Episode 795
The Growth of the Church: Conflict as a Catalyst for Change | 795
This episode delves into the profound dynamics of advocacy, accountability, and the essence of authentic community as exemplified in the early Christian church, specifically through the narrative of Saul's acceptance among the disciples in Acts 9:26-31. We explore the pivotal role of Barnabas, whose advocacy serves as a compelling model for contemporary discussions surrounding allyship and the responsible use of privilege. The initial reluctance of the disciples to accept Saul is examined not as mere pettiness, but as a legitimate concern for community safety, prompting reflections on the balance between inclusion and caution. Furthermore, we highlight the notion that growth within a community frequently emerges from navigating conflict, illustrating that diverse groups can flourish while preserving their unique identities. This episode encourages listeners to identify opportunities for bridge-building in their own communities, echoing the call for both advocacy and attentive listening.
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Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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The discourse presented herein delves into the profound implications of Acts 9:26-31, wherein the narrative unfurls the complexities surrounding Saul's acceptance into the early Christian community. The initial trepidation exhibited by the disciples towards Saul is not merely an expression of distrust, but rather a manifestation of a larger concern regarding communal safety amidst emerging tensions. Barnabas, through his advocacy, exemplifies the profound responsibility vested in individuals of privilege to navigate such precarious social landscapes. He does not trivialize the fears of the disciples; instead, he seeks to foster understanding and reconciliation. This interaction serves as a poignant reminder of the contemporary relevance of allyship, prompting us to reflect upon how we might advocate for those marginalized within our own communities while honoring their voices and concerns. Furthermore, the narrative suggests that true growth often emerges from conflict, positing that the early church's expansion was enabled by the resolution of challenges rather than the absence of them. Thus, the passage invites us to consider how our communities can thrive not by shunning discord, but by embracing it as a catalyst for transformation.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of community advocacy, particularly through the example of Barnabas supporting Saul.
- We reflect on how privilege can be used responsibly to advocate for those marginalized in society.
- The discussion highlights the necessity of community safety as a priority over individual inclusion in certain contexts.
- Growth in communities often arises from navigating conflict, which can lead to positive transformation and understanding.
- The episode encourages listeners to identify roles as bridge builders in their own communities, emulating Barnabas.
- Finally, we are reminded of the significance of maintaining both justice and healing within our communities, fostering spaces for authentic connection.
Links referenced in this episode:
Transcript
Hello good people.
Speaker A:Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller here with Daily Bible Refresh brought to you by voiceofgod daily.com the home of the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker A:We come to you every day to bring you a reading of the Scripture selected particularly for this day from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Speaker A:We're in year C.
Speaker A:The whole lecture is broken up into three years A, B and C.
Speaker A:We're in year C, the epiphany season, and we bring the Scripture to you in a way that is understandable.
Speaker A:We read just the New Testament lesson from the message translation of the Bible.
Speaker A:Relatable in that we offer you a couple of points to ponder, to think about and applicable.
Speaker A:We give you an action step to take to apply to your life and then we have a prayer and we're out of here in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:Let me give you now the scripture for the day.
Speaker A:It's from Acts, chapter 9, verses 26 through 31.
Speaker A:Reading from the message Back in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him.
Speaker A:They didn't trust him one bit.
Speaker A:Then Barnabas took him under his wing and he introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus road and how in Damascus itself he had laid, laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus's name.
Speaker A:After that he was accepted as one of them, going in and out of Jerusalem with no questions asked, uninhibited as he preached in the Master's name.
Speaker A:But then he ran afoul of a group called Hellenist.
Speaker A:He even engaged with a running, running argument with them and they plotted his murder.
Speaker A:When his friends learned of the plot, they got him out of town.
Speaker A:They took him to Caesarea, and then they shipped him off to Tarsus.
Speaker A:Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while.
Speaker A:All over the country, Judea, Sumeria, Galilee, the church grew.
Speaker A:They were permeated with a deep sense of the relevance of God.
Speaker A:The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them, and they prospered wonderfully.
Speaker A:Well, let's have a bit of reflection now on this passage of Acts 9, 26, 31.
Speaker A:All about advocacy and accountability and authentic community here in the early Christian community, the early Christian church, and where they had to deal with issues of reconciliation and community building.
Speaker A:Here's three points to ponder.
Speaker A:The Rule of Privilege and advocacy.
Speaker A:Barnabas Advocacy of Saul offers an important model of using privilege responsibly as an established member of the community Barnabas had the social capital to vouch for Saul, and this speaks to contemporary discussions about allyship and advocacy.
Speaker A:Notice that Barnabas didn't dismiss the community's fears, but rather used his position to bridge understanding.
Speaker A:And today this same challenge is before us for those with privilege to consider how they we can advocate for others without speaking over them or dismissing their valid concerns.
Speaker A:A second point Community Safety versus Individual inclusion the disciples initial fear of Saul wasn't pettiness or lack of forgiveness.
Speaker A:It was about community safety.
Speaker A:Progressive Christianity recognizes that marginalized communities have the right to be cautious and set boundaries.
Speaker A:This passage shows a balanced approach eventual inclusion of Saul, but only after the proper vetting and advocacy.
Speaker A:This speaks to a contemporary discussion about reconciliation, restorative justice, and how communities can safely integrate those who have caused harm in the past.
Speaker A:Growth through Conflict the text notes that the church grew through a time guru during the time of smooth sailing, but this came after periods of significant conflict and challenge.
Speaker A:Progressive Christianity acknowledges that healthy conflict and tension often precede positive change.
Speaker A:The mention of growth across diverse regions Judea, Samaria, and Galilee suggests that unity doesn't require uniformity.
Speaker A:Different communities can thrive while maintaining their distinct identities.
Speaker A:Here's your action step.
Speaker A:Identify a situation in your community where you could serve as a bridge builder.
Speaker A:Kind of like Barnabas.
Speaker A:This might mean advocating for someone who needs support, facilitating dialogue among different groups, or helping create safe spaces for difficult conversations.
Speaker A:Remember that good advocacy involves both speaking up and listening carefully.
Speaker A:You might want to journal about what you've learned in this process and kind of look be on the lookout for power dynamics and the need for accountability and grace.
Speaker A:We'll come back for a closing prayer in just a moment, but I did want to remind you, though, about our resource that we make available to you for absolutely free.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker A:You get it at our website, voiceofgoddaily.com and this is a Bible study that we offer to you to help you just to have a daily presence with the word.
Speaker A:That's simple and to the point.
Speaker A:A B C 1, 2, 3.
Speaker A:You can also get a back catalog of all of our episodes of the Voice of God on the voiceofgoddaily.com all the episodes of the daily Bible Refresh let's pray.
Speaker A:O God, O God of Transformation.
Speaker A:We live in complex times and the path forward isn't always clear.
Speaker A:Give us Barnabas courage to stand up for others and for the disciples.
Speaker A:Wisdom to protect community safet Help us navigate the challenging spaces between caution and welcome between accountability and grace.
Speaker A:And for those of us with privilege, show us how to use it responsibly in service to others.
Speaker A:For those who have experienced harm, honor our need for safety and boundaries, and guide our communities in growing stronger through conflict rather than avoiding it.
Speaker A:May we create spaces where transformation is possible and where both justice and healing can flourish.
Speaker A:Help us build communities that are both welcoming and wise, both gracious and grounded in truth, in the spirit of authentic community.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Well, great to be with you here on Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller here with you every day we drop these episodes almost always before 6:00am Eastern Time.
Speaker A:Please join me tomorrow and bring a friend.
Speaker A:Until that time, remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new.
Speaker A:Every morning.
