Church in Time of Change Conflict

Devotional

Day 1: Conflict Is an Inevitable Part of the Church’s Story

Conflict has been present in the church since its earliest days, shaping the way communities of faith grow, adapt, and respond to change. Rather than avoiding or denying conflict, acknowledging its reality allows believers to be better equipped to handle it when it arises. The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, speak directly to the challenges of conflict—within families, communities, and even across nations—reminding us that these struggles are not new. As the church faces dramatic changes in culture and society, understanding and addressing conflict becomes essential for faithful living and witness. [01:09]

Romans 12:18 (ESV)
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Reflection: Think of a recent or ongoing conflict in your life or community. How might acknowledging its reality, rather than avoiding it, help you respond in a more Christlike way today?

Day 2: The Jerusalem Council—Principled Compromise for Unity

The early church faced deep divisions as Jewish and Gentile believers struggled to reconcile their differences, particularly regarding adherence to the Torah and cultural practices. At the Jerusalem Council, leaders met face to face, engaging in honest and sometimes heated deliberation, yet always with mutual respect. Their solution was a principled compromise: holding fast to the core of the gospel while allowing flexibility in secondary matters, so that unity in Christ could be preserved without demanding uniformity in all things. This model shows that compromise, when grounded in essential truths, can be a faithful and powerful tool for reconciliation. [11:28]

Acts 15:6-11, 19-21 (ESV)
6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

Reflection: Where in your life or church do you need to seek a principled compromise—holding fast to what is essential, but letting go of what is secondary for the sake of unity?

Day 3: Justification by Faith—Recognizing Different Callings

Paul’s confrontation with Peter in Galatians 2 highlights the tension between law and grace, and the challenge of living out the gospel in diverse communities. Paul insists that justification comes by faith in Christ, not by works of the law, and that this truth must shape how believers relate to one another. Despite their disagreement, Peter and Paul ultimately recognize each other’s distinct callings—Peter to the Jews, Paul to the Gentiles—and extend the hand of fellowship, agreeing on the unity of the gospel and the importance of serving the poor. This example encourages us to honor different callings within the body of Christ while remaining united in core convictions. [17:42]

Galatians 2:11-16, 9-10 (ESV)
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community whose calling or approach is different from yours? How can you affirm their role and work together for the sake of the gospel?

Day 4: Knowing Our Non-Negotiables and Letting Go of Stubbornness

In times of change and conflict, it is vital to discern which beliefs and practices are truly non-negotiable—the core of our faith—and which are negotiable, able to be adapted for the sake of unity and mission. Holding too tightly to secondary matters can create unnecessary division, while letting go of stubbornness and ego opens the way for God to bring reconciliation and growth. The early church’s example challenges us to examine our own hearts and traditions, to know what must be preserved and what can be released, trusting that God can use our flexibility to strengthen the body of Christ. [19:11]

Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Reflection: What is one tradition, preference, or opinion you are holding onto that may be more about stubbornness than about the core of your faith? What would it look like to let it go for the sake of unity?

Day 5: Trusting God to Do the Work of Reconciliation

Ultimately, reconciliation and unity in the church are not achieved by human effort alone, but by God’s power and grace at work among us. Our role is to set aside ego and stubbornness, making space for God to move and transform hearts. When we trust God to do the work of reconciliation, we become participants in His ongoing story of healing and renewal, both within the church and in the world. May we be open to God’s leading, allowing Him to shape us into a community that reflects His love and unity. [19:29]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV)
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Reflection: Where do you need to step back and trust God to bring reconciliation—in your relationships, your church, or your community—rather than trying to control the outcome yourself?

Sermon Summary

Conflict has always been woven into the fabric of the Christian community, stretching back to the earliest days of the church. Rather than avoiding or fearing conflict, it is essential to recognize it as a natural part of life together, especially in times of dramatic change. The Scriptures, both Hebrew Bible and New Testament, are filled with stories of conflict—within families, communities, and even between nations. These stories are not about an “angry God” versus a “loving God,” but about the real struggles of people learning to live faithfully in a world of difference and disagreement.

The early church faced profound conflict as Jews and Gentiles, with very different backgrounds and practices, came together to form a new community in Christ. The Jerusalem Council stands as a powerful example of how the church can navigate such tensions. Leaders met face to face, engaged in honest and sometimes heated deliberation, but always with respect and a shared commitment to the gospel. The result was a principled compromise: Gentile believers were not required to adopt all Jewish practices, but Jewish believers could continue in their traditions. This was not a shallow peace, but a hard-won unity that preserved the essentials of faith while allowing for diversity in practice.

