We should not be surprised when brethren disagree. n There will always be an ongoing struggle to keep the unity of the spirit in a growing church. (Eph.

We should not be surprised when We should not be surprised when brethren disagree.brethren disagree.

There will always be an ongoing struggle to There will always be an ongoing struggle to keep the unity of the spirit in a growing keep the unity of the spirit in a growing church. church. (Eph 4:1-3)(Eph 4:1-3)


(Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJV)(Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJV) - I, therefore, the - I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were worthy of the calling with which you were called,called, {2} {2} with all lowliness and with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,one another in love, {3} {3} endeavoringendeavoring to to keep keep the unity of the Spiritthe unity of the Spirit in in the bond of the bond of peacepeace..


Brethren must at times struggle to find the Brethren must at times struggle to find the truth as well as struggle to keep the truth as well as struggle to keep the right attitudes towards each other. right attitudes towards each other.


““To dwell above with saints we love,To dwell above with saints we love,That will be grace and glory.That will be grace and glory.To live below with saints we know;To live below with saints we know;That's another story!”That's another story!”


It is during these inevitable times of It is during these inevitable times of struggle that real Christian maturity is struggle that real Christian maturity is shown! shown! (Col 2:2-5)(Col 2:2-5)


(Colossians 2:2-5 NKJV)(Colossians 2:2-5 NKJV) - that their - that their hearts may be encouraged, being hearts may be encouraged, being knit knit together in lovetogether in love, and , and attaining attaining to all riches to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,of the Father and of Christ, {3} {3} in whom are in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.knowledge.


{4} {4} Now this I say lest anyone should Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.deceive you with persuasive words. {5} {5} For For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your rejoicing to see your good good orderorder and the and the steadfastness of your steadfastness of your faith in Christfaith in Christ..


If we are honest we should recognize the If we are honest we should recognize the great struggle each of us will have to great struggle each of us will have to maintain a proper heart towards the truth maintain a proper heart towards the truth and towards others.and towards others.


One major issue we must resolve is that of One major issue we must resolve is that of the Christian’s fellowship.the Christian’s fellowship.


One major issue we must resolve is that of One major issue we must resolve is that of the Christian’s fellowship.the Christian’s fellowship.

Some tolerate that what they should have Some tolerate that what they should have cut off! cut off! (1 Tim 5:22)(1 Tim 5:22)


(1 Timothy 5:22 NKJV)(1 Timothy 5:22 NKJV) Do not Do not lay hands lay hands on anyone hastilyon anyone hastily, nor , nor share in other share in other people’s sinspeople’s sins; keep yourself pure.; keep yourself pure.


There are some who have “jumped the gun” There are some who have “jumped the gun” in deciding that a given situation demands in deciding that a given situation demands that they give up on other Christians. (Ex. that they give up on other Christians. (Ex. Corinth) Corinth) (1 Cor 1:2)(1 Cor 1:2)


(1 Corinthians 1:2 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 1:2 NKJV) To To the church the church of God which is at Corinthof God which is at Corinth, to those who , to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be to be saints, with all who in every place call on saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:theirs and ours:


We need a principled, Bible based approach We need a principled, Bible based approach to these matters. What has been our to these matters. What has been our past practice may be rooted in emotion past practice may be rooted in emotion rather than the Lord’s will.rather than the Lord’s will.

We must always seek complete obedience to We must always seek complete obedience to all that God has saidall that God has said

Jesus expected His followers to observe all Jesus expected His followers to observe all that He commanded. that He commanded. (Mt 28:18-20)(Mt 28:18-20)


(Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)(Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV) And Jesus came And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has All authority has been given to Mebeen given to Me in heaven and on earth. in heaven and on earth. {19} {19} “Go therefore and make disciples of all the “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} {20} ““teaching them to observe all things that I teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded youhave commanded you; and lo, I am with you ; and lo, I am with you always, always, even even to the end of the age.” Amen.to the end of the age.” Amen.


