Work In Progress // Acts 15:36-41 // Watermark Community Church

Well, good morning. How we doing today, Well, good morning. How we doing today, Watermark? Watermark? Watermark? >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Hey, it's so good to see you. I'm glad >> Hey, it's so good to see you. I'm glad >> Hey, it's so good to see you. I'm glad you made it. Is this your first time you made it. Is this your first time you made it. Is this your first time ever with us on a Sunday? ever with us on a Sunday? ever with us on a Sunday? Thanks for trusting us. We hope uh that Thanks for trusting us. We hope uh that Thanks for trusting us. We hope uh that this place can feel like home very this place can feel like home very this place can feel like home very quickly. Uh we are starting every quickly. Uh we are starting every quickly. Uh we are starting every generation July today. So, for the kids generation July today. So, for the kids generation July today. So, for the kids in the room, let me just hear where you in the room, let me just hear where you in the room, let me just hear where you are. are. are. I'm I'm I'm Now, those sound like adult voices. Like Now, those sound like adult voices. Like Now, those sound like adult voices. Like kids. kids. kids. Kids, I want to hear from you. Where are Kids, I want to hear from you. Where are Kids, I want to hear from you. Where are the kids? the kids? the kids? Okay. Okay. Okay. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And uh where are the parents of those And uh where are the parents of those And uh where are the parents of those kids? kids? kids? >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> All right. I like it. >> All right. I like it. >> All right. I like it. Hey, uh for the kids in the room, and Hey, uh for the kids in the room, and Hey, uh for the kids in the room, and when I say kids, I'm talking about when I say kids, I'm talking about when I say kids, I'm talking about preschool, elementary, middle school, preschool, elementary, middle school, preschool, elementary, middle school, high school. high school. high school. Like, you are such an important part of Like, you are such an important part of Like, you are such an important part of this church. That's what I want you to this church. That's what I want you to this church. That's what I want you to hear. You are such an important part of hear. You are such an important part of hear. You are such an important part of this church. this church. this church. And I know for the preschool and And I know for the preschool and And I know for the preschool and elementary middle school uh kids, you elementary middle school uh kids, you elementary middle school uh kids, you aren't normally in here with us on aren't normally in here with us on aren't normally in here with us on Sundays. But over the month of July, Sundays. But over the month of July, Sundays. But over the month of July, here's what I hope for you. What I hope here's what I hope for you. What I hope here's what I hope for you. What I hope you see from the adults in this room is you see from the adults in this room is you see from the adults in this room is that we think that Jesus Christ is that we think that Jesus Christ is that we think that Jesus Christ is awesome.

awesome. awesome. And we want you to believe the same And we want you to believe the same And we want you to believe the same thing. thing. thing. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And so, adults, that's our job. >> And so, adults, that's our job. >> And so, adults, that's our job. During the month of July, we get to During the month of July, we get to During the month of July, we get to model for our kids what we really model for our kids what we really model for our kids what we really believe about Jesus, that he is worthy believe about Jesus, that he is worthy believe about Jesus, that he is worthy of everything. of everything. of everything. And if you're visiting today, we believe And if you're visiting today, we believe And if you're visiting today, we believe that Jesus Christ changes everything. that Jesus Christ changes everything. that Jesus Christ changes everything. That we're not here to just go through That we're not here to just go through That we're not here to just go through religious motions, but we're here to religious motions, but we're here to religious motions, but we're here to worship our king. worship our king. worship our king. Over the month of July, the elders have Over the month of July, the elders have Over the month of July, the elders have been kind to give me some time to pull been kind to give me some time to pull been kind to give me some time to pull back and to rest and also plan for the back and to rest and also plan for the back and to rest and also plan for the fall and into 2027, but I wanted to come fall and into 2027, but I wanted to come fall and into 2027, but I wanted to come back today back today back today for a few very important reasons. One is for a few very important reasons. One is for a few very important reasons. One is yesterday our country celebrated 250 yesterday our country celebrated 250 yesterday our country celebrated 250 years of freedom. years of freedom. years of freedom. >> [applause and cheering] >> And what we're doing right now is one of >> And what we're doing right now is one of the greatest expressions of freedom that the greatest expressions of freedom that the greatest expressions of freedom that we have uh living in the United States we have uh living in the United States we have uh living in the United States of America. We should absolutely of America. We should absolutely of America. We should absolutely remember that today so many brothers and remember that today so many brothers and remember that today so many brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are sisters in Christ around the world are sisters in Christ around the world are gathering secretly gathering secretly gathering secretly to worship. And yet I'm so thankful that to worship. And yet I'm so thankful that to worship. And yet I'm so thankful that we live in a country where we can gather we live in a country where we can gather we live in a country where we can gather freely, we can sing freely, we can study freely, we can sing freely, we can study freely, we can sing freely, we can study the word of God freely, and then we can the word of God freely, and then we can the word of God freely, and then we can leave and share Christ with others leave and share Christ with others leave and share Christ with others freely. So, I'm so thankful for the freely. So, I'm so thankful for the freely. So, I'm so thankful for the freedom that we have living in this freedom that we have living in this freedom that we have living in this country.

country. country. I also just wanted to come back and I also just wanted to come back and I also just wanted to come back and share look we we've all seen the share look we we've all seen the share look we we've all seen the devastation that has unfolded in devastation that has unfolded in devastation that has unfolded in Venezuela because of uh earthquakes. Venezuela because of uh earthquakes. Venezuela because of uh earthquakes. And uh And uh And uh and when you look at the devastation, and when you look at the devastation, and when you look at the devastation, it's just a reminder that we long for it's just a reminder that we long for it's just a reminder that we long for Christ to come back and to set Christ to come back and to set Christ to come back and to set everything straight. everything straight. everything straight. But I do want you to know that that um But I do want you to know that that um But I do want you to know that that um on your behalf, we have already released on your behalf, we have already released on your behalf, we have already released funds to one of our ministry partners funds to one of our ministry partners funds to one of our ministry partners World Relief as they are seeking to World Relief as they are seeking to World Relief as they are seeking to engage uh in relief as relief efforts in engage uh in relief as relief efforts in engage uh in relief as relief efforts in Venezuela Venezuela. Venezuela Venezuela. Venezuela Venezuela. So, please keep praying for what is So, please keep praying for what is So, please keep praying for what is unfolding there. unfolding there. unfolding there. And then I also just wanted to say, And then I also just wanted to say, And then I also just wanted to say, "Look, we remember that it was a year "Look, we remember that it was a year "Look, we remember that it was a year ago ago ago that we were confronted that we were confronted that we were confronted uh with the flash flooding that resulted uh with the flash flooding that resulted uh with the flash flooding that resulted in 139 lives being lost. in 139 lives being lost. in 139 lives being lost. And so today, look, we remember those And so today, look, we remember those And so today, look, we remember those 139 lives. We remember the family and 139 lives. We remember the family and 139 lives. We remember the family and the friends that today are grieving the the friends that today are grieving the the friends that today are grieving the loss loss loss of loved ones. 15 of those people were of loved ones. 15 of those people were of loved ones. 15 of those people were from the Dallas Metroplex. Many of you from the Dallas Metroplex. Many of you from the Dallas Metroplex. Many of you know those families. Many of you have know those families. Many of you have know those families. Many of you have been the hands and feet of Jesus Christ been the hands and feet of Jesus Christ been the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to those families over the last year, to those families over the last year, to those families over the last year, being great comforters being great comforters being great comforters in the name of Jesus Christ.

