every growing congregation will in time face controversy. n this should be expected because of the...

Every growing congregation will in time Every growing congregation will in time face controversy.face controversy.

This should be expected because of the This should be expected because of the various levels of knowledge and maturity various levels of knowledge and maturity within the members of a growing within the members of a growing church. church. (Eph 4:14-16)(Eph 4:14-16)


(Ephesians 4:14-16 NKJV)(Ephesians 4:14-16 NKJV) that we should that we should no longer be children, no longer be children, tossed to and fro and tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrinecarried about with every wind of doctrine, , by the trickery of men, in the cunning by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,craftiness of deceitful plotting, {15} {15} but, but, speaking the truth in love, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in may grow up in all things into Him who is the headall things into Him who is the head; Christ;; Christ;


{16} {16} from whom the whole body, joined from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to supplies, according to the effective working the effective working by which every part does its shareby which every part does its share, causes , causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.in love.


The church at Corinth had cause for much The church at Corinth had cause for much controversy! Still as a church of God controversy! Still as a church of God they were to patiently work on these they were to patiently work on these problems. problems. (1 Cor 1:10)(1 Cor 1:10)


(1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV) Now I plead Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and thing, and that that there be there be no divisions no divisions among among you, but you, but that that you be you be perfectly joined perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same together in the same mind and in the same judgmentjudgment..


When a church purposely avoids the open When a church purposely avoids the open study of God’s word, then we have ceased study of God’s word, then we have ceased being followers of Christ.being followers of Christ.


Controversy will Controversy will reveal our heartsreveal our hearts..


Controversy will reveal our hearts.Controversy will reveal our hearts. By its very nature controversy has a By its very nature controversy has a

measure of discomfort. How will one react measure of discomfort. How will one react in these circumstances? in these circumstances? (Jas 3:14-(Jas 3:14-4:1)4:1)


(James 3:14-18 NKJV)(James 3:14-18 NKJV) But if you have But if you have bitter envy bitter envy and and self-seekingself-seeking in your hearts, in your hearts, do not do not boastboast and and lie against the truthlie against the truth.. {15} {15} This wisdom does not descend from above, This wisdom does not descend from above, but but is is earthly, sensual, demonicearthly, sensual, demonic.. {16} {16} For For where envy and self-seeking where envy and self-seeking exist, exist, confusion and every evil thing confusion and every evil thing are are therethere..


{17} {17} But the wisdom that is But the wisdom that is from above from above is is first purefirst pure, then , then peaceablepeaceable, , gentlegentle, , willing to willing to yieldyield, , full of mercyfull of mercy and and good fruitsgood fruits, , without without partialitypartiality and and without hypocrisywithout hypocrisy.. {18} {18} Now Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.by those who make peace.


(James 4:1 NKJV)(James 4:1 NKJV) Where do Where do wars and wars and fights fights come come from among youfrom among you? Do ? Do they they not not come come from your from your desires for desires for pleasure that pleasure that war in your members?war in your members?


Paul gave the Corinthian’s credit for Paul gave the Corinthian’s credit for seeking the truth rather than trying to bury seeking the truth rather than trying to bury it and ignore it. it and ignore it. (1 Cor 7:1; 11:2)(1 Cor 7:1; 11:2)


(1 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV) Now Now concerning concerning the things of which you wrote the things of which you wrote to to me: me: It is It is good for a man not to touch a good for a man not to touch a woman.woman.


(1 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV) Now I praise Now I praise you, brethren, that you, brethren, that you remember me in all you remember me in all thingsthings and keep the traditions just as I and keep the traditions just as I delivered delivered them them to you.to you.


How will you respond under pressureHow will you respond under pressure? Will ? Will you show the love of God or impatiently you show the love of God or impatiently write-off brethren as “unreachable?”write-off brethren as “unreachable?”


Some under the guise of spirituality Some under the guise of spirituality run run from proper controversyfrom proper controversy. The fear of . The fear of discomfort leads them to run and hide.discomfort leads them to run and hide.

Proper Controversy has Great Value Proper Controversy has Great Value (Acts 6:1-7)(Acts 6:1-7)

(Acts 6:1-7 NKJV)(Acts 6:1-7 NKJV) Now in those days, when Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose there arose a complaint against the Hebrews a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenistsby the Hellenists, because their widows were , because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. {2} Then neglected in the daily distribution. {2} Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve should leave the word of God and serve tables. tables.


