Criticism From Within
Acts 11:1-18
Peter Reports to the Church
11 Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 3 “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter began and explained it to them in order: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. 6 Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ 10 This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea.12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?”18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
SERMON NOTES
“Relational conflict is not something that should surprise us as Christians. We need not be ashamed that it exists, and that we’re involved. We should expect it. The world is complicated and fallen, and we are complicated creatures, and fallen. Conflicts will come. They are unavoidable.
And yes, conflict is inevitable in the church as well. Christians often have conflict with each other — true, genuine, faithful Christians. The question is not whether conflicts will come, but how we will handle them.”
-Article “Conflict Is an Opportunity for Grace” by David Mathis
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Why are we surprised that there is conflict in the church? According to the Scripture what are some of the causes for conflict? Why are we so bad at dealing with conflict?
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Where do you experience the most conflict: family, friends, work, neighbourhood, church or society in general?
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How can we as a body of believers better deal with conflict when it arises?
Scriptures to Consider
1. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
2. James 4:1-12
3. 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
4. Matthew 5:23-24
THIS WEEK
MONDAY, March 12
9:30 am Outreach Prayer
1:30 pm Women’s Prayertime
7:30 pm Young Adults at Piska’s
TUESDAY, March 13
9:00 am Daybreak
6:45 pm Live Free
7:00 pm Youth Studies
WEDNESDAY, March 14
9:45 am Keenagers Study
4:00 and 6:30 pm AWANA
6:40 pm The Truth Project
6:40 pm The Case for Christ
6:40 pm Soul Care
6:40 pm Financial Peace
6:40 pm Worship & Prayer
THURSDAY,March 15
7:00 pm Evening Edition for Women
7:00 pm Men’s Floor Hockey
FRIDAY, March 16
7:30 pm YOUTH "QUELPH" Combiined Event for Jr. & Sr. High Students
SATURDAY , March 17
9:00 am AWANA Grand Prix
SUNDAY, March 18
9:15 & 11:15 am Worship Services
6:00 pm House of Prayer
JOURNEY UPDATES
SGAC HOUSE OF PRAYER Next Sunday, March 18 at 6:00 pm. Join us for an evening of unbroken worship, praise and prayer.
AWANA GRAND PRIX Weigh In. Attn: clubbers.-- You must weigh your cars in the Wednesday before the race. Weigh in takes place March 14.
AWANA GRAND PRIX March 17 First race is at 9:00 am. Hot Dog Lunch will be available to purchase. Come and cheer on our clubbers.
BAPTISM SUNDAY, March 18 If you want to be baptized at 9:15, 11:15 am or 6:00 pm (House of Prayer service) - Please contact the church office.
DEEPER LIFE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY is offering the course “Training for Reigning II” on March 22 – 24. This is part two of our favorite course on the Life of David. You don’t want to miss it. Anyone can register with Pastor Coreen for credit or just for personal development. (Observer)
EASTER CHOIR - If you would like to participate in the Easter Sunday Services, please contact the church office. Rehearsal will take place on Wednesday, March 28 at 7:00 pm.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES March 30 at 9:15 and 11:15 am. No childcare available for this day.
GOOD FRIDAY MOVIE at 6:30 pm March 30 we will be showing the Jesus Film. This is open to all ages and an excellent time to invite neighbors and friends. Admission (and popcorn) are free!
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30 am. Nursery and Sunday School will be provided for each service.
KEENAGERS SPRING BRUNCH Saturday, April 14 at 10:00 am with Musical Guests ‘The Martens Family.’ Sign up at the Welcome Centre today.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Weekly Update -March 4, 2018
General Fund giving Mar. 4 $26,923
36 week average $24,132
-- Budget requirement $ 24,327
Future Dev. Fund giving Mar. 4 $4,628
--Balance as of Mar. 4, 2018 $818,555
Monthly Update July1 to Feb. 28, 2018
General Fund:
-- Budget Surplus $ 9,613
-- Year to date Surplus $ 79,074
Global Advance giving $ 101,887
Canadian Ministries giving $ 32,920
PRAYER
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Our International Workers: Cori Ibsen, Dan & Melodie Ibsen, A & J.
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Our Pastoral Team Staff Member: Pastor Art Quist. Art is married to Betty and they have 3 married children.
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Our Administrative Team Staff Member: Joyce is married to Reuben and they have two adult children.
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Our Elders Team Member: Anthony Toornstra. Anthony is married to Rosie and they have 3 children ages 8, 6 & 3.
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25 Men who are the Men’s Retreat at Camp Nakamun now.
Family Matters
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Our deepest condolances to Joyce and Reuben Neufeld in the passing of Joyce’s brother Bill Baerg last week.
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Young Life Fundraising Banquet will be held here Monday March 19. Call or email Tracey for more information. 780-910-3014.
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Congratulations to Aaron and Marlo Dowling in the dedication of their daughter Olivia.
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We rejoice with Jennifer and Mark Benzon in their decision to dedicate their son Jyrell Mark to the Lord.
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The 40 Days for Life Spring campaign is on. Please consider praying across the street from the abortion clinic (12400 - 109 A Ave. Edm)