in the name of Jesus Christ. in the name of Jesus Christ. And so I just want to remind you what And so I just want to remind you what And so I just want to remind you what Psalm 34 says. It says that God is near Psalm 34 says. It says that God is near Psalm 34 says. It says that God is near to the brokenhearted and he saves the to the brokenhearted and he saves the to the brokenhearted and he saves the crushed and spirit. crushed and spirit. crushed and spirit. And so as we transition into our time of And so as we transition into our time of And so as we transition into our time of studying God's word, I just want to take studying God's word, I just want to take studying God's word, I just want to take a moment and I want us to pray. a moment and I want us to pray. a moment and I want us to pray. I want us to pray for our country. I I want us to pray for our country. I I want us to pray for our country. I want us to pray for what's happening in want us to pray for what's happening in want us to pray for what's happening in Venezuela. I want us to pray Venezuela. I want us to pray Venezuela. I want us to pray for the the people grieving the loss of for the the people grieving the loss of for the the people grieving the loss of loved ones from the floods a year ago. loved ones from the floods a year ago. loved ones from the floods a year ago. So let's pray. Would you pray with me? Lord Jesus, we just say, "Come quickly." Lord Jesus, we just say, "Come quickly." Lord, we look at what's happening in Lord, we look at what's happening in Lord, we look at what's happening in Venezuela and Venezuela and Venezuela and Lord, I know it grieves your heart. Lord, I know it grieves your heart. Lord, I know it grieves your heart. And yet I still declare that the earth is the I still declare that the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. And you, Lord's and everything in it. And you, Lord's and everything in it. And you, Jesus, are before all things and in you Jesus, are before all things and in you Jesus, are before all things and in you all things hold together.

all things hold together. all things hold together. You are the Lord over all creation. You are the Lord over all creation. You are the Lord over all creation. You're the Lord of the new creation that You're the Lord of the new creation that You're the Lord of the new creation that is being formed by your people. is being formed by your people. is being formed by your people. Or in your people, Lord. Or in your people, Lord. Or in your people, Lord. But I pray today But I pray today But I pray today just for your overwhelming grace to be just for your overwhelming grace to be just for your overwhelming grace to be displayed in Venezuela, Lord, that you displayed in Venezuela, Lord, that you displayed in Venezuela, Lord, that you would be would be would be uh uh uh that you would be a great comforter, that you would be a great comforter, that you would be a great comforter, Lord. Lord. Lord. And God, we remember the 139 And God, we remember the 139 And God, we remember the 139 adults and children adults and children adults and children who passed away uh last year because of who passed away uh last year because of who passed away uh last year because of the floods. the floods. the floods. And Lord, we just ask and pray for your And Lord, we just ask and pray for your And Lord, we just ask and pray for your nearness to the family and friends who nearness to the family and friends who nearness to the family and friends who are grieving today. are grieving today. are grieving today. People in People in People in in in our city, God, we ask for your in in our city, God, we ask for your in in our city, God, we ask for your nearness, for your presence to be very nearness, for your presence to be very nearness, for your presence to be very tangible for tangible for tangible for for your church, for your people for your church, for your people for your church, for your people to be a great source of comfort, Lord. to be a great source of comfort, Lord. to be a great source of comfort, Lord. And Lord, we just say thank you for the And Lord, we just say thank you for the And Lord, we just say thank you for the freedom that we have right here in the freedom that we have right here in the freedom that we have right here in the United States of America.

United States of America. United States of America. We're so grateful. We would worship you We're so grateful. We would worship you We're so grateful. We would worship you even if we had to do it in secret. even if we had to do it in secret. even if we had to do it in secret. And no government can ever thwart the And no government can ever thwart the And no government can ever thwart the advance of your gospel. Your gospel is advance of your gospel. Your gospel is advance of your gospel. Your gospel is winning in our world, even in the places winning in our world, even in the places winning in our world, even in the places with the greatest persecution. with the greatest persecution. with the greatest persecution. And yet, we just say thank you that we And yet, we just say thank you that we And yet, we just say thank you that we have freedom to gather today. have freedom to gather today. have freedom to gather today. Um and we can study your word, we can Um and we can study your word, we can Um and we can study your word, we can sing out loud, and we just consider that sing out loud, and we just consider that sing out loud, and we just consider that a kind gift. And so now, friends, as we transition And so now, friends, as we transition into a time of studying the word of God, into a time of studying the word of God, into a time of studying the word of God, I want to give you a moment just to pray I want to give you a moment just to pray I want to give you a moment just to pray for yourself. Would you pray and prepare for yourself. Would you pray and prepare for yourself. Would you pray and prepare your heart? Would you say, your heart? Would you say, your heart? Would you say, "God, would you speak to me this "God, would you speak to me this "God, would you speak to me this morning?" And then, would you pray for the people And then, would you pray for the people around you? And then, would you pray for Chris And then, would you pray for Chris Sherrod? I'm so excited for the people Sherrod? I'm so excited for the people Sherrod? I'm so excited for the people you're going to get to hear from you're going to get to hear from you're going to get to hear from over the next few weeks. Would you pray over the next few weeks. Would you pray over the next few weeks. Would you pray for Chris Sherrod that God would speak for Chris Sherrod that God would speak for Chris Sherrod that God would speak clearly through him to you?

Well, Lord, we love you. Well, Lord, we love you. And you are worthy of everything. Lord And you are worthy of everything. Lord And you are worthy of everything. Lord Jesus, you take first place. take first place. We want you to have first place over our We want you to have first place over our We want you to have first place over our thoughts, thoughts, thoughts, over our words, over our feelings, and over our words, over our feelings, and over our words, over our feelings, and over our actions. And we pray that this over our actions. And we pray that this over our actions. And we pray that this time, as we open up the word of God and time, as we open up the word of God and time, as we open up the word of God and study by your spirit's leading, I pray, study by your spirit's leading, I pray, study by your spirit's leading, I pray, Lord Jesus, that you would be glorified Lord Jesus, that you would be glorified Lord Jesus, that you would be glorified in our midst. So, we need you and we in our midst. So, we need you and we in our midst. So, we need you and we love you. Use this time for your glory. love you. Use this time for your glory. love you. Use this time for your glory. Amen. >> Today, we are reading from Acts >> Today, we are reading from Acts 15:26-41. 15:26-41. 15:26-41. And after some days, Paul said to And after some days, Paul said to And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we brothers in every city where we brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see proclaimed the word of the Lord and see proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are." Now, Barnabas wanted to how they are." Now, Barnabas wanted to how they are." Now, Barnabas wanted to take with them John, called Mark, but take with them John, called Mark, but take with them John, called Mark, but Paul thought best not to take with them Paul thought best not to take with them Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in one who had withdrawn from them in one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to Pamphylia and had not gone with them to Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp the work. And there arose a sharp the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement so that they separated from disagreement so that they separated from disagreement so that they separated from each other.