When there is but one thing that we refuse When there is but one thing that we refuse to do of the Lord’s, then we have fallen to do of the Lord’s, then we have fallen away. away. (Mk 10:21-23; Lk 9:23-24; 14:33)(Mk 10:21-23; Lk 9:23-24; 14:33)


(Mark 10:21-23 NKJV)(Mark 10:21-23 NKJV) Then Jesus, Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ““One thing you lackOne thing you lack: Go your way, sell : Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”take up the cross, and follow Me.” {22} {22} But But he was sad at this word, and he was sad at this word, and went away went away sorrowfulsorrowful, for he had great possessions., for he had great possessions.


{23} {23} Then Jesus looked around and said to Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”


(Luke 9:23-24 NKJV)(Luke 9:23-24 NKJV) Then He said to Then He said to them them all, “If anyone desires to come after all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, Me, let him deny himself, and take up his let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Mecross daily, and follow Me.. {24} {24} “For “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.save it.


(Luke 14:33 NKJV)(Luke 14:33 NKJV) “So likewise, “So likewise, whoever of you does not whoever of you does not forsake all that he forsake all that he hashas cannot be My disciple. cannot be My disciple.


Each of us must give our whole hearts and Each of us must give our whole hearts and lives to the Lord. lives to the Lord. (Mk 12:30-31)(Mk 12:30-31)


(Mark 12:30-31 NKJV)(Mark 12:30-31 NKJV) ‘And you shall ‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your love the LORD your God with all your heart, with heart, with all your soulall your soul, with , with all your mindall your mind, , and with and with all your strengthall your strength.’ This .’ This is is the first the first commandment.commandment. {31} {31} “And the second, like “And the second, like it, is it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”greater than these.”


How can we know what God expects of us? How can we know what God expects of us?


His word must be studied and understood. His word must be studied and understood. (Eph 3:3-5; 5:17)(Eph 3:3-5; 5:17)


(Ephesians 3:3-5 NKJV)(Ephesians 3:3-5 NKJV) how that by how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,(as I have briefly written already, {4} {4} by by which, which, when you readwhen you read, , you may understand you may understand my knowledgemy knowledge in the mystery of Christ), in the mystery of Christ), {5} {5} which in other ages was not made known to which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:prophets:


(Ephesians 5:17 NKJV)(Ephesians 5:17 NKJV) Therefore Therefore do not do not be unwisebe unwise, but understand what the will of , but understand what the will of the Lord the Lord is.is.


I can conclude that a matter is taught when I can conclude that a matter is taught when it is expressed in a command, an it is expressed in a command, an approved example or an inescapable approved example or an inescapable conclusion. conclusion.


I can conclude that a matter is taught when I can conclude that a matter is taught when it is expressed in a command, an it is expressed in a command, an approved example or an inescapable approved example or an inescapable conclusion. conclusion.

If an example has God’s approval, then I If an example has God’s approval, then I know I can do it. know I can do it. (1 Cor 11:1; 1 Thess 1:6)(1 Cor 11:1; 1 Thess 1:6)


(1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV) Imitate me, Imitate me, just as I also just as I also imitate imitate Christ.Christ.


(1 Thessalonians 1:6 NKJV)(1 Thessalonians 1:6 NKJV) And you And you became became followers of usfollowers of us and of the Lord, and of the Lord, having received the word in much having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,


Before I determine a practice is Before I determine a practice is demanded demanded that is not specifically namedthat is not specifically named I must show I must show that it is necessarily concluded from the that it is necessarily concluded from the text. text. (Mk 12:26-27) (Mk 12:26-27)


(Mark 12:26-27 NKJV)(Mark 12:26-27 NKJV) “But concerning “But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the the book of Moses, in the burning burning bush bush passage, passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?and the God of Jacob’? {27} {27} “He is not the “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.”You are therefore greatly mistaken.”


