The Cross In Church Relationships

The Cross In Church Relationships Sometimes the heaviest cross to bear is the one we carry among ourselves.

Paul’s Cross Within The Church Christians attacked Paul’s . . . . Conversion – Acts 9:10-14; 9:26 Work – Acts 14:27-28; 15:1 Apostleship – II Cor. 3:1; 10:10 Position – Acts 21:17-26 Character – Gal. 4:16 Motives – Phil.1:12-17

The way Paul bore his cross among his “nasty” brethren then helps us do the same today.

Loving The Church Successfully He was not overcome by the evil of others – Romans 12:17-21 Vs. 17 – avoid revenge Vs. 18 – search for peace Vs. 19 – Trust in God’s justice Vs. 20 – Do what is right Vs. 21 – Let goodness win

Loving The Church Successfully Paul always praised God. Phil. 4:4-7 . . . constant praise of God discourages offences between people.

Prayer and praise comes before the Peace, not after. After peace comes joy!

Loving The Church Successfully Paul was not distracted. II Tim. 4:5-8 Don’t let “cross bearing” become a distraction. God is glorified by perseverance, not quitting.

“For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21 Paul’s Victory Speech “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

The Fruit Of Cross Bearing It produces spiritual healing. It provides spiritual balance. It preserves our souls.

THE CROWN WE RECEIVE will be worth the cross we bear.

Remember . . . Sometimes we are the cross that someone else has to bear.

Jesus bore the cross for us are we ready to bear one for Him?