each other. each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul took Silas and away to Cyprus, but Paul took Silas and away to Cyprus, but Paul took Silas and departed, having been commended by the departed, having been commended by the departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And brothers to the grace of the Lord. And brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, he went through Syria and Cilicia, he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. This is the strengthening the churches. This is the strengthening the churches. This is the word of God. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] [applause] >> Good morning, my friends. How are you >> Good morning, my friends. How are you today? today? today? Uh if I haven't met you, my name is Uh if I haven't met you, my name is Uh if I haven't met you, my name is Chris Sherrod and I'm the equipping Chris Sherrod and I'm the equipping Chris Sherrod and I'm the equipping director and I'm excited about uh all director and I'm excited about uh all director and I'm excited about uh all that we'll learn this morning. that we'll learn this morning. that we'll learn this morning. So, let me tell you a little story. Back So, let me tell you a little story. Back So, let me tell you a little story. Back in 2019, my wife and I um came in in 2019, my wife and I um came in in 2019, my wife and I um came in possession of a school bus and we've got possession of a school bus and we've got possession of a school bus and we've got a little picture of it up there and we a little picture of it up there and we a little picture of it up there and we decided we were going to renovate it decided we were going to renovate it decided we were going to renovate it into an RV. into an RV. into an RV. So, we had to gut the whole thing, start So, we had to gut the whole thing, start So, we had to gut the whole thing, start from scratch, just kind of metal and we from scratch, just kind of metal and we from scratch, just kind of metal and we started in the back and started working started in the back and started working started in the back and started working our way forward. our way forward. our way forward. And then a little thing happened called And then a little thing happened called And then a little thing happened called COVID COVID COVID and everything was put on hold. So, and everything was put on hold. So, and everything was put on hold. So, mid-process, our our bus got stalled mid-process, our our bus got stalled mid-process, our our bus got stalled just like this. We'd only built the back just like this. We'd only built the back just like this. We'd only built the back part and it became um part and it became um part and it became um So, because of COVID, like some of our So, because of COVID, like some of our So, because of COVID, like some of our kids came back from college and some of kids came back from college and some of kids came back from college and some of their friends. That summer it became the their friends. That summer it became the their friends. That summer it became the quarantine headquarters for a lot of quarantine headquarters for a lot of quarantine headquarters for a lot of Pine Cove summer staff. They got COVID Pine Cove summer staff. They got COVID Pine Cove summer staff. They got COVID and they needed a place to stay. And the and they needed a place to stay. And the and they needed a place to stay. And the whole time I was constantly explaining whole time I was constantly explaining whole time I was constantly explaining to people, let me let me tell you that to people, let me let me tell you that to people, let me let me tell you that my vision of what it's going to become.

my vision of what it's going to become. my vision of what it's going to become. And kind of explain and this is the mode And kind of explain and this is the mode And kind of explain and this is the mode I'm what I'm picturing. I kind of wish I I'm what I'm picturing. I kind of wish I I'm what I'm picturing. I kind of wish I had a sign like this that said work in had a sign like this that said work in had a sign like this that said work in progress that I could just keep progress that I could just keep progress that I could just keep reminding people like it's it's going to reminding people like it's it's going to reminding people like it's it's going to get better. get better. get better. And eventually it did. So, we finally And eventually it did. So, we finally And eventually it did. So, we finally got it all completed a little bit later. got it all completed a little bit later. got it all completed a little bit later. That's what it ended up looking like. That's what it ended up looking like. That's what it ended up looking like. But if you had looked at my bus or come But if you had looked at my bus or come But if you had looked at my bus or come on my bus mid-process, you would have on my bus mid-process, you would have on my bus mid-process, you would have been like, uh this is your vision? Like been like, uh this is your vision? Like been like, uh this is your vision? Like this is what you're you're thinking this is what you're you're thinking this is what you're you're thinking about? And this is why I love the story about? And this is why I love the story about? And this is why I love the story of John Mark of John Mark of John Mark that we just read about. If all we knew that we just read about. If all we knew that we just read about. If all we knew of John Mark ended in Acts 13 when he of John Mark ended in Acts 13 when he of John Mark ended in Acts 13 when he abandoned Paul and Silas abandoned Paul and Silas abandoned Paul and Silas um or even right here where he just kind um or even right here where he just kind um or even right here where he just kind of sails off into the sunset with of sails off into the sunset with of sails off into the sunset with Barnabas, we might think, well, what a Barnabas, we might think, well, what a Barnabas, we might think, well, what a failed project. Like he quit. Uh he's failed project. Like he quit. Uh he's failed project. Like he quit. Uh he's unreliable. You know, he's a failure. unreliable. You know, he's a failure. unreliable. You know, he's a failure. But God wasn't done with John Mark and But God wasn't done with John Mark and But God wasn't done with John Mark and like my bus, like my bus, like my bus, um a lot of God's work is messy um a lot of God's work is messy um a lot of God's work is messy mid-process. Kind of the way my bus was. mid-process. Kind of the way my bus was. mid-process. Kind of the way my bus was. But it's true for all of us. All of us But it's true for all of us. All of us But it's true for all of us. All of us are a work in progress. In fact, I think are a work in progress. In fact, I think are a work in progress. In fact, I think this sign would be helpful for us to this sign would be helpful for us to this sign would be helpful for us to always keep this in mind in our lives.

always keep this in mind in our lives. always keep this in mind in our lives. Some of us should walk around with one Some of us should walk around with one Some of us should walk around with one maybe maybe maybe on us. Not really. But my point is um on us. Not really. But my point is um on us. Not really. But my point is um we all need to be reminded that we are a we all need to be reminded that we are a we all need to be reminded that we are a work in progress. So, what we just read work in progress. So, what we just read work in progress. So, what we just read here is two things happening at the same here is two things happening at the same here is two things happening at the same time. You have this this painful time. You have this this painful time. You have this this painful disagreement between godly men, but then disagreement between godly men, but then disagreement between godly men, but then you have this redemption story that God you have this redemption story that God you have this redemption story that God wasn't done writing. So, we're going to wasn't done writing. So, we're going to wasn't done writing. So, we're going to jump into this today and talk about the jump into this today and talk about the jump into this today and talk about the first part. Uh and this is mainly a an first part. Uh and this is mainly a an first part. Uh and this is mainly a an important part of life is that conflict important part of life is that conflict important part of life is that conflict happens. happens. happens. Conflict happens. Conflict happens. Conflict happens. Paul and Barnabas, they sharply dis- Paul and Barnabas, they sharply dis- Paul and Barnabas, they sharply dis- disagreed over whether or not they disagreed over whether or not they disagreed over whether or not they should take John Mark. Uh should take John Mark. Uh should take John Mark. Uh Barnabas wanted to take him. Paul said Barnabas wanted to take him. Paul said Barnabas wanted to take him. Paul said no because he left him in Pamphylia and no because he left him in Pamphylia and no because he left him in Pamphylia and he saw it as hey, this isn't a minor he saw it as hey, this isn't a minor he saw it as hey, this isn't a minor thing. It's kind of a ministry thing. It's kind of a ministry thing. It's kind of a ministry reliability issue. And uh here's what I reliability issue. And uh here's what I reliability issue. And uh here's what I want us to know first of all. want us to know first of all. want us to know first of all. That this is disagreement didn't destroy That this is disagreement didn't destroy That this is disagreement didn't destroy a godly friendship. I think a lot of a godly friendship. I think a lot of a godly friendship. I think a lot of times because we don't handle conflict times because we don't handle conflict times because we don't handle conflict well, we assume like they were like well, we assume like they were like well, we assume like they were like bitter enemies now. And the Bible bitter enemies now. And the Bible bitter enemies now. And the Bible doesn't tell us that. It just says that doesn't tell us that. It just says that doesn't tell us that. It just says that they separated. Um Barnabas took John they separated. Um Barnabas took John they separated. Um Barnabas took John Mark, who's also his cousin, and they Mark, who's also his cousin, and they Mark, who's also his cousin, and they actually sailed just to give you kind of actually sailed just to give you kind of actually sailed just to give you kind of a little picture of where they went.

