On our way to Spiritual Renewal at New Beginnings-Part 1
Acts 15:37-39 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
Usually I preach a Valentine's message for this particular Sunday. While this message's direction and guidance can and does apply to marriages and relationships, this is more for a sense of revival or spiritual renewal that I want it to be used.
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…
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."
I know and feel that we at New Beginnings have a good repoire with one another. We get along. We care for each other, we help one another, we are there for one another.
As we surely notice other's short comings, let us remember...
How many of us can honestly say that we have never stumbled or come up short, erred, etc.
The idea is that, You without sin can cast that first stone - John 8:7
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Check your own eye and insure it is beam free - Mt. 7:3-6
Matthew 7:3-6 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
6Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
I am not without understanding that when….
John Mark deeply damaged his standing with Paul - Acts 15:38
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…
Mark's potential to excel was envisioned by Barnabas 39
Noticed his desire and forgave his errors
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…
Paul erased (in his mind) the "mark" on John Mark
Paul called for his presence that he might be of help - 2 Tim. 4:11
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Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.He was with Paul in his time of need Col.4:10
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Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)Are you willing to go on?…
Can you erase the "mark" you have placed on your "John Marks"
Not an issue that he/she may have been wrong (righteousness)
Not an issue that you are right, or in the right to "mark" someone (principles)
Not an issue of your having to appear that you are wrong (pride)
It IS an issue that it hurts the work of Christ
It IS an issue that it hurts your spiritual life
It IS an issue that it spills out onto others around you!
It IS an issue that stymies revival
1 Thes. 5:23-28 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25Brethren, pray for us. 26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
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!
As we close today, let us truly take inventory in our lives. Not your neighbors, not your friends, not your spouses, just you! Consider these statements.
02082004am Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - first used 101098am