{3} “Therefore, brethren, seek out from {3} “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; {4} “but we may appoint over this business; {4} “but we will give ourselves continually to prayer we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” and to the ministry of the word.”


{5} And the saying pleased the whole {5} And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, {6} Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, {6} whom they set before the apostles; and whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. them.


{7} {7} Then the word of God spreadThen the word of God spread, and the , and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.priests were obedient to the faith.


You will more clearly see what the Bible You will more clearly see what the Bible teaches in proper controversy.teaches in proper controversy.


There are some issues that we hear over and There are some issues that we hear over and over again, but often we never know them over again, but often we never know them like we thought we did. Controversy often like we thought we did. Controversy often makes this point clear. (Ex. Training on makes this point clear. (Ex. Training on teaching a home study.)teaching a home study.)


There are some issues that we hear over and There are some issues that we hear over and over again, but often we never know them like over again, but often we never know them like we thought we did. Controversy often makes we thought we did. Controversy often makes this point clear. (Ex. Training on teaching a this point clear. (Ex. Training on teaching a home study.)home study.)

The goal in these discussions is to The goal in these discussions is to first learn first learn what God’s will iswhat God’s will is and then determine the best and then determine the best way to implement it among brethren. way to implement it among brethren. (1 Cor 4:6)(1 Cor 4:6)


(1 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV) - Now these - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may sakes, that you may learn in us not to think learn in us not to think beyond what is writtenbeyond what is written, that none of you , that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.the other.


Issues are Issues are brought into the open brought into the open rather than rather than whispered among different groups. whispered among different groups.


The church at Jerusalem had the beginnings The church at Jerusalem had the beginnings of a serious problem. of a serious problem. (Acts 6:1)(Acts 6:1)


(Acts 6:1 NKJV)(Acts 6:1 NKJV) Now in those days, when Now in those days, when the number of the number of the disciples was multiplying, the disciples was multiplying, there there arose a complaint against the Hebrews arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenistsby the Hellenists, because their widows , because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.were neglected in the daily distribution.


““Complaint” - 1) a murmur, murmuring, Complaint” - 1) a murmur, murmuring, muttering 1a) a secret debate 1b) a muttering 1a) a secret debate 1b) a secret displeasure not openly avowed. secret displeasure not openly avowed.


““Complaint” - 1) a murmur, murmuring, Complaint” - 1) a murmur, murmuring, muttering 1a) a secret debate 1b) a muttering 1a) a secret debate 1b) a secret displeasure not openly avowed. secret displeasure not openly avowed.

These kind of voices in the background These kind of voices in the background must be stopped! must be stopped! (Phil 2:14; 1 Pt 4:9)(Phil 2:14; 1 Pt 4:9)


(Philippians 2:14 NKJV)(Philippians 2:14 NKJV) Do all things Do all things without complaining and disputingwithout complaining and disputing,,


(1 Peter 4:9 NKJV)(1 Peter 4:9 NKJV) Be Be hospitable to one hospitable to one another another without grumblingwithout grumbling..


Controversy ended with a solution that Controversy ended with a solution that “pleased the whole multitude.” “pleased the whole multitude.” (Acts 6:5)(Acts 6:5)


(Acts 6:5 NKJV)(Acts 6:5 NKJV) And the saying And the saying pleased pleased the whole multitudethe whole multitude. And they chose . And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,from Antioch,


Matters are settled so that the church can Matters are settled so that the church can move forward with its work. move forward with its work. (Acts 6:7)(Acts 6:7)


(Acts 6:7 NKJV)(Acts 6:7 NKJV) Then the word of God Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the many of the priests were obedient to the faith.faith.


When issues are ignored there can be a When issues are ignored there can be a constant drag on the spirit of a church.constant drag on the spirit of a church.


When issues are ignored there can be a When issues are ignored there can be a constant drag on the spirit of a church.constant drag on the spirit of a church.

This is true even when it involves two This is true even when it involves two individuals. individuals. (Phil 4:2)(Phil 4:2)


(Philippians 4:2 NKJV)(Philippians 4:2 NKJV) I implore Euodia I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche and I implore Syntyche to be of the same to be of the same mind in the Lordmind in the Lord..


