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Christian Life Church
September 20, 2026 at 9am & 11am
Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Locations & Times
Christian Life Church Columbia
2700 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
THE BOOK OF ACTS SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
A PEOPLE OF PEACE
SCRIPTURE
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that He may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Acts 8:18-23
When an issue is sustained in the heart and causes division, it needs to be addressed.
Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Reconciliation is vital to the Body of Believers. Jesus said: “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them. Then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
TWO TYPES OF ISSUES
1/ When another Christian has sinned against God, himself, or another.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
Galatians 6:1-2
2/ When another Christian has sinned against you.
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15
BEFORE ADDRESSING AN ISSUE
1/ Posture your heart.
2/ Prepare yourself for every possible outcome.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
3/ Pause for 72 hours before moving forward.
HOW TO ADDRESS AN ISSUE
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 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.’ 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 18:15-17
1/ If there is an issue, address it with the Lord (70%).
Good sense makes one slow to anger and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
2/ If there is an issue, address it in private (25%).
3/ If no resolution to the issue, address it with caring friends (4%).
“For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
4/ If there is still no resolution to the issue, address it with spiritual leadership (<1%).
5/ If there is a rebellious and unrepentant heart, address them as a non-believer (<1%).
Excommunication is extremely rare and usually involves more than a personal offense. This usually revolves around an issue of unrepentant, ongoing, and grievous sin.
WHEN TO ADDRESS AN ISSUE
1/ Is it something that cannot be overlooked without bitterness?
2/ Is it something that is dishonoring to the Lord?
3/ Is it something that is damaging you?
4/ Is it something that is hurting others?
5/ Is it something that is hurting them?
A PEOPLE OF PEACE
SCRIPTURE
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that He may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Acts 8:18-23
When an issue is sustained in the heart and causes division, it needs to be addressed.
Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Reconciliation is vital to the Body of Believers. Jesus said: “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them. Then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
TWO TYPES OF ISSUES
1/ When another Christian has sinned against God, himself, or another.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
Galatians 6:1-2
2/ When another Christian has sinned against you.
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15
BEFORE ADDRESSING AN ISSUE
1/ Posture your heart.
2/ Prepare yourself for every possible outcome.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
3/ Pause for 72 hours before moving forward.
HOW TO ADDRESS AN ISSUE
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 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.’ 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 18:15-17
1/ If there is an issue, address it with the Lord (70%).
Good sense makes one slow to anger and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
2/ If there is an issue, address it in private (25%).
3/ If no resolution to the issue, address it with caring friends (4%).
“For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
4/ If there is still no resolution to the issue, address it with spiritual leadership (<1%).
5/ If there is a rebellious and unrepentant heart, address them as a non-believer (<1%).
Excommunication is extremely rare and usually involves more than a personal offense. This usually revolves around an issue of unrepentant, ongoing, and grievous sin.
WHEN TO ADDRESS AN ISSUE
1/ Is it something that cannot be overlooked without bitterness?
2/ Is it something that is dishonoring to the Lord?
3/ Is it something that is damaging you?
4/ Is it something that is hurting others?
5/ Is it something that is hurting them?