By Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson III, BA, MA, DD
(Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture
quotations are from the New American Standard Bible)[1]
GREETING
Psalm 134:1-2.1 Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the
Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord.2 Lift up your hands in the
sanctuary, and bless the Lord.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1.
Life Center Bible
Study Tonight: 7:00 pm. This is in conjunction with the International
Department of Evangelism. Special training on Deaf Evangelism!
2.
Join me this week
in Pasadena, California!
3.
Please register for
the International AIM Convention under “COGIC Department of Evangelism.” It is
next week July 1-5, Tampa, FL. We have many outstanding guests that will be
providing training, resources and inspiration.
4.
Missouri Midwest
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Holy Convocation 4th Annual Holy Convocation July
21-26. In 2020 I will be celebrating 5 years as a jurisdictional bishop.
Special guests include: Evangelist Renee Winston, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop
J. Drew Sheard GBM, Dr. Joyce Rodgers, Bishop Todd Hall and many more!
LESSON NOTES
I.
IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE
FOR GOD’S PEOPLE TO HAVE CONFLICT WITH ONE ANOTHER?
A.
Regardless of our
“status” in the Lord, we yet are in our physical bodies and live in a fallen
world. Thus, conflict is going to be inevitable. It is not the
question of whether conflict will arise (because it will); the question is how are we going to manage it?
Romans 12:18 New American Standard Bible.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be
at peace with all men.
B.
The Bible does push
for reconciliation.
Matthew 5:23-24 New American Standard Bible.
23 Therefore if you are presenting your offering
at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your
offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother,
and then come and present your offering.
C.
However, a push for reconciliation at the wrong time can be catastrophic and
have adverse effects. It is best to look for the right time;
if reconciliation is going to be affective. Even God addressed humanity’s sin
in the “cool of the day.” We will also learn later about Paul and Barnabas (sometimes you have to just admit your
differences and go in different directions).
Genesis 3:8 New American Standard Bible.
8 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the
day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 New American Standard Bible.
1 There is an appointed time for everything.
And there is a time for every event under heaven—
D.
As much as Paul
pushed for unity; there were some people that he himself had issues with.
1 Corinthians 1:10 New American Standard Bible.
10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among
you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Philippians 4:2 New American Standard Bible.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in
harmony in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 3:3 New American Standard Bible.
3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is
jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking
like mere men?
2 Timothy 4:14 New American Standard Bible.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm;
the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
II.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF
YOU FEEL CALLED TO MINISTRY? YOU GO TO YOUR PASTOR FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO GET
STARTED. THEN HE TELLS YOU, "MINISTRY IS DEFINITELY NOT YOUR AREA; YOU
NEED TO FIND ANOTHER MEANS TO SERVE GOD."
A.
I do not believe
that God is going to tell two people conflicting things. So you want to
verify that you have heard from God. It is possible that either you or the
leader missed it.
B.
If you truly heard
from God; in His timing, it will show.
C.
The best witness
you can give that you have heard from God is your life. The fruit will
speak for itself.
D.
The story of
Barnabas, Paul and John Mark address a similar scenario.
1.
The Church and its
leadership did not even believe that Paul was saved.
Acts 9:26 New American Standard Bible.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to
associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing
that he was a disciple.
Acts 9:10-15 New American Standard Bible.
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named
Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Get
up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for
a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, 12 and
he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him,
so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But
Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm
he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; 14 and
here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your
name.” 15 But the Lord said to
him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear
My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
2.
He really did not
have any notoriety among the believers. Just those that
eventually heard of him; glorified God for his testimony.
Galatians 1:22-24 New American Standard Bible.
22 I was still
unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23 but only,
they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which
he once tried to destroy.” 24 And
they were glorifying God because of me.
3.
Barnabas was the
one that helped Paul gain credibility with the Church
and its leaders. He had high rank in the Church. He had
been nominated (and was runner up) to become one of the 12 apostles. Even though he did not become one, he was yet an executive
of the Church.
Acts 11:20-29 New American Standard Bible.
20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus
and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began
speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand
of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
22 The news about them reached the ears
of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the
grace of God, he rejoiced and began
to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for
he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable
numbers were brought to the Lord. 25 And
he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and
when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they
met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were
first called Christians in Antioch.
27 Now at this time some prophets came down from
Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One
of them named Agabus stood up and began
to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over
the world. And this took place in the reign
of Claudius. 29 And in the
proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send
a contribution for the relief of
the brethren living in Judea.
4.
Barnabas and Paul
travelled together. While evangelizing, Barnabas’ relative John Mark would
travel with them. Paul had an issue with John Mark prematurely leaving a
ministry assignment. He and Barnabas argued so bad about it; they decided to
part ways.
Acts 15:36-41 New American Standard Bible.
