Resolving Differences in the Church | Evening Series - How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 25, February 23, 2025

“RESOLVING DIFFERENCES IN THE CHURCH”

How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 25

A sermon outline based on Acts 15 

Hillcrest CRC, February 23, 2025, 5pm

Rev. Curt Walters

1. Conflict is inevitable. (Acts 15:2, 39)

 2. What process did the apostles use for resolving conflict?

• Each side voiced their opinions. (Acts 15:4-18)
• There was much discussion. (Acts 15:7)
• They sought God’s will. (Acts 15:16-18, 28)

 3. What was their decision? (Acts 15:20,29)

• Abstain from food sacrificed to idols. (Acts 15:20,29)
• Abstain from blood. (Acts 15:20,29)
• Abstain from the meat of strangled animals. (Acts 15:20,29)
• Abstain from sexual immorality. (Acts 15:20,29) 

 4. Don’t make it unnecessarily difficult for “seekers”. (Acts 15:19)

 Next steps...

• Listen carefully to both sides before you make a judgment on a dispute.  Read and reflect on James 1:19 “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...”
• Be sensitive to the opinions and traditions of other Christians in order not to unnecessarily offend or provoke them.
• Be quick to talk to and engage with anyone who seems open to the gospel, even if they are different from you.  Invite the Lord to open doors for you to have conversations about spiritual things with others.