Throughout history, the church has continued to experience conflict—over symbolic loss, the clash of old and new ideas, the impact of technology, institutional failures, the tension between discernment and action, and deep moral convictions. These are not signs of failure, but opportunities to discern what is truly non-negotiable in our faith and what can be adapted for the sake of unity and mission. The example of Peter and Paul, who recognized each other’s callings and extended the hand of fellowship, reminds us that unity does not require uniformity. Instead, it calls for humility, discernment, and a willingness to let go of stubbornness for the sake of the body of Christ.

Ultimately, reconciliation is not something we achieve by our own strength. It is God’s work, and our role is to make space for that work by setting aside our egos and letting God shape us into a community that reflects Christ’s love and grace. As we continue to navigate change and conflict, may we be guided by the wisdom of those who have gone before us, holding fast to what is essential and open to the new things God is doing among us.

Key Takeaways

1. Conflict is an Essential Part of Christian Community Avoiding conflict does not make it disappear; it only leaves us unprepared when it inevitably arises. The biblical witness, from Genesis to the epistles, is honest about the reality of conflict and invites us to engage it faithfully rather than fearfully. Recognizing conflict as a normal part of life together allows us to grow in maturity and resilience as a community. [01:09]
2. Principled Compromise Strengthens Unity The Jerusalem Council modeled a way of handling disagreement that was neither rigid nor superficial. By identifying core convictions—such as salvation by grace—and distinguishing them from negotiable practices, the early church found a way to honor both unity and diversity. Compromise, when rooted in principle, is not weakness but a sign of spiritual maturity and trust in God’s leading. [11:28]
3. The Church Must Continually Discern Its Non-Negotiables Throughout history, the church has faced new challenges—technological, cultural, and moral—that have forced it to re-examine what is essential to its identity and mission. This ongoing discernment is not a threat but a gift, calling us to deeper faithfulness and humility. Knowing what we must hold fast to, and what we can let go, is crucial for healthy community life. [19:11]
4. Unity Does Not Require Uniformity Peter and Paul’s relationship demonstrates that Christians can have different callings, perspectives, and practices, yet remain united in Christ. True unity is not about erasing differences but about extending the hand of fellowship and working together for the good of the whole. This kind of unity is both a witness to the world and a source of strength for the church. [17:42]
5. Reconciliation is Ultimately God’s Work While we are called to participate in the work of reconciliation, it is not something we can manufacture by our own efforts. Our task is to set aside ego and stubbornness, making room for God to bring about the healing and unity we long for. Trusting in God’s power to reconcile frees us from anxiety and opens us to the surprising ways God builds the church.

** [19:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Why We Must Talk About Conflict
[01:09] - Conflict in Scripture and the Early Church
[02:22] - Misconceptions About God and Conflict
[02:55] - Jews and Gentiles: A New Community
[03:45] - Practical Challenges of Unity
[05:18] - Sources of Conflict Through History
[06:32] - Technology and Change in the Church
[07:17] - Institutional Failure and Moral Struggles
[09:15] - The Jerusalem Council: A Case Study
[10:42] - Deliberation and Respectful Disagreement
[11:28] - Principled Compromise and the Gospel
[14:00] - Galatians 2: A Different Perspective
[16:12] - Justification by Faith and Theological Tension
[17:42] - Unity in Diversity: Peter and Paul
[18:54] - Applying Ancient Wisdom to Today
[19:29] - God’s Role in Reconciliation and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 15:1-21 (The Jerusalem Council) — Galatians 2:1-14 (Paul Opposes Peter)

Observation Questions

In Acts 15, what was the main disagreement that brought the early church leaders together in Jerusalem?
According to Galatians 2, what specific issue did Paul confront Peter about, and how did Peter respond?
The sermon mentions that the early church leaders met “face to face” and had “real deliberative discussion.” What does the text in Acts 15 show about how they handled disagreement? [[10:42]]
What were the outcomes of the Jerusalem Council for both Jewish and Gentile believers?