36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let
us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word
of the Lord, and see how they
are.” 37 Barnabas
wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38 But Paul kept insisting that they should
not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with
them to the work. 39 And there
occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and
Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But
Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the
Lord. 41 And he was traveling
through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
5.
You do
not read about Paul and Barnabas reconciling their ministries. However,
even though at one time, Paul did not feel that John Mark was qualified, time
caused him to change his mind and he saw John Mark as very valuable to
ministry.
Philemon 23-24 New American Standard Bible.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus,
greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke,
my fellow workers.
2 Timothy 4:11 New American Standard Bible.
11 Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring
him with you, for he is useful to me for service.
III.
IF YOU ARE A
PASTOR, WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU PERSONALLY USE, TO
COPE WITH PEOPLE LEAVING YOUR CHURCH?
A.
No matter how large
or popular your ministry, everyone goes through this. John the Baptist
at one time was the hottest thing in town. Once Jesus came along, many left to
follow Him and Jesus’ ministry eventually expanded
larger than John.
John 4:1-2 New American Standard Bible.
4 Therefore when the Lord knew that the
Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than
John 2 (although
Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were),
B.
But, even Jesus
ministry took a major nose dive. Many of his followers left him at one
time.
John 6:66-71 New American Standard Bible.
66 As a result of this many of His disciples
withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. 67 So Jesus said
to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do
you?” 68 Simon Peter answered
Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 We have believed and have come to know
that You are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus
answered them, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve,
and yet one of you is a devil?”
71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he,
one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.
C.
You cannot lose
sleep over it. Some people were never connected with you in the first
place.
1 John 2:19 New American Standard Bible.
19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of
us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not
of us.
D. You have to know that the Church belongs to God. Once you have done your part, you have to leave everything else in the hands of God.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 New American Standard Bible.
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was
causing the growth. 7 So
then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who
causes the growth.
Psalm 127:1 New American Standard Bible.
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.
E.
Be
thankful for all the good that is happening in your life.
And, stay in peace, knowing that God is in control.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 New American Standard Bible.
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s
will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:15 New American Standard Bible.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Mark 6:31 New American Standard Bible.
31 And He *said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place
and rest a while.” (For
there were many people coming
and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)
IV.
SOME DOORS OPEN UP
IN ANOTHER CITY AND YOU ARE LED BY GOD TO LEAVE TOWN.
BUT, YOUR BISHOP JUST CAME OFF A FAST AND HE SAYS, "GOD TOLD ME TO TELL
YOU TO STAY OR YOU'LL BE CURSED?" WHAT DO YOU DO?
A.
First of all you
are not cursed and you are not going to be cursed. You do not have to
allow people to use witchcraft on you.
Galatians 3:1 New American Standard Bible.
3 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you,
before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
B.
If you ask God, the
Word promises that He will give you the clarity that you need.
James 1:5 New American Standard Bible.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask
of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given
to him.
Romans 8:14 New American Standard Bible.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of
God, these are sons of God.
C.
If you have truly
heard from God; it is going to manifest itself.
Acts 5:38-39 New American Standard Bible.
38 So in the present case, I say to you, stay
away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men,
it will be overthrown; 39 but
if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even
be found fighting against God.”
V.
YOU ARE A PASTOR
AND YOU HAVE A FEW DISGRUNTLED MEMBERS WHO ARE KEEPING CONFUSION GOING. YOU'VE
HAD NUMEROUS MEETINGS WITH THEM; BUT THE CONFUSION
CONTINUES. DO YOU HAVE YET ANOTHER MEETING; OR ADDRESS IT OPENLY FROM THE
PULPIT IN YOUR UPCOMING SERMON?
A. There may be times that you have to gather groups together and address and issue. The Church at Jerusalem was made up of thousands of people. Such a large disgruntlement had arisen that it was necessary to call the entire church together and address it.
Acts 6:1-5 New American Standard Bible.
1 Now at this time while the disciples were
increasing in number, a
complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native
Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve
summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for
us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you
seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put
in charge of this task. 4 But we
will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The statement found approval with the whole
congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy
Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a
proselyte from Antioch.
B.
A favorite practice
of Paul was “shunning.” It was felt that if people did not
associate with a rabble rouser; then the person would feel isolated and repent.
Romans 16:17 New American Standard Bible.
17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on
those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you
learned, and turn away from them.
Titus 3:10-11 New American Standard Bible.
10 Reject a factious man after a first and
second warning, 11 knowing
that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
C. Jesus had to confront Peter. But, this was done in private, after they both went aside. After addressing it, Jesus treated Peter not different. He prayed for Peter and supported him.
Matthew 16:21-23 New American Standard Bible.
21 From that time Jesus began to show His
disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders
and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third
day. 22 Peter
took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to
You.” 23 But He turned and said
to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling
block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”
Luke 22:31-32 New American Standard Bible.
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have
prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have
turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