Leaving to go to another church should not Leaving to go to another church should not be considered as a solution unless the be considered as a solution unless the church as whole has refused to work church as whole has refused to work matters out! matters out!

Elements of Proper ControversyElements of Proper Controversy

The issue is one that deals with the The issue is one that deals with the scriptures. scriptures. (1 Tim 1:3-4; 2 Tim 2:23)(1 Tim 1:3-4; 2 Tim 2:23)


(1 Timothy 1:3-4 NKJV)(1 Timothy 1:3-4 NKJV) As I urged you As I urged you when I went into Macedonia; remain in when I went into Macedonia; remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrinethey teach no other doctrine,, {4} {4} nor give nor give heed to fables and endless genealogiesheed to fables and endless genealogies, , which cause disputes rather than godly which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.edification which is in faith.


(2 Timothy 2:23 NKJV)(2 Timothy 2:23 NKJV) But But avoid foolish avoid foolish and ignorant disputesand ignorant disputes, knowing that they , knowing that they generate strifegenerate strife..


Men of maturity and knowledge should take Men of maturity and knowledge should take a leading role. a leading role. (Acts 6:2)(Acts 6:2)


(Acts 6:2 NKJV)(Acts 6:2 NKJV) Then Then the twelve the twelve summoned the multitudesummoned the multitude of the disciples of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.leave the word of God and serve tables.


Dealing with these kind of problems takes a Dealing with these kind of problems takes a wisdom that experience brings.wisdom that experience brings.



Here is where men lead and do not dictate!Here is where men lead and do not dictate!



Here is where men lead and do not dictate!Here is where men lead and do not dictate! We should have confidence in brethren to We should have confidence in brethren to

do the right thing. do the right thing. (2 Cor 2:3; 7:15-16)(2 Cor 2:3; 7:15-16)


(2 Corinthians 2:3 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 2:3 NKJV) And I wrote And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, ought to have joy, having confidence in you having confidence in you allall that my joy is that my joy is the joy the joy of you all.of you all.


(2 Corinthians 7:15-16 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 7:15-16 NKJV) And his And his affections are greater for you as he affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.with fear and trembling you received him. {16} {16} Therefore I rejoice that Therefore I rejoice that I have I have confidence in you in everythingconfidence in you in everything..


There are some who are cynics! Do not let There are some who are cynics! Do not let their influence spread. their influence spread.


There are some who are cynics! Do not let There are some who are cynics! Do not let their influence spread. their influence spread.

It is hard to persuade one who has shown It is hard to persuade one who has shown they have no respect for you.they have no respect for you.


The apostles allowed the brethren to The apostles allowed the brethren to participate in the solution. participate in the solution. (Acts 6:3, 5)(Acts 6:3, 5)


(Acts 6:3 NKJV)(Acts 6:3 NKJV) “Therefore, “Therefore, brethren, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of seek out from among you seven men of good good reputationreputation, full of the Holy Spirit and , full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;business;


(Acts 6:5 NKJV)(Acts 6:5 NKJV) And And the saying pleased the saying pleased the whole multitudethe whole multitude. And they chose . And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,from Antioch,


When back room solutions are forced upon When back room solutions are forced upon brethren there are serious problems.brethren there are serious problems.


Make a distinction between what God Make a distinction between what God requires and what are matters of judgment.requires and what are matters of judgment.


Make a distinction between what God Make a distinction between what God requires and what are matters of judgment.requires and what are matters of judgment.

When God clearly has instructed a certain When God clearly has instructed a certain thing, then the issue is whether we will thing, then the issue is whether we will obey it or not. There can be no compromise. obey it or not. There can be no compromise.

(2 Cor 2:9)(2 Cor 2:9)


(2 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV) For to this end For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all thingswhether you are obedient in all things..


If the issue is a matter of judgment that is If the issue is a matter of judgment that is there are several ways to do a matter and there are several ways to do a matter and stay within what the Bible teaches, then we stay within what the Bible teaches, then we should be willing to yield.should be willing to yield.