Interpretation Questions

Why was it so important for the early church to decide which practices were “non-negotiable” and which could be adapted? How did this affect the unity of the church? [[11:28]]
The sermon says that “unity does not require uniformity.” How do the actions of Peter and Paul in Galatians 2 illustrate this idea? [[17:42]]
The leaders reached a “principled compromise” at the Jerusalem Council. What made this compromise different from just giving in or avoiding the issue? [[11:28]]
The sermon claims that reconciliation is ultimately God’s work, not ours. What does this mean for how we approach conflict in the church? [[19:29]]

Application Questions

The sermon says that avoiding conflict only leaves us unprepared when it happens. Can you think of a time when avoiding a disagreement made things worse in your life or in church? What could have been done differently? [[01:09]]
The early church leaders met face to face and listened to each other, even when they disagreed. How do you usually respond when someone in church has a different opinion than you? What would it look like to practice “respectful disagreement” this week? [[10:42]]
The Jerusalem Council found a way to honor both unity and diversity. Are there traditions or preferences in your faith practice that you hold tightly? How do you decide which things are essential and which things you can let go of for the sake of unity? [[11:28]]
The sermon talks about “letting go of stubbornness for the sake of the body of Christ.” Is there a current conflict or tension in your life where you need to let go of being right in order to pursue unity? What would it look like to do that? [[19:11]]
Peter and Paul recognized each other’s callings and extended the hand of fellowship. Is there someone in your church or life who sees things differently than you, but whom you need to reach out to in friendship or partnership? What’s one step you could take this week? [[17:42]]
The sermon says that reconciliation is God’s work, and our job is to set aside ego and make space for God to work. What is one practical way you can “make space” for God’s work in a conflict you are facing right now? [[19:29]]
The church has always faced new challenges—technology, culture, moral issues. What is one current challenge facing our church or community, and how can we approach it with humility and discernment instead of fear? [[06:32]]

Sermon Clips

The Hebrew Bible speaks significantly into that, into that theme, and it's not this, frankly stupid theology I've heard over the years, the god of the Old Testament is a, is an angry God, that's not the God of our new testament, maybe some of you hold that view, but, sorry it's a stupid elementary theology, that to me just drives me nuts when I hear that, because it demonstrates such a profound ignorance about, actually what the Hebrew Bible says about violence and conflict. [00:01:53] (38 seconds) #MisunderstoodOldTestament

Another big source of conflict in church life is the application of new technology. Hello, again, we're right in the middle of that. It is happening right now, again, just like what the printing press did. To usher in, well, us, that is to say, the entire Protestant Reformation. I submit to you that that would not have happened had the printing press not been invented. [00:06:20] (34 seconds) #TechnologyAndChurchConflict

Another source of conflict over the millennium, and this is a big one, has been institutional failure. The failure of the institutions of church to do the actual work of church in a godly way. We know that. We know that denominations are led by humans, and we know that we are all tempted into pathways that are not in line with scripture, and yet institutions have failed. [00:07:26] (33 seconds) #InstitutionalFailureInChurch

Another is, is an interesting one, source of conflict between that, those within the sort of faith communities who want to continually sort of discern pathways, and those who are more action-oriented, who want to just get on with the job, right? That's a tension. That's a place of conflict. [00:08:02] (20 seconds) #DiscernmentVsAction

It's interesting that what happens is a genuine effort is made at a kind of communal deliberation. So that's the first thing that's important that they do. They don't hide behind social media tweets and whatever. They meet face to face, and they have real deliberative discussion, and it's heated, and it's strongly argued, but there is always an underlying commitment of respect to each other. [00:10:50] (38 seconds) #FaceToFaceDeliberation

The thing that comes out of the Jerusalem Council is really what I would call a principled compromise. A principled compromise centred on the gospel, so centred on what was starting to emerge as the fundamental tenets. So it's about knowing what your non-negotiables are, and about what elements can we accommodate and compromise on. [00:11:28] (25 seconds) #PrincipledCompromise

Funny how those early leaders were able to find a principled compromise. What was, though? that principle of compromise? Well, it was that early converts coming into these early Christian churches from the Gentile community would not be required to follow questions around Torah law, circumcision, and the extensive sort of commandments associated with it. However, there would be clear and ample opportunity for Jews to continue in those practices. Which is interesting. They've kind of forgotten that in the Christian world. [00:12:22] (48 seconds) #GentileJewCompromise

So that's what they did 2,000 years ago, and I submit to you that's what we continue to need to struggle to do as we move through these times of change. We got to know what our non-negotiables are and not compromise those. But we also have to let go of those stubborn things that hold us back. [00:18:54] (22 seconds) #NonNegotiablesAndLettingGo

And most importantly and lastly, we have to remember that it is not our job to do that. It's God's job to do that reconciliation work. We just have to let that happen. We just have to put aside our egos and our stubbornness long enough to let God affect those changes. [00:19:26] (21 seconds) #GodsWorkOfReconciliation

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What role does conflict play in the Christian story?

How can Christians balance non-negotiables and negotiables in unity?

What lessons from early church councils apply to modern church conflicts?