(Ex. If they came out of the water, they then (Ex. If they came out of the water, they then had to go into it!) had to go into it!) (Acts 8:39)(Acts 8:39)


(Acts 8:39 NKJV)(Acts 8:39 NKJV) - Now when they came - Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.rejoicing.


We cannot demand that others practice that We cannot demand that others practice that which “has a possibility” of being required. which “has a possibility” of being required. (Ex. 7th Day Adventist on Noah and life (Ex. 7th Day Adventist on Noah and life spans)spans)


I must remain true to matters of conscience. I must remain true to matters of conscience. (Rom 14:1-4, 22-23)(Rom 14:1-4, 22-23)


(Romans 14:1-4 NKJV)(Romans 14:1-4 NKJV) Receive one who Receive one who is weak in the faith, is weak in the faith, but but not to disputes over not to disputes over doubtful things.doubtful things. {2} {2} For one believes he For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak may eat all things, but he who is weak eats eats only only vegetablesvegetables.. {3} {3} Let not him who eats Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; him who does not eat judge him who eats; for for God has received himGod has received him..


{4} {4} Who are you to judge another’s Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.God is able to make him stand.


(Romans 14:22-23 NKJV)(Romans 14:22-23 NKJV) - Do you have - Do you have faith? Have faith? Have it it to yourself before God. to yourself before God. Happy Happy is is he who does not condemn himself he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.in what he approves. {23} {23} But he who But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because doubts is condemned if he eats, because he he does does not not eat eat from faith; for whatever from faith; for whatever is is not not from faith is sin.from faith is sin.


I cannot compromise in my personal life!I cannot compromise in my personal life!


I cannot compromise in my personal life!I cannot compromise in my personal life! I also cannot demand of others that which is I also cannot demand of others that which is

not clearly taught.not clearly taught.

We must take great care in our We must take great care in our collective work togethercollective work together

There are decisions made in a local church There are decisions made in a local church that involve everyone.that involve everyone.


There are decisions made in a local church There are decisions made in a local church that involve everyone.that involve everyone.

When we spend the money taken on the When we spend the money taken on the first day of the week this is everyone’s first day of the week this is everyone’s work. work. (1 Cor 16:1-2; Phil 4:15-17)(1 Cor 16:1-2; Phil 4:15-17)


(1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV) - Now - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:Galatia, so you must do also: {2} {2} On the On the first first day day of the week let each one of you lay of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I prosper, that there be no collections when I come.come.


(Philippians 4:15-17 NKJV)(Philippians 4:15-17 NKJV) - Now you - Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.and receiving but you only. {16} {16} For even in For even in Thessalonica you sent Thessalonica you sent aid aid once and again for once and again for my necessities.my necessities. {17} {17} Not that I seek the gift, Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.account.


When we worship, everyone is to take part! When we worship, everyone is to take part! (Col 3:16; 1 Cor 14:15-16)(Col 3:16; 1 Cor 14:15-16)


(1 Corinthians 14:15-16 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 14:15-16 NKJV) What is What is the the conclusion conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.the understanding. {16} {16} Otherwise, if you bless Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?what you say?


(Colossians 3:16 NKJV)(Colossians 3:16 NKJV) Let the word of Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Lord.


When one believes a thing to be sinful in When one believes a thing to be sinful in these areas, then they are left with no these areas, then they are left with no good choices if they remain. They must good choices if they remain. They must either participate or commit sin!either participate or commit sin!


There are decisions that take place that are There are decisions that take place that are matters of personal opinion. matters of personal opinion.


There are decisions that take place that are There are decisions that take place that are matters of personal opinion. matters of personal opinion.

Here there is no sinful choice just choices Here there is no sinful choice just choices based on judgment. based on judgment. (Rom 14:14)(Rom 14:14)


(Romans 14:14 NKJV)(Romans 14:14 NKJV) I know and am I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him considers anything to be unclean, to him it it is is unclean.unclean.


