Successful Christian's Never Forget This About Their Life

Acts 15:36-40 - After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and left,…  NASU
 

• Christian's Will Make Mistakes 

Paul and Barnabas were both great Christian leaders. They had shared the gospel with a lot of people. They were making Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection widely known throughout the Roman empire.
 
The Lord's church was growing because of their fearless and tireless effort to share the life-changing gospel about Jesus Christ.
 
One day Paul says to Barnabas let us revisit the churches where we have already preached and see how they are progressing. Barnabas says great I will go and get John Mark and Paul says no way are we taking that deserter with us.
 
In our text this morning we have two Christian men both possessing the Holy Spirit in their bodies and yet, they are disagreeing. In fact, the Bible says it was a "sharp disagreement" which separated these two brothers.
 
Wow!
 
Two Christians not being able to get along with each other. How is that possible?
 
It is possible because Christians will make mistakes. Being forgiven doesn't mean we will all of sudden be perfect and never make another mistake in our life. 
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• Peter Wasn't Any Different 

Galatians 2:11-12 - But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.  
 
Cephas is another name for Peter. When Pete comes to Antioch, Paul confronts him about being a hypocrite. Peter would eat with the Gentiles until the Jews came and once the Jews come Peter wouldn't have anything to do with them.
 
Way to be a hypocrite, Peter.
 
Peter likewise had the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in him and yet we can see he is making a big mistake here by being a hypocrite. In fact, we could say, Peter was being a racist. 

• Conclusion 

What should a Christian do after he or she has made a mistake?
 
Own it. Admit it. Confess it. Get over it.
 
It most likely won't be your last mistake.
 
The devil is trying to get you to quit being a Christian. So every time you make a mistake he wants to remind you of how horrible you are.
 
When he puts the thoughts into your head about how bad you are agree with him. Tell him he is right you made another mistake and as fast as you can make them God can forgive you of them.
 
Tell him that the difference between you and him is you can be forgiven and he can't.
 
God is a gracious God. Allow Him to extend His Grace to you.
 
Think About This:
 
Mistakes aren't so bad. Christopher Columbus found America by mistake!

Stay Pumped,
 
Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word