Restoring Family Relationships

February 18th, 2024
Restoring Family Relationships
Speaker - Jeff Hartwig
Sermon Notes

Acts 15:36-41 NLT "After some time Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing." But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.”

1. Satan has no new gimmicks, or methods. Divide and conquer is his primary plan to destroy relationships!

2. As believers, we have a huge advantage!

Romans 12:18, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

3. Living selfishly kills family relationships! Putting others first, promotes healing!

The 3 C’s

- Cover an offense

Proverbs 19:11 Amp. "Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.”

- Confront an offense

Gal. 6:1 NLT "Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.

- But never let it Cook

Heb. 12:15 NLT "Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”

4. When conflict occurs in a family, it can either be a point of growth, or a point of breakdown and sometimes breakdown.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask— we know that we have what we asked of him.”

5. Dress for success not failure!

Colossians 3:12-15. NLT "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with
tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

Matthew 5:23-25 NLT So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.