The beginning of the Church at Ephesus

Acts 19

Paul decides to go back to Asia Minor

• Barnabas wants to take his cousin, John Mark
• Cyprus was Barnabas’ home town
  • Mark had abandoned Paul (13:13)
• Because Mark had done that, Paul instead takes Silas

Thought: Sometimes there are disagreements among fellow believers

• The truth is, we don’t always agree on everything
  • Sometimes people have a different reason for what they do
  • Not everyone may be as committed as you

Note – “commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord” (vs. 40)

• Entrusted
• Given the power

Thought: When God is in the works, it works.

The element of grace can and will settle differences.

One of the beautiful qualities of grace is that it has no limit to it ability.

• There is no timetable to its power

• No limit of its affect

• It never runs out

• There are no lines drawn with grace

1. There is always someone (s) who will try to impose their religious, personal, and yes, political beliefs upon you.

• Stay biblically sound
• Stay morally pure
• Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your life

1. We don’t always see things the same way.

• God has made us different people
• But he has created us in his image
  • Fashioned after his character
• We are equal in the sight of God

Romans 12:14-21 NIV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c] 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1. Be willing to settle any grievance you have with someone.

Note: 2 Tim. 4:11 NLT

11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.

• Paul had his doubts about John Mark
• The church blessed both teams as they left to spread the good news about Jesus and his resurrection power
• John Mark proved himself and Paul acknowledged that and welcomed him back to work with him

Together, united, and determined there is nothing that God can’t do in and through us.