If the issue is a matter of judgment that is If the issue is a matter of judgment that is there are several ways to do a matter and there are several ways to do a matter and stay within what the Bible teaches, then we stay within what the Bible teaches, then we should be willing to yield.should be willing to yield.

These problems are common among These problems are common among brethren. Please do not raise a matter of brethren. Please do not raise a matter of judgment to the level of “faithfulness.” judgment to the level of “faithfulness.”


If the issue is a matter of judgment that is there If the issue is a matter of judgment that is there are several ways to do a matter and stay within are several ways to do a matter and stay within what the Bible teaches, then we should be what the Bible teaches, then we should be willing to yield.willing to yield.

These problems are common among brethren. These problems are common among brethren. Please do not raise a matter of Please do not raise a matter of judgment to the level of “faithfulness.”judgment to the level of “faithfulness.”

We must have a humility to listen and be patient We must have a humility to listen and be patient with brethren. with brethren. (Jas 3:17; Jas 5:7-9)(Jas 3:17; Jas 5:7-9)


(James 3:17 NKJV)(James 3:17 NKJV) But the wisdom that But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, gentle, willing to yieldwilling to yield, full of mercy and , full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.hypocrisy.


(James 5:7-9 NKJV)(James 5:7-9 NKJV) Therefore be patient, Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.early and latter rain. {8} {8} You also be patient. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.Lord is at hand. {9} {9} Do not grumble against one Do not grumble against one anotheranother, brethren, lest you be condemned. , brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!


Some force their views through false Some force their views through false parallels and wrong judgments of motives!parallels and wrong judgments of motives!


Some force their views through false Some force their views through false parallels and wrong judgments of motives!parallels and wrong judgments of motives!

Some use peer pressure based upon their Some use peer pressure based upon their knowledge and spirituality as a basis. knowledge and spirituality as a basis. (Jn 7:48-49)(Jn 7:48-49)


(John 7:48-49 NKJV)(John 7:48-49 NKJV) “Have any of the “Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? {49} {49} “But “But this crowd that does not know the this crowd that does not know the law is accursedlaw is accursed.”.”


We should be willing to give a matter time.We should be willing to give a matter time.


We should be willing to give a matter time.We should be willing to give a matter time. What seems so clear to me may not at all be What seems so clear to me may not at all be

clear to others.clear to others.


We should be willing to give a matter time.We should be willing to give a matter time. What seems so clear to me may not at all be What seems so clear to me may not at all be

clear to others.clear to others. We must not let fear drive our emotions and We must not let fear drive our emotions and

our actions. our actions. (Jn 11:47-48)(Jn 11:47-48)


(John 11:47-48 NKJV)(John 11:47-48 NKJV) Then the chief Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.works many signs. {48} {48} “If we let Him “If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and Him, and the Romans will come and take the Romans will come and take away both our place and nationaway both our place and nation.”.”


How many have quickly imagined scenarios How many have quickly imagined scenarios that would require drastic action?that would require drastic action?


In our fears we may cause open study to be In our fears we may cause open study to be cut off!cut off!


In our fears we may cause open study to be In our fears we may cause open study to be cut off!cut off!

Unreasonable time pressures and demands Unreasonable time pressures and demands for immediate resolution will hinder for immediate resolution will hinder discussion. discussion. (3 Jn 10)(3 Jn 10)


(3 John 1:10 NKJV)(3 John 1:10 NKJV) Therefore, if I come, Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious wordsprating against us with malicious words. . And not content with that, he himself does And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting who wish to, putting them them out of the church.out of the church.


How many would study with you if you How many would study with you if you open the study with: “If you do not agree open the study with: “If you do not agree with me on this matter, you are going to with me on this matter, you are going to hell?”hell?”


When we become pushy it is likely that When we become pushy it is likely that someone will push back!someone will push back!



Fears of what others might think or may do Fears of what others might think or may do will hinder discussion. will hinder discussion.



Fears of what others might think or may do Fears of what others might think or may do will hinder discussion. will hinder discussion.

Some things greatly increase the pressure Some things greatly increase the pressure and hinder a reasoned solution. (Ex. There and hinder a reasoned solution. (Ex. There will be five families leave!)will be five families leave!)


““Brethren must be talking and plotting.” Brethren must be talking and plotting.” No, I need to trust my brethren.No, I need to trust my brethren.


