Acts 15
As a follow up to yesterday's post we have yet another illustration that we are to avoid seeking approval of others vs Jesus. Today's illustration comes from Acts 15 where Paul and Barnabas had a "sharp disagreement" and John Piper uses this text as an example where the earthly elements of our faith - people, relationships, community, church, etc. - lead us to take our eyes off of faith itself because we focus too much on these elements vs focus on Jesus.
In community itself, Piper offers great words of wisdom - with focus on keeping Jesus central and on bearing with another and offering forgiveness and grace.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me AND who has provided community for me that has blessed me and strengthened my faith - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. v39-40
As a follow up to yesterday's post we have yet another illustration that we are to avoid seeking approval of others vs Jesus. Today's illustration comes from Acts 15 where Paul and Barnabas had a "sharp disagreement" and John Piper uses this text as an example where the earthly elements of our faith - people, relationships, community, church, etc. - lead us to take our eyes off of faith itself because we focus too much on these elements vs focus on Jesus.
In community itself, Piper offers great words of wisdom - with focus on keeping Jesus central and on bearing with another and offering forgiveness and grace.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me AND who has provided community for me that has blessed me and strengthened my faith - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
