On our way to Spiritual Renewal at East 38th Street - Part 1
"Erase the Mark from the 'John Mark' in your Lives"
Acts 15:37-39

 INTRO: We need Spiritual Renewal in our lives and in our church. If we find ourselves not really caring about what the church stands for, what it is trying to accomplish, its outreaches, its people, etc then we need renewal!!! I know we all know what it takes to have renewal in our lives. We hear it all the time…

Prayer
Church Attendance
Bible reading
Devotion to the Lord, etc Many of us are prevented for having what we need and often desire because we are allowing things to hinder us. I want to deal with one of these this morning. I would like to use a theme this morning: "Reclaiming The Confidence In Each Other So We Can Regaining The Proper Direction God Wants Us To Have."
    As we surely notice other's short comings, let us remember...
  1. How many of us can honestly say that we have never stumbled or come up short , erred, etc.
    1. The idea is that, You without sin can cast that first stone - John 8:7
    2. Check your own eye and insure it is beam free - Mt. 7:3-6

      3.  
    I am not without understanding that when….
  1. Disappointment abounds when we feel let down, deserted, and dishonored.
    1. John Mark deeply damaged his standing with Paul - Acts 15:38
    2. Paul was so aware of the "mark," he & Barnabas parted company 37-39
    If we will only look for better things from them, then we like Barnabas will see…
     
  2. Mark's potential to excel was envisioned by Barnabas 39
    1. Noticed his desire and forgave his errors
    2. Nurtured him despite his weakness and helped him forge ahead for Christ.
    When we are willing to forgive, we can do as Paul (finally) did…
  3. Paul erased (in his mind) the "mark" on John Mark
    1. Paul called for his presence that he might be of help - 2 Tim. 4:11
    2. He was with Paul in his time of need Col.4:10
    Are you willing to go on?…
  4. Can you erase the "mark" you have placed on your "John Marks"
    1. Not an issue that he/she may have been wrong (righteousness)
    2. Not an issue that you are right, or in the right to "mark" someone (principles)
    3. Not an issue of your having to appear that you are wrong (pride)
    4. It IS an issue that it hurts the work of Christ
    5. It is an issue that it hurts your spiritual life
    6. It is an issue that it spills out onto others around you!

 
 

How difficult it is for us to forgive people at times!!! Yet how difficult for us it is to be forgiven by God because we do not really buy into the gift of forgiveness that He has for us!

101098am Gary Marcum East 38th St. FWB