Do not afraid to admit you were wrong! Do not afraid to admit you were wrong! (Jas 5:16)(Jas 5:16)


(James 5:16 NKJV)(James 5:16 NKJV) Confess Confess your your trespasses to one another, and pray for one trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.avails much.


Sometimes the best judgment with the Sometimes the best judgment with the sincerest of hearts can later be proven sincerest of hearts can later be proven to be wrong. to be wrong.


Let others know of your love for them and Let others know of your love for them and your openness to learn and change.your openness to learn and change.


Let others know of your love for them and Let others know of your love for them and your openness to learn and change.your openness to learn and change.

Pray for wisdom. Pray for wisdom. (Jas 1:3-5)(Jas 1:3-5)


(James 1:3-5 NKJV)(James 1:3-5 NKJV) knowing that the knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.testing of your faith produces patience. {4} {4} But let patience have But let patience have its its perfect work, that perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.nothing. {5} {5} If any of youIf any of you lacks wisdom, let lacks wisdom, let him ask of Godhim ask of God, who gives to all liberally , who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to and without reproach, and it will be given to him.him.


We should try to deal with most matters as We should try to deal with most matters as individuals. When dealing with a large individuals. When dealing with a large group discussion be aware of the limits and group discussion be aware of the limits and pitfalls of such an arrangement.pitfalls of such an arrangement.


We should try to deal with most matters as We should try to deal with most matters as individuals. When dealing with a large individuals. When dealing with a large group discussion be aware of the limits and group discussion be aware of the limits and pitfalls of such an arrangement.pitfalls of such an arrangement.

We should not let congregational matters We should not let congregational matters become brotherhood matters.become brotherhood matters.

Reject those who want to “win at all Reject those who want to “win at all costs.” (Acts 6:8-15)costs.” (Acts 6:8-15)

(Acts 6:8-15 NKJV)(Acts 6:8-15 NKJV) And Stephen, full of And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. {9} Then there arose some among the people. {9} Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. {10} And they were Stephen. {10} And they were not able to resist not able to resist the wisdom the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. and the Spirit by which he spoke.


{11} Then they {11} Then they secretly induced men to saysecretly induced men to say, , “We have heard him speak blasphemous words “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” {12} And they against Moses and God.” {12} And they stirred up the peoplestirred up the people, the elders, and the , the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. {13} They also and brought him to the council. {13} They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; against this holy place and the law;


{14} “for we have heard him say that this {14} “for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” {15} And all who sat in delivered to us.” {15} And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.his face as the face of an angel.


The world has “no rules” and will do The world has “no rules” and will do anything to win. anything to win. (Jas 3:14-15)(Jas 3:14-15)


(James 3:14-15 NKJV)(James 3:14-15 NKJV) But if you have But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.do not boast and lie against the truth. {15} {15} This wisdom does not descend from above, This wisdom does not descend from above, but but is is earthly, sensual, demonic.earthly, sensual, demonic.


Deal with the contentious spirit Deal with the contentious spirit (1 Tim 6:3-5)(1 Tim 6:3-5)


1 Tim 6:3-5 – If 1 Tim 6:3-5 – If anyone teaches otherwise anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, and does not consent to wholesome words, even even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,godliness, {4} {4} he is proud, knowing he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,


{5} {5} useless wranglings of men of corrupt useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a suppose that godliness is a means of means of gain. gain. From such withdraw yourself.From such withdraw yourself.


Our times of discomfort are often Our times of discomfort are often opportunities for growth.opportunities for growth.


Our times of discomfort are often Our times of discomfort are often opportunities for growth.opportunities for growth.

Let us learn the patience that allows us to Let us learn the patience that allows us to build up our brethren. build up our brethren. (1 Cor 13:4-7)(1 Cor 13:4-7)


(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV) Love Love suffers long suffers long and and is kind; love does not envy; is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; {5} {5} does not behave rudely, does not seek its does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; {6} {6} does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;the truth; {7} {7} bears all things, believes all bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.things, hopes all things, endures all things.


This is where elders come from! Will we This is where elders come from! Will we trust God or give in to fear? trust God or give in to fear?

every growing congregation will in time face controversy. n this should be expected because of the...

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