a little picture of where they went. a little picture of where they went. They left Antioch where they were. They left Antioch where they were. They left Antioch where they were. There's a map there. That's the dotted There's a map there. That's the dotted There's a map there. That's the dotted line on the bottom there. They sailed to line on the bottom there. They sailed to line on the bottom there. They sailed to Cyprus. They're kind of retracing the Cyprus. They're kind of retracing the Cyprus. They're kind of retracing the mission trip that uh he and Paul had mission trip that uh he and Paul had mission trip that uh he and Paul had taken initially. That's actually where taken initially. That's actually where taken initially. That's actually where Barnabas was from. So, that kind of made Barnabas was from. So, that kind of made Barnabas was from. So, that kind of made sense. And then Paul takes Silas and sense. And then Paul takes Silas and sense. And then Paul takes Silas and they head north to Syria, which they if they head north to Syria, which they if they head north to Syria, which they if you notice there, they go by uh go you notice there, they go by uh go you notice there, they go by uh go through Tarsus where Paul was from. So, through Tarsus where Paul was from. So, through Tarsus where Paul was from. So, the the trip happens. It's not like the the trip happens. It's not like the the trip happens. It's not like they're again bitter enemies. They just they're again bitter enemies. They just they're again bitter enemies. They just didn't go on a mission trip together, didn't go on a mission trip together, didn't go on a mission trip together, okay? okay? okay? God still used both of them. God still used both of them. God still used both of them. Now, I will point out this is the last Now, I will point out this is the last Now, I will point out this is the last time in the book of Acts that we see time in the book of Acts that we see time in the book of Acts that we see Barnabas uh in this book. But here's Barnabas uh in this book. But here's Barnabas uh in this book. But here's what I want you to remember. what I want you to remember. what I want you to remember. Godly people can disagree in a healthy Godly people can disagree in a healthy Godly people can disagree in a healthy way without becoming enemies. way without becoming enemies. way without becoming enemies. There's an expression some of you might There's an expression some of you might There's an expression some of you might have heard before it says in essentials have heard before it says in essentials have heard before it says in essentials unity and non-essentials liberty and all unity and non-essentials liberty and all unity and non-essentials liberty and all things charity. things charity. things charity. Christians obviously can't compromise on Christians obviously can't compromise on Christians obviously can't compromise on gospel issues like reliability of God's gospel issues like reliability of God's gospel issues like reliability of God's word, deity of Christ, salvation by word, deity of Christ, salvation by word, deity of Christ, salvation by grace alone through faith. Those are grace alone through faith. Those are grace alone through faith. Those are non-negotiables. But when there are non-negotiables. But when there are non-negotiables. But when there are wisdom issues or strategy issues or wisdom issues or strategy issues or wisdom issues or strategy issues or secondary matters, secondary matters, secondary matters, we can preserve love and we can we can we can preserve love and we can we can we can preserve love and we can we can actually agree to disagree.

actually agree to disagree. actually agree to disagree. And so this is true in marriages, in And so this is true in marriages, in And so this is true in marriages, in community groups, in friendships, with community groups, in friendships, with community groups, in friendships, with neighbors and family and co-workers that neighbors and family and co-workers that neighbors and family and co-workers that disagreement doesn't have to make us disagreement doesn't have to make us disagreement doesn't have to make us enemies. Conflict is a part of that enemies. Conflict is a part of that enemies. Conflict is a part of that especially marriage. These relationships especially marriage. These relationships especially marriage. These relationships are all confrontational by nature. are all confrontational by nature. are all confrontational by nature. Marriage Marriage Marriage is just like that and having conflict in is just like that and having conflict in is just like that and having conflict in your marriage doesn't mean you have a your marriage doesn't mean you have a your marriage doesn't mean you have a bad marriage, it means you have a bad marriage, it means you have a bad marriage, it means you have a marriage. Okay? marriage. Okay? marriage. Okay? By the way, there's a great resource By the way, there's a great resource By the way, there's a great resource that we have on our website called the that we have on our website called the that we have on our website called the conflict resolution roadmap if you ever conflict resolution roadmap if you ever conflict resolution roadmap if you ever need some help in that area. But this is need some help in that area. But this is need some help in that area. But this is where Paul and Barnabas now are going on where Paul and Barnabas now are going on where Paul and Barnabas now are going on their separate ways. their separate ways. their separate ways. This is what I want to really zoom in on This is what I want to really zoom in on This is what I want to really zoom in on now. The second thing that we see is now. The second thing that we see is now. The second thing that we see is this wonderful truth that grace redeems. this wonderful truth that grace redeems. this wonderful truth that grace redeems. Grace redeems. So, Mark did fail early Grace redeems. So, Mark did fail early Grace redeems. So, Mark did fail early on. on. on. We're not told why. We don't know if he We're not told why. We don't know if he We're not told why. We don't know if he was he was afraid, hardship, was he was afraid, hardship, was he was afraid, hardship, maybe just immaturity but Paul saw it as maybe just immaturity but Paul saw it as maybe just immaturity but Paul saw it as really serious. This is right before really serious. This is right before really serious. This is right before really the persecution gets going where really the persecution gets going where really the persecution gets going where like in Lystra Paul is almost stoned to like in Lystra Paul is almost stoned to like in Lystra Paul is almost stoned to death. It says in Acts 15 that death. It says in Acts 15 that death. It says in Acts 15 that that they had risked their lives for the that they had risked their lives for the that they had risked their lives for the gospel. So, it was a big deal what they gospel. So, it was a big deal what they gospel. So, it was a big deal what they were going on and how are they going to were going on and how are they going to were going on and how are they going to resolve this? We saw, you know, resolve this? We saw, you know, resolve this? We saw, you know, corporate conflict happening in Acts 15 corporate conflict happening in Acts 15 corporate conflict happening in Acts 15 earlier. We talked about this last week earlier. We talked about this last week earlier. We talked about this last week and how they resolved it. Now it's this and how they resolved it. Now it's this and how they resolved it. Now it's this personal conflict and they just decided, personal conflict and they just decided, personal conflict and they just decided, "Listen, it's going to be best if we, "Listen, it's going to be best if we, "Listen, it's going to be best if we, you know, we're going to we're going to you know, we're going to we're going to you know, we're going to we're going to stick with the gospel plan but you go stick with the gospel plan but you go stick with the gospel plan but you go ahead and take John Mark, I'll take ahead and take John Mark, I'll take ahead and take John Mark, I'll take Silas with me.

Silas with me. Silas with me. But again, at this point Mark could have But again, at this point Mark could have But again, at this point Mark could have looked unreliable. looked unreliable. looked unreliable. It really could have been where people It really could have been where people It really could have been where people are like, "I'm not sure about this young are like, "I'm not sure about this young are like, "I'm not sure about this young guy." But Barnabas, son of guy." But Barnabas, son of guy." But Barnabas, son of encouragement, encouragement, encouragement, he saw the potential. He believed that he saw the potential. He believed that he saw the potential. He believed that failure wasn't final. failure wasn't final. failure wasn't final. So, when it comes to grace, grace is the So, when it comes to grace, grace is the So, when it comes to grace, grace is the second chance. It's not a free pass or a second chance. It's not a free pass or a second chance. It's not a free pass or a license to sin. It's a second chance license to sin. It's a second chance license to sin. It's a second chance that can now propel you into the future, that can now propel you into the future, that can now propel you into the future, propel you forward. So, where Paul saw propel you forward. So, where Paul saw propel you forward. So, where Paul saw risk, Barnabas saw restoration. risk, Barnabas saw restoration. risk, Barnabas saw restoration. Cuz Mark's story wasn't over. And this Cuz Mark's story wasn't over. And this Cuz Mark's story wasn't over. And this is what's beautiful. God often writes is what's beautiful. God often writes is what's beautiful. God often writes his best chapters after what looks like his best chapters after what looks like his best chapters after what looks like failure. failure. failure. If you fast forward 12 to 15 years, you If you fast forward 12 to 15 years, you If you fast forward 12 to 15 years, you know you find know you find know you find Paul and Mark have been restored. Mark Paul and Mark have been restored. Mark Paul and Mark have been restored. Mark is serving with Paul. The Paul mentions is serving with Paul. The Paul mentions is serving with Paul. The Paul mentions Mark in Colossians and Philemon as his Mark in Colossians and Philemon as his Mark in Colossians and Philemon as his faithful ministry partner. And this is faithful ministry partner. And this is faithful ministry partner. And this is so beautiful. At the very end of 2 so beautiful. At the very end of 2 so beautiful. At the very end of 2 Timothy, so this is like Paul's last Timothy, so this is like Paul's last Timothy, so this is like Paul's last letter, near his death, his final letter, near his death, his final letter, near his death, his final request says this, "Get Mark and bring request says this, "Get Mark and bring request says this, "Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to him with you, for he is very useful to him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry."