If we are not careful we can see others hurt If we are not careful we can see others hurt because of either their own immaturity because of either their own immaturity and/or a lack of love on our part. and/or a lack of love on our part. (Col 3:14-15)(Col 3:14-15)


(Colossians 3:14-15 NKJV)(Colossians 3:14-15 NKJV) But above all But above all these things put on love, which is the bond these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.of perfection. {15} {15} And let the peace of God And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.called in one body; and be thankful.


In these matters we must always be “willing In these matters we must always be “willing to yield” for the good of others. to yield” for the good of others. (Jas 3:17)(Jas 3:17)


(James 3:17 NKJV)(James 3:17 NKJV) But the wisdom that But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.hypocrisy.


There are decisions that one may believe There are decisions that one may believe are wrong but he is allowed not to become a are wrong but he is allowed not to become a participant.participant.


Should we have the Lord’s supper on Should we have the Lord’s supper on Sunday night? Our arrangement allows Sunday night? Our arrangement allows for others to choose or refuse to for others to choose or refuse to participate.participate.


Should we have the Lord’s supper on Should we have the Lord’s supper on Sunday night? Our arrangement allows Sunday night? Our arrangement allows for others to choose or refuse to for others to choose or refuse to participate.participate.

There is room to disagree with what is There is room to disagree with what is taught from the pulpit! taught from the pulpit! (Acts 17:11)(Acts 17:11)


(Acts 17:11 NKJV)(Acts 17:11 NKJV) These were more fair- These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily and searched the Scriptures daily to find out to find out whether these things were so.whether these things were so.


There will always be areas that require There will always be areas that require further study.further study.


There will always be areas that require There will always be areas that require further study.further study.

There are some things that we cannot yield There are some things that we cannot yield to. to. (2 Jn 9-11; 1 Tim 1:3)(2 Jn 9-11; 1 Tim 1:3)


(2 John 1:9-11 NKJV)(2 John 1:9-11 NKJV) Whoever Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.and the Son. {10} {10} If anyone comes to you and If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;him into your house nor greet him; {11} {11} for he for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.who greets him shares in his evil deeds.


(1 Timothy 1:3 NKJV)(1 Timothy 1:3 NKJV) As I urged you As I urged you when I went into Macedonia; remain in when I went into Macedonia; remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,they teach no other doctrine,


The preacher cannot yield to the demands The preacher cannot yield to the demands of those who are offended by strong of those who are offended by strong preaching. preaching. (2 Tim 4:2-4)(2 Tim 4:2-4)


(2 Timothy 4:2-4 NKJV)(2 Timothy 4:2-4 NKJV) Preach the word! Be Preach the word! Be ready in season ready in season and and out of season. Convince, out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.teaching. {3} {3} For the time will come when they For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, their own desires, because because they have itching they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; {4} {4} and they will turn and they will turn their their ears away from the ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.truth, and be turned aside to fables.


He should however yield in personal He should however yield in personal matters.matters.


He should however yield in personal He should however yield in personal matters.matters.

We need to learn how to be longsuffering! We need to learn how to be longsuffering! (Col 3:12-13)(Col 3:12-13)


(Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV)(Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV) Therefore, as Therefore, as the the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;meekness, longsuffering; {13} {13} bearing with bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.must do.


Some applications of church discipline fall Some applications of church discipline fall in this area.in this area.


Without elders, this is one of the most Without elders, this is one of the most difficult areas for a business meeting to difficult areas for a business meeting to decide.decide.


Without elders, this is one of the most Without elders, this is one of the most difficult areas for a business meeting to difficult areas for a business meeting to decide.decide.

I have seen some disagree with the I have seen some disagree with the collective decision and refuse to participate.collective decision and refuse to participate.


Without elders, this is one of the most difficult Without elders, this is one of the most difficult areas for a business meeting to decide.areas for a business meeting to decide.

I have seen some disagree with the collective I have seen some disagree with the collective decision and refuse to participate.decision and refuse to participate.

