How do you feel about other Christians that come from a worship style or life style that is different from yours?

Why would a letter and representatives sent from the Jerusalem church be a good way to communicate the apostles decision?

Form Groups of three

What is the tone of the letter and what are the apostles trying to say in
vs 24
vs 25-27
vs 28-29

Do you think that the presence of Barabbas (Judas) and Silas add to or take away from the impact of the message of the letter?

How or why?

How could vs 30-33 be a model for unity in a culture of diverse beliefs and actions?

What does all this tell us about handling conflict and our communications with on another?

Vs 36-41 is conflict always negative? Can God use it to accomplish His purpose?

Read Act 16:1-5

Timothy joins Paul and is circumcised:
* He is a believer
* His mother was Jewish Christian
* Father was a non believer
* Jewish line is carried through the mother

After all Paul and others went through to not have all the restrictions of Jewish law laid on Gentiles, why would he have asked Timothy to be Circumcised?

How does 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 shed light on this discussion?

19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews. I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewis law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law. I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God: I obey the law of Christ.

22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

What does this have to do with us and how can we apply it to our lives today?

Acts 16:6-10

They realy wanted to go to all of these places that we just read about but God would not let them go. Why? It seemed like the right thing to do and Paul really wanted to go.

This related to us today in the question of sanctuary renovation. I believe that it needs to happen and that it is of God. However is it of God, or is it something that I want to happen? There are those that believe that is not of God.

How do you determine how best to proceed in a case like this?
How do you take your own wants and desires out of the equation and really listen to what God wants?

I don't have the answers. I have found that sometimes you don't know if you did the right thing until you look back on it (maybe even years later), But we still have to act in the present. What are ways we can listen to God and his spirit's guidance?

Youth