The Cross In

Church Relationships

The Cross In Church Relationships

Sometimes the heaviest cross to bear is the one we carry among ourselves.

Paul’s Cross Within The Church

Christians attacked Paul’s . . . . Conversion – Acts 9:10-14; 9:26 Work – Acts 14:27-28; 15:1 Apostleship – II Cor. 3:1; 10:10 Position – Acts 21:17-26 Character – Gal. 4:16 Motives – Phil.1:12-17

The way Paul bore his cross among his “nasty” brethren then helps us do the same today.

Loving The Church Successfully

He was not overcome by the evil of others – Romans 12:17-21

Vs. 17 – avoid revenge

Vs. 18 – search for peace

Vs. 19 – Trust in God’s justice

Vs. 20 – Do what is right

Vs. 21 – Let goodness win

Paul always praised God. Phil. 4:4-7

Loving The Church Successfully

. . . constant praise of God discourages offences between people.

Prayer and praise comes before the Peace, not after.

After peace comes joy!

Paul was not distracted. II Tim. 4:5-8

Loving The Church Successfully

Don’t let “cross bearing” become adistraction.

God is glorified by perseverance, notquitting.

Paul’s Victory Speech

“For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

The Fruit Of Cross Bearing

It produces spiritual healing. It provides spiritual balance. It preserves our souls.

THE CROWN WE RECEIVE

will be worththe cross we bear.

Remember . . .

Sometimes we are the cross thatsomeone else has to bear.

Jesus bore the cross for usare we ready to

bear one for Him?