The early church and its believers were not without their challenges as the Church began to grow:

• Our stories build our faith. Paul reported to the believers all God had done on their missionary journey. It’s our stories – we used to call them “testimonies” – that build our faith. They cause us to realize we can rely on God to give us all we need to face the circumstances life throws our way. The early believers knew what they were entrusted to do (Acts 14:26) and believed God would enable them and equip them to complete the work. We must rely on His strength to be at work in us, using us to be a part of His larger story. “When we choose to daily rely on Him, we will have our own stories to tell of God’s goodness” (Alyssa Howard, Power for the World).

• There is something of a “Pharisee” in each of us. When a dispute arises, the people became divided, holding onto their own traditions and opinions. It seems  the Pharisees moved from “Should the Gentiles be included?” to “How should the Gentiles be included?” May we not be a people who put stipulations upon others. It is all by faith alone. Grace alone. “We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 15:11, NLT). May we seek answers in the Word of God and walk in the freedom He has provided for us.
  

• Let’s see discrimination for what it is – sin. As we read Acts 15:12-21, we find James, the brother of Jesus, mediating a debate as he hopes to bring resolution. He does so by reminding the Jewish believers of prophecy and telling them the gospel being extended to the Gentiles is “so that the rest of humanity might seek the Lord” (Acts 15 17, NLT). In Galatians 3:7-9, we read: “The real children of Abraham, then are those who put their faith in God.” All. One family. One in Christ. Every tribe. Every tongue. Every nation. It is amazing how we can become accustomed to thinking so shortsightedly and not recognize discrimination for what it truly is – an offense to God. Let’s search our hearts and ask the Lord to uproot any small (or big) traces of discrimination that may be hidden in our hearts.

• We need wisdom and direction in making decisions. We find the early Church needing to make a decision, but they didn’t do it on their own. “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28, NLT). They came together, prayed, and waited for direction from the Holy Spirit before coming to a final conclusion. This is a great question to start the day – “Lord, what do You want to accomplish in my life this day?” After we pray like this, there is no telling what He will do in our day!

• We need wisdom to navigate disagreements. Did we think that disagreements and parting of ways did not happen in the early church? Paul and Barnabas – missionary buddies – strongly disagreed on whether to once again include John Mark in their journeys. Barnabas wanted to include him and this may have been due to the fact that they were cousins. Perhaps they had strong family bonds. But Paul was adamant and so Paul and Barnabas parted ways. Barnabas went on to journey with John Mark. Paul with Silas. God brought good from this, using their parting for the furthering of the Gospel. Later on, Scripture does seem to indicate they may have mended their ways as Paul requests to see John Mark and even calls him “helpful to him” (2 Timothy 2:11). Disagreements, or differences of opinion, will happen in our lives as well. How we handle them is what is important. As we work these out, may we seek peaceful and godly resolution with the help of the Holy Spirit. But may we also realize, there are times a parting of the ways is the wisest choice. May we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our relationships as they can sure become messy. And may all we do bring Him glory.

The stories of the early church bring powerful lessons for us all to learn as we navigate our own days.

Their stories help us shape and tell our stories,
presently and for the generations yet to come.

Today I am joining … Inspire Me Monday .