me for ministry." me for ministry." Think about how stunning that is, you Think about how stunning that is, you Think about how stunning that is, you guys. The guy that Paul didn't want to guys. The guy that Paul didn't want to guys. The guy that Paul didn't want to bring with him for ministry becomes his bring with him for ministry becomes his bring with him for ministry becomes his last ministry request. last ministry request. last ministry request. Mark also wrote a gospel. A lot of you Mark also wrote a gospel. A lot of you Mark also wrote a gospel. A lot of you guys know that. guys know that. guys know that. So, again, God used this young man who So, again, God used this young man who So, again, God used this young man who walked away initially to record the walked away initially to record the walked away initially to record the story of redemption. Mark had matured. story of redemption. Mark had matured. story of redemption. Mark had matured. Grace repaired what failure had damaged, Grace repaired what failure had damaged, Grace repaired what failure had damaged, and God redeemed his story. If you read and God redeemed his story. If you read and God redeemed his story. If you read early church history, early church history, early church history, Mark becomes known as Mark the Mark becomes known as Mark the Mark becomes known as Mark the Evangelist. He goes to Alexandria to be Evangelist. He goes to Alexandria to be Evangelist. He goes to Alexandria to be a bishop. He's actually martyred for his a bishop. He's actually martyred for his a bishop. He's actually martyred for his faith there. faith there. faith there. So, overall, we find out that Mark was So, overall, we find out that Mark was So, overall, we find out that Mark was this faithful servant whose life this faithful servant whose life this faithful servant whose life um overall was this faithful ministry. um overall was this faithful ministry. um overall was this faithful ministry. God had a God had sovereign purposes for God had a God had sovereign purposes for God had a God had sovereign purposes for Mark's story. Mark's story. Mark's story. But again, But again, But again, if Acts 13 were all we knew, if Acts 13 were all we knew, if Acts 13 were all we knew, we might write Mark off as unreliable, we might write Mark off as unreliable, we might write Mark off as unreliable, unfinished. So, he was immature. He had unfinished. So, he was immature. He had unfinished. So, he was immature. He had failed, but failure was a chapter. This failed, but failure was a chapter. This failed, but failure was a chapter. This is really important in all of our lives.

is really important in all of our lives. is really important in all of our lives. God was still writing. God was still writing. God was still writing. Mark was restored. God used him greatly, Mark was restored. God used him greatly, Mark was restored. God used him greatly, but he's not an exception. but he's not an exception. but he's not an exception. John Mark's story reminds us that the John Mark's story reminds us that the John Mark's story reminds us that the only people that God uses to build his only people that God uses to build his only people that God uses to build his kingdom is broken people like us. Like kingdom is broken people like us. Like kingdom is broken people like us. Like that's exactly how he builds his church, that's exactly how he builds his church, that's exactly how he builds his church, which means his church will always be which means his church will always be which means his church will always be filled with unfinished people. Listen to filled with unfinished people. Listen to filled with unfinished people. Listen to this quote from Tim Keller. this quote from Tim Keller. this quote from Tim Keller. The mistaken belief that a person must The mistaken belief that a person must The mistaken belief that a person must clean up his or her own life in order to clean up his or her own life in order to clean up his or her own life in order to merit God's presence is not merit God's presence is not merit God's presence is not Christianity. Christianity. Christianity. This means though that the church will This means though that the church will This means though that the church will be filled with immature and broken be filled with immature and broken be filled with immature and broken people who still have a long way to go people who still have a long way to go people who still have a long way to go emotionally, morally, and spiritually. emotionally, morally, and spiritually. emotionally, morally, and spiritually. Mark was one of those unfinished people. Mark was one of those unfinished people. Mark was one of those unfinished people. But so were Paul and Barnabas. But so were Paul and Barnabas. But so were Paul and Barnabas. And so are you and I. And so are you and I. And so are you and I. Christianity is not this museum of Christianity is not this museum of Christianity is not this museum of polished people. It's a construction polished people. It's a construction polished people. It's a construction zone full of grace. zone full of grace. zone full of grace. Like that's what it's all about. If you Like that's what it's all about. If you Like that's what it's all about. If you want to see this beautifully displayed, want to see this beautifully displayed, want to see this beautifully displayed, come to Regent tomorrow night.

come to Regent tomorrow night. come to Regent tomorrow night. It's just we're just a construction It's just we're just a construction It's just we're just a construction zone. Like that's all we are in all of zone. Like that's all we are in all of zone. Like that's all we are in all of this. this. this. So, how do we apply this? So, how do we apply this? So, how do we apply this? I'm going to give you three I'm going to give you three I'm going to give you three applications, but the big picture is applications, but the big picture is applications, but the big picture is this. this. this. See everyone through the lens of See everyone through the lens of See everyone through the lens of redemption. We need to see everyone redemption. We need to see everyone redemption. We need to see everyone through the lens lens of redemption. through the lens lens of redemption. through the lens lens of redemption. That God is doing something. We're all That God is doing something. We're all That God is doing something. We're all this work in progress. Let me give you this work in progress. Let me give you this work in progress. Let me give you the first application though. the first application though. the first application though. View your story with hope. View your story with hope. View your story with hope. View your own story with hope. Some of View your own story with hope. Some of View your own story with hope. Some of you this morning might feel like a John you this morning might feel like a John you this morning might feel like a John Mark. Mark. Mark. You failed. You quit. You drifted. You You failed. You quit. You drifted. You You failed. You quit. You drifted. You sinned again. Maybe even last night. sinned again. Maybe even last night. sinned again. Maybe even last night. You disappointed others, but your worst You disappointed others, but your worst You disappointed others, but your worst chapter chapter chapter doesn't have to be your final chapter. doesn't have to be your final chapter. doesn't have to be your final chapter. So, don't treat failure as final when So, don't treat failure as final when So, don't treat failure as final when God is writing more. His grace is always God is writing more. His grace is always God is writing more. His grace is always deeper than our depravity. deeper than our depravity. deeper than our depravity. What do you do when you when you're What do you do when you when you're What do you do when you when you're faced like that? Well, it's called faced like that? Well, it's called faced like that? Well, it's called repentance. repentance. repentance. Your repentance, even today, might be Your repentance, even today, might be Your repentance, even today, might be this turning point. This isn't just this turning point. This isn't just this turning point. This isn't just something you do at salvation. something you do at salvation. something you do at salvation. Repentance and faith, we do this all the Repentance and faith, we do this all the Repentance and faith, we do this all the time, turning and trusting every day in time, turning and trusting every day in time, turning and trusting every day in our lives to um our lives to um our lives to um have a new daily attitude when we come have a new daily attitude when we come have a new daily attitude when we come to Jesus each each morning. So, it's to Jesus each each morning. So, it's to Jesus each each morning. So, it's never too late.

