Jesus is alive and He is still working.

Key Verse But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 THEALLIANCE We are A Christ-Centered, Acts 1:8 Family

Our Mission THEALLIANCE We are A Christ-Centered, Acts 1:8 Family But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

Celebration? (1) Disillusionment and criticism in the church (2-3)

So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him… We never did things that way before.

Disillusionment and criticism in the church (2-3) So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him… THEALLIANCE We are A Christ-Centered, Acts 1:8 Family

But Peter began and explained it to them in order: … (4-17) he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household. (14)

But Peter began and explained it to them in order: … (4-17) As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. (15)

When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (18) 1. They fell silent.

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 20:3

1. They fell silent. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. Proverbs 26:21

When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (18) 1. They fell silent. 2. They glorified God.

1. They fell silent. 2. They glorified God. What is your primary goal in this conflict?

1. They fell silent. 2. They glorified God. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. (19)

Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. (20)

Celebrate! (21) The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. (22)

When he (Saul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles… Acts 9:26-27

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.) Acts 4:36-37

What a difference! Culture of Criticism or Encouragement

When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. (23)

He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. (24)

So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch… (25-26)

…For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (26)

Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). (27-28)

So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. (29-30)

How will you handle conflict? Criticism or Encouragement? Connect and Care! Advance the Kingdom!