 common reasons for conflict amongst believers

#1 – Theological

#2 – Methodological

#3 – Preferences

#4 – Sin

#5 – Relational

3 warning signs that unity is not being maintained

#1 – The issue has become the controlling passion of your life

#2 – You begin to attack the person and not the problem

#3 – Your passion and love for Jesus declines

3. Pray that God will bring gospel-centred people into our lives (16:1-5)