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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
When Problems Arise
Where human beings associate together, disagreements are almost certain to exist. Sometimes these differences lead to strife and serious disputes. The fact that they are likely to occur does not absolve us of guilt, for man is often better at making problems than solving problems. This was true in the first century, and even among the disciples of Jesus.
In Acts 15:1-35 we read of a dispute over the Gentiles being worthy of membership in the Lord’s church. Following that, in verses 36-41, there is a dispute between two brethren over a matter of judgment. While some rejected the settlement of the first disagreement (read a discussion of this issue in Galatians), truth was determined and the issue was settled.
The second matter, between Paul and Barnabas, shows how brethren can disagree on a matter of opinion, yet continue in fellowship together. We would do well to learn from both of these incidents.
The Jew/Gentile Issue
Knowing the background of this strife helps us to understand why Jewish Christians were so distressed at the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. Romans 1:21-32 gives the Holy Spirit’s description of the life of the Gentile in general, and the picture is not a pretty one. They were known to be murderers, haters of God, adulterers, homosexuals, malicious and disobedient to parents. As a result, God had given them over to a “reprobate mind.”
The Jews were not as righteous as they thought they were, but they perceived themselves as more righteous than the Gentiles. They could not imagine God allowing Gentiles into His church, but He had declared the Gospel as being for all, not for the Jews only, Romans 1:16.
Some of these Jewish Christians, sometimes known as “Judaizing Teachers,” were traveling from congregation to congregation trying to force Gentiles to go through various forms of Judaism (such as circumcision) before they could be accepted into fellowship. They were binding laws that God had not bound, and they had to learn that “in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith working by love,” Galatians 5:6.
Just as everyone who wants to be a Christian, the Gentiles had to give up their life of sin. They did so when “godly sorrow” led to their repentance in obeying the Gospel, Acts 17:30-31.
In Acts 15:28-29 this matter was settled with these inspired words:
“It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”
This was a doctrinal problem that had to be solved. Its solution came by the words of the Holy Spirit, not by a vote in some supposed “council” of men. Men’s hearts were touched, truth was honored and a doctrinal question was resolved.
Obviously, doctrinal issues can be solved. The exact circumstances of that day may not all be available to us today, but the Spirit’s Word still guides us in settling such difficulties. Note also that the people were united in support of this settlement, and good and faithful men were then sent throughout the churches to make others aware of the truth of this matter. Not every Jew was willing to end this dispute, but truth was revealed, accepted and then proclaimed abroad.
Personal disagreements
The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas was a personal one. Paul thought John Mark, nephew to Barnabas, had not been dependable on their first missionary journey (see Acts 13:13, 15:38) and did not think it wise to include him on their second journey. Barnabas still wanted to take John Mark, and their “contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other,” Acts 15:39.
This was a strong disagreement, but it was about a matter of judgment. Note that neither Paul nor Barnabas violated God’s will, and neither of them “slammed the door” and left in a fit of childish behavior. They did not castigate one another, but they determined they would do what was best for the Kingdom. Rather than sow discord among brethren, they went their separate ways.
It would not have been right to handle the doctrinal dispute the same way a personal dispute was settled. In a doctrinal issue, just “going our separate ways” does not solve anything. All it does is leave it to someone else to solve. But it was right not to make the personal matter the subject of a public discussion. It was a matter of opinion, and truth was not at risk.
We should not be alarmed that disagreements arise, for that is part of being human. By using the Bible as our standard of truth, we can handle any problem.
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“A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
“An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.”
“When your argument is weak, pound on the table!”
“The end of argument or discussion should be, not victory, but enlightenment."
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I Am The New Year
I am the new year; three hundred and sixty five days of unspotted, unspoiled, and unused time. I am a clean slate of opportunity, a reflection of what might be rather than what has been. My diary contains unlimited resolutions, once made in earnest and then broken in haste. I am the fresh breeze of opportunity that blows across the fields of yesterday’s broken and forgotten promises.
My features are a mystery, for no one can tell what is in store for tomorrow. Each day brings new insight to what I will be after I have completed my journey. I am the opportunity to achieve those things which for some reason or another were left undone in the previous year.
To the financier, I am interest accumulated at a fixed percentage rate. To a student, I am that one step closer toward receiving an education. To the small child, I am another summer camp, Thanksgiving holiday, or Christmas wish. To a parent, I contain the joy of watching a child grow and mature. To the young, I am dreams and hopes dressed in daily determination. The youngster wonders why I do not come around more often; the aged wonder why I come so often. For some, this year will bring unparalleled opportunities. For others it will bring disaster and ruin. To all, it will bring us twelve months closer to eternity.
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