Study Guide: The Church in Acts: Part 3 | Pastor Ron Kelly

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A Witness That Cannot Be Argued Against - The Church in Acts: Part 3

Sermon Study Guide: The Magnetism of Togetherness

Series: Acts (Part 3 of 4) Speaker: Pastor Ron (as transcribed) Theme: Unity, Fellowship, and Conflict Resolution in the Church

Opening Icebreaker (5-10 minutes)

Share a story: Pastor Ron shared a story about elders arguing in a board meeting and the power of saying, “I am sorry.”

  • Question: Think about a family gathering, workplace, or church setting where tension was high. What was the "small" action (an apology, a kind gesture, or a meal) that eventually broke the ice and brought peace?

Key Scripture References

  • Acts 6:1-7 (The choosing of the seven deacons to solve the Grecian/Hebrew widows dispute)

  • Colossians 3:14 (Love as the bond of perfection)

  • John 17:21-23 (Jesus’ prayer for unity)

  • Hebrews 10:24-25 (Not forsaking the assembly)

Main Points from the Sermon

1. The Power of "I Am Sorry" (The Emotional Currency)

Pastor Ron noted that saying "I am sorry" elevates your Christianity faster than almost anything else. He contrasted the difficulty of apologizing with the spiritual growth it produces.

  • Quote: "Say the words, 'I am sorry.' When you say those words and you show that the spirit of God can get through... you elevate."

  • Discussion: Why is it so hard to apologize to someone in our own church family? What does a refusal to apologize do to the "aroma" (fragrance) of the church?

2. The Lowered Threshold Problem

The pastor argued that the early church had a high cost of admission (persecution, counting the cost), which created committed believers. He warns that modern churches often baptize people too quickly, bringing "unconverted" issues into leadership.

  • Quote: "We've lowered the threshold of coming to Christ so low that we put unconverted people not only in the pews... but I sure hope the leaders are converted men and women."

  • Discussion: How can a church balance being welcoming to visitors (like the speaker experienced as a youth) while ensuring that leaders are spiritually mature?

3. The Trinity of Unity: Feeling, Thought, Action

Referencing Ellen White, the pastor explained that unity of action can be forced by a good leader, unity of thought is rare, but unity of feeling is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

  • Mechanics of Bonding: You cannot bond with someone you don't know. Bonding requires:

    • Common Experience (Mission trips, potlucks, work bees).

    • Prayer Together (Spiritual intimacy).

    • Eating Together (The fellowship hall is where the church grows).

4. The Acts 6 Formula for Conflict

When the church faced a complaint (racial/cultural tension over food distribution), they didn't ignore it. They:

  1. Acknowledged the problem ("It is not desirable for us to neglect...").

  2. Delegated to trusted, Spirit-filled people (the 7 deacons).

  3. Involved the body (The whole congregation participated in the solution).

5. The Three Relationship Variables

To maintain unity, you must manage Trust, Respect, and Affection.

  • Trust: Knowing you won't talk about me when I'm gone.

  • Respect: Not demeaning an idea just because it isn't the best (validating the person).

  • Affection: You can't love people you don't spend time with.

Practical Application Questions

For Personal Reflection:

  • The Apology Test: Is there a person in your church (or home) right now that you are avoiding? Are you waiting for them to change, or are you willing to go first with an apology—even if you think you are only 10% wrong?

  • The Potluck Principle: Do you attend church events only when it is convenient? Or do you go specifically to "bond" with someone new or someone difficult?

For Group Discussion:

  • Read Acts 6:1. The complaint came from a specific cultural group (Hellenists). Pastor Ron noted that "food" is elemental. Have you ever seen a church fight about something as small as food, parking spots, or furniture? Why do small things cause big rifts?

  • "A Pulling Horse Can't Kick": The pastor shared a proverb that a working horse doesn't have time to kick. How does getting busy with a mission (evangelism, service projects) help cure the "gossip" and "nitpicking" in a church?

  • Leadership: The pastor shared a story of a deacon who grabbed his arm. He said, "I actually loved the man." How do you correct inappropriate behavior in a church without destroying the relationship?

This Week's Challenge

The "Bonding" Challenge:

  1. Identify one person in your congregation whom you do not know well or whom you find difficult to like.

  2. This week, go out of your way to speak to them. Ask them one question about their life (job, kids, health).

  3. Pray for them by name every day this week. Notice if your feelings toward them begin to change.

Closing Prayer Thought

Lord, we admit that it is easier to be right than to be united. Help us to taste and see that You are good, not just in doctrine, but in the way we treat each other. Give us the courage to apologize, the wisdom to solve problems, and the love to overlook offenses. Bond us together so that the world may believe. Amen.

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