never too late. never too late. Trust the promise of Philippians 1:6 Trust the promise of Philippians 1:6 Trust the promise of Philippians 1:6 that he who began a good work in you that he who began a good work in you that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion the day of will bring it to completion the day of will bring it to completion the day of Christ Jesus. He'll bring it to Christ Jesus. He'll bring it to Christ Jesus. He'll bring it to completion. completion. completion. Trust the promise of 1 John 1:9 that if Trust the promise of 1 John 1:9 that if Trust the promise of 1 John 1:9 that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and we confess our sins, he is faithful and we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to just to forgive us our sins and to just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. cleanse us from all unrighteousness. cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Be encouraged by this quote from Charles Be encouraged by this quote from Charles Be encouraged by this quote from Charles Spurgeon. This is so beautiful. Listen Spurgeon. This is so beautiful. Listen Spurgeon. This is so beautiful. Listen to what he says. to what he says. to what he says. "Let not your sense of sin make you "Let not your sense of sin make you "Let not your sense of sin make you think little of my master. You are a think little of my master. You are a think little of my master. You are a great sinner, great sinner, great sinner, but he is a greater savior. but he is a greater savior. but he is a greater savior. Do not say that you have matched Christ Do not say that you have matched Christ Do not say that you have matched Christ or overmatched him. Come, Goliath or overmatched him. Come, Goliath or overmatched him. Come, Goliath sinner. sinner. sinner. The son of David can conquer thee or The son of David can conquer thee or The son of David can conquer thee or save thee yet." Isn't that beautiful? save thee yet." Isn't that beautiful? save thee yet." Isn't that beautiful? "Though your sins be as scarlet, they "Though your sins be as scarlet, they "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. shall be as white as snow. shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they Though they be red like crimson, they Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." shall be as wool." shall be as wool." You could be a hundred times worse than You could be a hundred times worse than You could be a hundred times worse than you are, you are, you are, and it's no match for God's grace. Amen?

and it's no match for God's grace. Amen? and it's no match for God's grace. Amen? Such good news. Such good news. Such good news. Now, I don't I want to remind you in Now, I don't I want to remind you in Now, I don't I want to remind you in this, we don't use this as an as an this, we don't use this as an as an this, we don't use this as an as an excuse, right? Like to never change, to excuse, right? Like to never change, to excuse, right? Like to never change, to never repent, like oh, we're all just a never repent, like oh, we're all just a never repent, like oh, we're all just a work in progress, and you never ever work in progress, and you never ever work in progress, and you never ever move on, right? It's a work in progress. move on, right? It's a work in progress. move on, right? It's a work in progress. But, I want to make sure that for some But, I want to make sure that for some But, I want to make sure that for some of you that you don't feel like the of you that you don't feel like the of you that you don't feel like the younger brother younger brother younger brother in Luke 15. in Luke 15. in Luke 15. In the prodigal son story who said, "I'm In the prodigal son story who said, "I'm In the prodigal son story who said, "I'm no longer worthy." no longer worthy." no longer worthy." Like that's not the attitude that God is Like that's not the attitude that God is Like that's not the attitude that God is looking for. God's love for you is not looking for. God's love for you is not looking for. God's love for you is not based on your performance. Which is such based on your performance. Which is such based on your performance. Which is such good news. good news. good news. So that's the first application, view So that's the first application, view So that's the first application, view your own story with hope. your own story with hope. your own story with hope. Second application, view others with Second application, view others with Second application, view others with grace. grace. grace. If we're all a work in progress, view If we're all a work in progress, view If we're all a work in progress, view others with grace. So maybe your others with grace. So maybe your others with grace. So maybe your struggle is like the older brother in struggle is like the older brother in struggle is like the older brother in the prodigal son. the prodigal son. the prodigal son. That you're actually looking at some That you're actually looking at some That you're actually looking at some people going like how their immaturity people going like how their immaturity people going like how their immaturity and their pace, like how can they still and their pace, like how can they still and their pace, like how can they still be struggling with that? be struggling with that? be struggling with that? How come their convictions aren't there How come their convictions aren't there How come their convictions aren't there yet? yet? yet? How can they not see it?

How can they not see it? How can they not see it? Well, everyone around us is still Well, everyone around us is still Well, everyone around us is still immature immature immature including all of us. We've all got a including all of us. We've all got a including all of us. We've all got a long way to go. So imagine walking into long way to go. So imagine walking into long way to go. So imagine walking into a gym and looking at all the people and a gym and looking at all the people and a gym and looking at all the people and going, "Man, look at some of these going, "Man, look at some of these going, "Man, look at some of these people. Like what a bunch of hypocrites. people. Like what a bunch of hypocrites. people. Like what a bunch of hypocrites. They're so out of shape." They're so out of shape." They're so out of shape." How come they're not further along? How come they're not further along? How come they're not further along? You'd go, You'd go, You'd go, "Well, that's why they're at the gym." "Well, that's why they're at the gym." "Well, that's why they're at the gym." Like they know they need help. They know Like they know they need help. They know Like they know they need help. They know they're on the on the uh you know, in they're on the on the uh you know, in they're on the on the uh you know, in the process of growing. the process of growing. the process of growing. All of us are at different All of us are at different All of us are at different you know, different phases, different you know, different phases, different you know, different phases, different points of our growth. So the the points of our growth. So the the points of our growth. So the the reminder you guys is do you see yourself reminder you guys is do you see yourself reminder you guys is do you see yourself the way God still sees you? The way the the way God still sees you? The way the the way God still sees you? The way the older brother needed to be reminded, older brother needed to be reminded, older brother needed to be reminded, "Hey, God doesn't love you based on your "Hey, God doesn't love you based on your "Hey, God doesn't love you based on your performance either." performance either." performance either." That's really good news. Do you Are you That's really good news. Do you Are you That's really good news. Do you Are you reminded of the amazing story of your reminded of the amazing story of your reminded of the amazing story of your rescue? rescue? rescue? This is what Titus 3 says. This is what Titus 3 says. This is what Titus 3 says. For we ourselves were once foolish, For we ourselves were once foolish, For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to disobedient, led astray, slaves to disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing various passions and pleasures, passing various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by our days in malice and envy, hated by our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. others and hating one another. others and hating one another. And then here's the good news of the And then here's the good news of the And then here's the good news of the gospel.

gospel. gospel. But when the goodness and But when the goodness and But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our savior loving-kindness of God our savior loving-kindness of God our savior appeared, he saved us not because of appeared, he saved us not because of appeared, he saved us not because of works done by us in righteousness. Did works done by us in righteousness. Did works done by us in righteousness. Did you get that? you get that? you get that? God's love for you is not conditional. God's love for you is not conditional. God's love for you is not conditional. It's not because of your performance. It's not because of your performance. It's not because of your performance. But according to his own mercy by the But according to his own mercy by the But according to his own mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewal of washing of regeneration and renewal of washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our us richly through Jesus Christ our us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. Savior. Savior. Some of you, that's your application Some of you, that's your application Some of you, that's your application today. Receive that free gift. It's not today. Receive that free gift. It's not today. Receive that free gift. It's not based on your righteousness, but Jesus. based on your righteousness, but Jesus. based on your righteousness, but Jesus. If I truly understand If I truly understand If I truly understand who I really am by myself, that I can't who I really am by myself, that I can't who I really am by myself, that I can't offer anything offer anything offer anything that can add to my righteousness or earn that can add to my righteousness or earn that can add to my righteousness or earn God's favor, how could I ever look down God's favor, how could I ever look down God's favor, how could I ever look down on someone or judge someone? on someone or judge someone? on someone or judge someone? I'm just one bigger telling another I'm just one bigger telling another I'm just one bigger telling another bigger where I where I found bread. bigger where I where I found bread. bigger where I where I found bread. How I found an oasis in the desert, the How I found an oasis in the desert, the How I found an oasis in the desert, the cure for my disease, how I was found and cure for my disease, how I was found and cure for my disease, how I was found and adopted by the king of the universe. And adopted by the king of the universe. And adopted by the king of the universe. And you can be, too. you can be, too. you can be, too. That's the good news that we get to That's the good news that we get to That's the good news that we get to share with everybody.

