The Call Against Your Vote Acts 13:13, 15:36-41

Introduction Examine the person and events surrounding John Mark.

1. UnreMARKable Mark Mark 14 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

Acts 12 12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.

Colossians 4 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.

Acts 12 25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Acts 13 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

2. CONTROVERSIAL MARK Acts 13 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 

2. CONTROVERSIAL MARK Acts 13 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13 13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.

Acts 15 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 

Acts 15 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.

Acts 15 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company Acts 15 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,

Homesick Leadership change

Paul and Barnabas were never seen together again Harsh Words?

Bible avoids saying who is right or wrong

What happens when God’s call is against your vote?

It is common for people to disagree with God, so don’t think your opinion is always God’s will. (i.e. Don’t be opinionated.)

The sooner we accept God’s called leader, the better off we will be

We may leave and do another work.

God’s call is not a popularity vote

What should be but is not The founding pastor is God’s appointed leader The leader, once affirmed remains unless he has to be removed The leader chooses his team

3. REMAKING OF MARK Desertion at Perga c. AD 46 Conflict at Antioch c. AD 50 FF to c. AD 60

Philemon 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

Colossians 4 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.

FF AD 67 2 Timothy 4  11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

John Mark to Peter 1 Peter 5 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 

In history and tradition Papias. Peter and Mark Other literature: stumpy fingers

God’s sense of humor God chose Saul to be Paul God’s sense of humor God chose Saul to be Paul. God chose a man with stubby fingers to write the first Gospel. God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise!

How God raises people up

Conclusion What is God’s lesson for you?

How to relate rightly to God’s appointed leader Give others a second chance Give yourself a second chance You don’t have to be brilliant to do a brilliant work

God can work through your handicap Exercise leadership in strength and gentleness

There is only one Peter, one Paul, one Barnabas There is only one Peter, one Paul, one Barnabas. But there are many John Marks in the church. The Marks in the church make a huge difference. You can cause leaders to quarrel or work in harmony.

You can make a mistake and become bitter, or you can accept a second chance and let God remake you. You can look at your handicap and complain, or you can look at God using what you have and enjoy God’s humor in your life.