Sunday Sermon Summary – May 18 2025

CHURCH CONFLICTS – The Unity of the Church 

Acts 11: 1-18

Our theme for this Sunday was Living in Unity. The greatest strength of a church is its unity. In the above scripture verses we see how the early church kept the unity of the church. 

1. Refuted openly 

Acts 11: 1,2

When Peter returned from a wonderful ministry at Cornelius’ house where a big number of his friends and relatives became Christians and were baptized; the elders of the Church in Jerusalem confronted Peter about the conversion of gentiles. They were offended that Peter, not only went into the house of Cornelius, but also ate with them which was against the Jewish tradition. It is a healthy thing to confront face to face. It will avoid misunderstanding and will strengthen the relationship. Until then all members of the newly formed church were only Jews. This was a new development in the life of the Church. 

2. Recounted God’s Word 

Acts 11: 7-9

When Peter was confronted, he took the opportunity to explain to the church how God revealed his purpose for the gentiles to come into the faith.  Peter revealed the vision he had of God sending unclean animals from heaven and commanded him to eat them. Peter was unwilling to obey God’s command. Nevertheless, when people sent by Cornelius knocked on his door; the Holy Spirit told him to go without questioning anything. 

He also recounted how his preaching was interrupted by the filling of the Holy Spirit just as on the day of Pentecost. When we face discrepancies, it is best to recount what God is revealing to us. 

3.  Remembered God’s Promise 

Acts 11: 16

Finally, Peter told them that when he saw all the people filled with God’s Holy Spirit he remembered what was spoken by John the Baptist that he is baptizing with water but Jesus will baptize us with Fire, which is the Holy Spirit.  

When we make new steps in church it is mandatory to follow God’s Word. Peter remembered God’s promise of the Holy Spirit as he himself had preached on the day of Pentecost. When Peter reminded every one of God’s Word they were convinced and glorified God. This was a step towards big growth in the church. This was the beginning of the church spreading into the uttermost parts of the world. 

Whenever the church is faced with challenges we must be willing to hear God’s guidance;  then the church will grow and flourish. Amen