Pastor Matt Nelson – Acts: Peacemakers

February 23, 2020

How we handle conflict will determine our impact, the depth of community we experience, and testify to the work of the gospel in our lives.

Acts 13:13

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark left them to return to Jerusalem.

Keys to handling conflict in a healthy way:

1) Choose to be a peacemaker

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

2) Understand your natural tendencies in conflict and choose a peacemaking response

Matthew 18:15-17

15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Matthew 5:21-24

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

3. Practice the secrets of conflict resolution: HUMILITY and HONOR

• Benefits of being a peacemaker & dealing with conflict:
• You are being used by God to restore shalom and bring God’s kingdom to earth
• You refuse to live under the weight of unforgiveness and bitterness
• You will gain the respect and trust of many, especially those you lead
• You will often be able to continue in the work that God has called you to
• You are living in the freedom and blessing of knowing that God will honor those who honor others

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Lent/Fasting Information & Resources

• Fast – Fasting is a biblical and ancient spiritual practice that reveals our excessive attachment to things
• Repent – Repentance is a regular returning to God with a humble and contrite heart
• Pray – make time for intentional prayer, solitude, and space for God
• Receive God’s forgiveness and extravagant love

• Anything that is out of balance, you may not have control over, or feel enslaved to
• Something you can give up that represents a sacrifice
• Eliminating something that would free up space for more focused attention on God and spiritual formation
• Examples: Food (full, partial, or Daniel fast), social media, alcohol/caffeine/sugar, overwork, tv/movies, cell phone use, anything you may be excessively attached to.

• Full Fast: Drink only liquids (if you’ve never attempted a full fast don’t start here and be sure to consult a professional/physician before trying it)
• Daniel Fast: Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables. (check out http://daniel-fast.com for more information)
• 3-Day Intervals Fast: Full fast, Daniel fast, or give up at least one item of food in 3 day intervals
• Sunrise to Sundown Fast: Fast during the day from sunup to sundown
• Partial Fast: Examples include fasting for lunch or from 6am-3pm daily, or sunup to sundown, etc. 

• Bread & Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter
• A Way Other than our Own: Devotions for Lent by Walter Brueggemann
• The Unvarnished Jesus: a Lenten Journey by Brian Zahnd
• Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson

• Feb 26 – Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent)
• April 5 – Palm Sunday
• April 9 – The official end of the Lent season
• April 10 – Good Friday
• April 12 – Easter Sunday

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• Financial Peace University – Next class begins March 6th – register here!

• Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn – Pick up a copy at Connection Corner

• Contact us for financial consulting and we can recommend a financial advisor – justin@citychurchtulsa.com

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DISCOVER | PATHWAY CLASS

Live out the gospel in community with others as we commit ourselves to becoming disciples and making disciples. Pathway is a 4-week class designed to help you discover and live out God’s unique mission for your life.

Our next class will begin Sunday, September 8th at 10am. The class is free, however there is a suggested donation of $25, which covers all your materials and helps provide grants to our Love Tulsa partners. Register here.

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Live out the gospel in community with others as we commit ourselves to becoming disciples and making disciples.

For more information on City Groups and a list of groups currently meeting, visit our website.

MULTIPLY | CITY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

CLA is a 5-month journey learning how to lead yourself and others to fulfill the Great Commission. CLA is offered twice per year for those who have already committed to serving, giving, & leading at City Church.

For inquiries on CLA, contact Pastor Jim Moss jim@citychurchtulsa.com

A group of people committed to living out the gospel in both community and mission.

For more information or help on choosing a City Group contact justin@citychurchtulsa.com

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