I have disagreed with the lack of action of a I have disagreed with the lack of action of a local church but took action as an individual local church but took action as an individual according to my understanding. according to my understanding. (1 Tim 1:19-20)(1 Tim 1:19-20)


(1 Timothy 1:19-20 NKJV)(1 Timothy 1:19-20 NKJV) having faith having faith and a good conscience, which some having and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,shipwreck, {20} {20} of whom are Hymenaeus of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.that they may learn not to blaspheme.


While in these matters we are still able to While in these matters we are still able to work together, each will give account work together, each will give account before God as to how we have handled His before God as to how we have handled His word. word. (1 Cor 4:4-5)(1 Cor 4:4-5)


(1 Corinthians 4:4-5 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 4:4-5 NKJV) For I know For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. {5} {5} Therefore judge nothing before the time, until Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.will come from God.


We will be sorely disappointed when we We will be sorely disappointed when we expect all in the business meeting to have expect all in the business meeting to have the same understanding and maturity.the same understanding and maturity.

We must avoid those things that We must avoid those things that unnecessarily provoke our brethrenunnecessarily provoke our brethren

Use your words carefully! Use your words carefully! (Eph 4:29; Col 4:5-6)(Eph 4:29; Col 4:5-6)


(Ephesians 4:29 NKJV)(Ephesians 4:29 NKJV) Let no corrupt Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.may impart grace to the hearers.


There is considerable pressure on spiritual There is considerable pressure on spiritual men who are teaching.men who are teaching.





A single mistake can have huge A single mistake can have huge consequences. (Ex. Factory that burned last consequences. (Ex. Factory that burned last week.) week.) (Jas 3:5)(Jas 3:5)


(James 3:5 NKJV)(James 3:5 NKJV) Even so the tongue is a Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!how great a forest a little fire kindles!


We can “demand” others line up with what We can “demand” others line up with what appears to be a threat.appears to be a threat.


We can “demand” others line up with what We can “demand” others line up with what appears to be a threat.appears to be a threat.

We must always guard our hearts. We must always guard our hearts. (Prov 4:23)(Prov 4:23)


(Proverbs 4:23 NKJV)(Proverbs 4:23 NKJV) Keep your heart Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it with all diligence, For out of it spring spring the the issues of life.issues of life.


We need to distinguish between emotion We need to distinguish between emotion and principle. We may in our emotions and principle. We may in our emotions show an unbalanced emphasis. show an unbalanced emphasis.


We need to distinguish between emotion We need to distinguish between emotion and principle. We may in our emotions and principle. We may in our emotions show an unbalanced emphasis. show an unbalanced emphasis.

In bitterness the real problem will be In bitterness the real problem will be untouched. untouched. (Mk 15:9-11)(Mk 15:9-11)


(Mark 15:9-11 NKJV)(Mark 15:9-11 NKJV) But Pilate But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”release to you the King of the Jews?” {10} {10} For he knew that the chief priests had For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.handed Him over because of envy. {11} {11} But But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.he should rather release Barabbas to them.


Let each of us patiently work for the Lord.Let each of us patiently work for the Lord.


A rash decision can cause much damage to A rash decision can cause much damage to the Lord’s cause. Is it like Paul and John the Lord’s cause. Is it like Paul and John Mark? Mark? (Acts 15:36-40)(Acts 15:36-40)


(Acts 15:36-40 NKJV)(Acts 15:36-40 NKJV) Then after some Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the where we have preached the word of the Lord, Lord, and see and see how they are doing.”how they are doing.” {37} {37} Now Barnabas was determined to take with Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.them John called Mark.


{38} {38} But Paul insisted that they should not take But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.them to the work. {39} {39} Then the contention Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;sailed to Cyprus; {40} {40} but Paul chose Silas and but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.the grace of God.


Let each of us pray for wisdom and Let each of us pray for wisdom and longsuffering in this great work. longsuffering in this great work. (Jas 1:2-5)(Jas 1:2-5)

We should not be surprised when brethren disagree. n There will always be an ongoing struggle to keep the unity of the spirit in a growing church. (Eph.

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