share with everybody. share with everybody. So, Barnabas reminds us, you guys, that So, Barnabas reminds us, you guys, that So, Barnabas reminds us, you guys, that no struggler is ever a lost cause. no struggler is ever a lost cause. no struggler is ever a lost cause. That that the grace that he was showing That that the grace that he was showing That that the grace that he was showing John Mark saw the future fruit over his John Mark saw the future fruit over his John Mark saw the future fruit over his present maturity where he was. present maturity where he was. present maturity where he was. So, this doesn't mean, by the way, we So, this doesn't mean, by the way, we So, this doesn't mean, by the way, we ignore sin ignore sin ignore sin or we remove accountability. Paul's or we remove accountability. Paul's or we remove accountability. Paul's caution mattered, right? That's really caution mattered, right? That's really caution mattered, right? That's really important. People need grace and truth, important. People need grace and truth, important. People need grace and truth, but just don't freeze someone forever in but just don't freeze someone forever in but just don't freeze someone forever in their weakest season. their weakest season. their weakest season. Like, look at them in with grace. It's Like, look at them in with grace. It's Like, look at them in with grace. It's like family photos, you guys know this. like family photos, you guys know this. like family photos, you guys know this. You're trying to take family photos and You're trying to take family photos and You're trying to take family photos and like the kids are a mess or somebody like the kids are a mess or somebody like the kids are a mess or somebody blinked or they're crying or looking blinked or they're crying or looking blinked or they're crying or looking away and dad's frustrated. And uh away and dad's frustrated. And uh away and dad's frustrated. And uh eventually you're going to get a picture eventually you're going to get a picture eventually you're going to get a picture that you'll put, you know, on social that you'll put, you know, on social that you'll put, you know, on social media or it's going to be your Christmas media or it's going to be your Christmas media or it's going to be your Christmas card. But if all you saw of this family card. But if all you saw of this family card. But if all you saw of this family was like mid-process, you'd you'd think was like mid-process, you'd you'd think was like mid-process, you'd you'd think very differently of this family, right? very differently of this family, right? very differently of this family, right? And this is where Acts 13 is only a And this is where Acts 13 is only a And this is where Acts 13 is only a snapshot snapshot snapshot of John Mark's life. It's not the final of John Mark's life. It's not the final of John Mark's life. It's not the final portrait. portrait. portrait. So, we want to view others with grace.

So, we want to view others with grace. So, we want to view others with grace. Last application, Last application, Last application, that we need to view your own family that we need to view your own family that we need to view your own family with patience. View your family with with patience. View your family with with patience. View your family with patience, especially your kids, parents. patience, especially your kids, parents. patience, especially your kids, parents. I want to talk to you especially right I want to talk to you especially right I want to talk to you especially right now. now. now. This last spring we had about 25 middle This last spring we had about 25 middle This last spring we had about 25 middle schoolers over at our house all at once schoolers over at our house all at once schoolers over at our house all at once and uh and uh and uh it was so loud, very loud. it was so loud, very loud. it was so loud, very loud. Uh but it got me thinking about my Uh but it got me thinking about my Uh but it got me thinking about my middle school years, which was like over middle school years, which was like over middle school years, which was like over 40 years ago, and I was like, "Man, what 40 years ago, and I was like, "Man, what 40 years ago, and I was like, "Man, what were adults thinking of me?" as I was were adults thinking of me?" as I was were adults thinking of me?" as I was looking at these young people. looking at these young people. looking at these young people. Like I had so far to go. My immaturity, Like I had so far to go. My immaturity, Like I had so far to go. My immaturity, I just wanted to be cool with my I just wanted to be cool with my I just wanted to be cool with my friends, funny with my friends, cool friends, funny with my friends, cool friends, funny with my friends, cool with the girls, and I just did some with the girls, and I just did some with the girls, and I just did some knuckleheaded things. I tried to jump knuckleheaded things. I tried to jump knuckleheaded things. I tried to jump over a bonfire in seventh grade at the over a bonfire in seventh grade at the over a bonfire in seventh grade at the beach, landed on the bonfire. Like but beach, landed on the bonfire. Like but beach, landed on the bonfire. Like but it was to impress these eighth graders it was to impress these eighth graders it was to impress these eighth graders and this girl that I liked. and this girl that I liked. and this girl that I liked. Uh again, I just had so far to go. Uh again, I just had so far to go. Uh again, I just had so far to go. But this is where it's really hard But this is where it's really hard But this is where it's really hard sometimes. One of the hardest parts sometimes. One of the hardest parts sometimes. One of the hardest parts about being a parent is not overreacting about being a parent is not overreacting about being a parent is not overreacting to a chapter. to a chapter. to a chapter. Maybe a bad week, Maybe a bad week, Maybe a bad week, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> a foolish choice, a rebellious season, a >> a foolish choice, a rebellious season, a >> a foolish choice, a rebellious season, a spiritual low, even a spiritual high. We spiritual low, even a spiritual high. We spiritual low, even a spiritual high. We can look at these and start thinking can look at these and start thinking can look at these and start thinking long-term, like, "Well, this is just long-term, like, "Well, this is just long-term, like, "Well, this is just going to be who they are."

going to be who they are." going to be who they are." And we end up kind of thinking this And we end up kind of thinking this And we end up kind of thinking this chapter is the whole book. But I love that God continues writing. But I love that God continues writing. He writes longer stories than you and I. He writes longer stories than you and I. He writes longer stories than you and I. If the church is filled with immature, If the church is filled with immature, If the church is filled with immature, broken people, like we just read, who broken people, like we just read, who broken people, like we just read, who are still growing morally and are still growing morally and are still growing morally and spiritually, why would we be shocked spiritually, why would we be shocked spiritually, why would we be shocked when our own children are also works in when our own children are also works in when our own children are also works in progress? So, don't mistake your your progress? So, don't mistake your your progress? So, don't mistake your your child's current chapter for the final child's current chapter for the final child's current chapter for the final process. process. process. God is still writing their story. God is still writing their story. God is still writing their story. So, yeah, John Mark was unreliable. He So, yeah, John Mark was unreliable. He So, yeah, John Mark was unreliable. He was immature, but later he was trusted was immature, but later he was trusted was immature, but later he was trusted and faithful and useful. and faithful and useful. and faithful and useful. So, as a parent, don't idolize good So, as a parent, don't idolize good So, as a parent, don't idolize good seasons, but don't despair when there's seasons, but don't despair when there's seasons, but don't despair when there's rough seasons. rough seasons. rough seasons. Keep praying, discipling, correcting, Keep praying, discipling, correcting, Keep praying, discipling, correcting, encouraging, modeling, trusting God in encouraging, modeling, trusting God in encouraging, modeling, trusting God in all of this. all of this. all of this. So, here's our conclusion. So, here's our conclusion. So, here's our conclusion. Acts 15 isn't just a story about Acts 15 isn't just a story about Acts 15 isn't just a story about conflict, it's about a it's a story conflict, it's about a it's a story conflict, it's about a it's a story about redemption after conflict.

