Aim: To handle doctrinal crises in biblical, Christ-honoring ways.
Doctrine: The nature of life in a fallen world makes doctrinal crises inevitable (at times). These (emergencies) do not always have nefarious origins, but they always pose practical conundrums that must be addressed.
Exegesis: The God-honoring spirit the church is to employ concerning doctrinal crises: engage the issue, but then humbly submit it to higher authorities (vv. 1-2); maintain an attitude of praise—even while in a state of abeyance (awaiting resolution) (vv. 3-4); listen carefully and respectfully to those who present (reasonable) counter-arguments (v. 5).
Further application: Why the church today must continue to graciously handle doctrinal crises: because real problems still need to be resolved, so that the integrity of the gospel and the glory of Jesus are maintained.
Key verse: v. 2 ''Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.''
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Rev. Mark Henninger received his Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and he has been Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois for more than 30 years.