about redemption after conflict. about redemption after conflict. Paul and Barnabas disagreed, the church Paul and Barnabas disagreed, the church Paul and Barnabas disagreed, the church moved forward, moved forward, moved forward, Mark was restored, God kept writing. Mark was restored, God kept writing. Mark was restored, God kept writing. Interestingly, this is really Interestingly, this is really Interestingly, this is really cool to think about. Mark is the only cool to think about. Mark is the only cool to think about. Mark is the only gospel writer who includes the story of gospel writer who includes the story of gospel writer who includes the story of it's called the parable of the seed it's called the parable of the seed it's called the parable of the seed growing, which describes this crop growing, which describes this crop growing, which describes this crop growing growing and the farmer doesn't growing growing and the farmer doesn't growing growing and the farmer doesn't understand or really help. understand or really help. understand or really help. But, it's a reminder of how God is going But, it's a reminder of how God is going But, it's a reminder of how God is going to accomplish his purposes, whether or to accomplish his purposes, whether or to accomplish his purposes, whether or not we understand it or see it. He's got not we understand it or see it. He's got not we understand it or see it. He's got sovereign purposes sovereign purposes sovereign purposes and and and he's going to at the right time bring he's going to at the right time bring he's going to at the right time bring forth the right amount of fruit. forth the right amount of fruit. forth the right amount of fruit. So, here's what I want you to do. We're So, here's what I want you to do. We're So, here's what I want you to do. We're going to do something we don't usually going to do something we don't usually going to do something we don't usually do. do. do. I'm going to give you 2 minutes. I'm going to give you 2 minutes. I'm going to give you 2 minutes. I want you to turn to those around you. I want you to turn to those around you. I want you to turn to those around you. If you're with your family, you can turn If you're with your family, you can turn If you're with your family, you can turn to them. Turn to your neighbor, anybody, to them. Turn to your neighbor, anybody, to them. Turn to your neighbor, anybody, and I want you to answer this one and I want you to answer this one and I want you to answer this one question. question. question. Where do I most need to remember that Where do I most need to remember that Where do I most need to remember that God is still writing the story? God is still writing the story? God is still writing the story? Is it in my own story? Is it in my own story? Is it in my own story? You've got a struggle, a fear, a You've got a struggle, a fear, a You've got a struggle, a fear, a weakness, weakness, weakness, right? A failure?

right? A failure? right? A failure? Is it in someone else's story? Is it in someone else's story? Is it in someone else's story? A friend, a spouse, community group A friend, a spouse, community group A friend, a spouse, community group member, co-worker? member, co-worker? member, co-worker? Or is it in my family, their story, my Or is it in my family, their story, my Or is it in my family, their story, my kids, or my parent, or another family kids, or my parent, or another family kids, or my parent, or another family member? Which one do you need to member? Which one do you need to member? Which one do you need to remember most as you go out from this remember most as you go out from this remember most as you go out from this service? God, I'm going to give you 2 service? God, I'm going to give you 2 service? God, I'm going to give you 2 minutes. minutes. minutes. Ready, go. Ready, go. Ready, go. Turn to those around you. >> All right, friends. Let's come back

>> All right, friends. Let's come back together. together. together. Good job. Hey, let me end by reminding you of Hey, let me end by reminding you of this. The God who redeemed John Mark's this. The God who redeemed John Mark's this. The God who redeemed John Mark's story story story still specializes in doing the same still specializes in doing the same still specializes in doing the same thing today thing today thing today in our lives. That's what he's always in our lives. That's what he's always in our lives. That's what he's always all about. You are a precious work in all about. You are a precious work in all about. You are a precious work in progress. And this progress, by the way, progress. And this progress, by the way, progress. And this progress, by the way, in the Bible is called sanctification. in the Bible is called sanctification. in the Bible is called sanctification. Becoming more like Jesus. It's our Becoming more like Jesus. It's our Becoming more like Jesus. It's our gradual growing righteousness made gradual growing righteousness made gradual growing righteousness made possible by the spirit's work in us. possible by the spirit's work in us. possible by the spirit's work in us. Because God is sovereignly committed to Because God is sovereignly committed to Because God is sovereignly committed to us, no story is ever a lost cause. us, no story is ever a lost cause. us, no story is ever a lost cause. God is constantly redeeming all of our God is constantly redeeming all of our God is constantly redeeming all of our stories. One of the reasons, by the way, stories. One of the reasons, by the way, stories. One of the reasons, by the way, that we are a Bible-revering church that we are a Bible-revering church that we are a Bible-revering church is because of that sanctification. That is because of that sanctification. That is because of that sanctification. That in John 17, Jesus prayed, in John 17, Jesus prayed, in John 17, Jesus prayed, uh "Father, sanctify them by the truth. uh "Father, sanctify them by the truth. uh "Father, sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth." Your word is truth." Your word is truth." That it's through that even that God That it's through that even that God That it's through that even that God begins to work on us and grow us. You begins to work on us and grow us. You begins to work on us and grow us. You can't be close to God and far from His can't be close to God and far from His can't be close to God and far from His word, by the way. word, by the way. word, by the way. But parents, friends, But parents, friends, But parents, friends, children, we're all a work in progress.

children, we're all a work in progress. children, we're all a work in progress. So maybe your application today is to So maybe your application today is to So maybe your application today is to view your own story with hope. view your own story with hope. view your own story with hope. Maybe you need to remember the gospel or Maybe you need to remember the gospel or Maybe you need to remember the gospel or receive the gospel. receive the gospel. receive the gospel. But be encouraged by God's free gift. But be encouraged by God's free gift. But be encouraged by God's free gift. Maybe your application is view other Maybe your application is view other Maybe your application is view other people with grace, remembering we are people with grace, remembering we are people with grace, remembering we are all just a work in progress. all just a work in progress. all just a work in progress. Maybe your application today is to view Maybe your application today is to view Maybe your application today is to view your family with patience. your family with patience. your family with patience. God is still writing their story. Kids, God is still writing their story. Kids, God is still writing their story. Kids, pray for your parents. pray for your parents. pray for your parents. Pray for each other, all of us. Pray for Pray for each other, all of us. Pray for Pray for each other, all of us. Pray for this next generation. This is how God is this next generation. This is how God is this next generation. This is how God is building His kingdom. Isn't it building His kingdom. Isn't it building His kingdom. Isn't it beautiful? beautiful? beautiful? Let me pray for us. God, thank you for this reminder from God, thank you for this reminder from John Mark John Mark John Mark that You are building Your kingdom and that You are building Your kingdom and that You are building Your kingdom and You use all of us broken people despite You use all of us broken people despite You use all of us broken people despite ourselves. You love us and yet You love ourselves. You love us and yet You love ourselves. You love us and yet You love us too much to leave us the way we are. us too much to leave us the way we are. us too much to leave us the way we are. Um God, help us to partner with You um Um God, help us to partner with You um Um God, help us to partner with You um in that process. But God, help us to be in that process. But God, help us to be in that process. But God, help us to be patient with ourselves, with others, patient with ourselves, with others, patient with ourselves, with others, with our kids, with family members and with our kids, with family members and with our kids, with family members and friends, Lord, that You would be friends, Lord, that You would be friends, Lord, that You would be glorified, that You would be our glorified, that You would be our glorified, that You would be our strength, that You would mold and shape strength, that You would mold and shape strength, that You would mold and shape us as um we move um us as um we move um us as um we move um from uh from uh from uh glory to glory, becoming more and more glory to glory, becoming more and more glory to glory, becoming more and more Christ-like as we go. And Lord, we trust Christ-like as we go. And Lord, we trust Christ-like as we go. And Lord, we trust You for that promise, that process as You for that promise, that process as You for that promise, that process as well. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.