36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 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. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

 Sermon Title: The God Who Restores (회복하시는 하나님) Text: Acts 15:36–41

Beloved family of God, as we gather during Family Month, we open our Bibles to Acts 15:36–41.
At first glance, this passage seems like a story of ministry conflict between Paul and Barnabas — but if you look deeper, you see the beautiful heart of God: the heart to restore what is broken.

This is not just a story about missionaries; it’s a story about parents and children, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters — and how God works even through our conflicts, failures, and divisions to bring about healing and restoration.

So today, let us open our hearts to the God who restores.

Main Point 1: God Works Even Through Our Conflicts

Paul and Barnabas had served together faithfully.
They preached the gospel, planted churches, and endured persecution side by side.
But now, they come to a sharp disagreement — over John Mark.

• Paul says, “No, we cannot take him; he deserted us before.”
• Barnabas says, “Yes, let’s give him another chance.”

The disagreement is so sharp that they part ways.

Key lessons here:

1. Even godly people face relational conflicts.
   Just because you are saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, or serving in ministry doesn’t mean you are immune to conflict. Families, even in Christian homes, face misunderstandings and disagreements.
2. Not every conflict is sinful, but how we handle it matters.
   Paul and Barnabas did not destroy each other’s character. They didn’t curse one another or try to ruin each other’s ministry. They parted, but they continued serving God.
3. God is not helpless in our conflicts.
   Even when we stumble, God is still weaving His purpose. Think of a master musician whose instrument string snaps — yet the music continues. God is always composing, even when one note drops.

So, families, take heart: if you have conflict at home, it does not mean God has abandoned you. He is still at work.

✅ Main Point 2: Failure Does Not Cancel Your Future

Who was John Mark?
He had previously deserted Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:13). Paul remembered that failure and saw him as unreliable. Barnabas, however, saw something more — potential, redemption, a future.

Key lessons here:

1. People may define you by your past, but God defines you by your future.
   Family members may remember your failures — but God sees your destiny.
2. Failure is not final in the kingdom of God.
   Whether you are a parent who feels you have failed your children, a child who thinks you’ve let down your parents, or a sibling who has wounded family ties — hear this: God’s grace gives second chances.
3. Grace sees beyond judgment.
   Barnabas — whose name means “son of encouragement” — chose to lift John Mark, not reject him. Families, we are called to lift one another, not just remind each other of past mistakes.

Example: Think of Peter. He denied Jesus three times, but Jesus reinstated him, saying, “Feed my sheep.” God’s grace restores fallen people.

Main Point 3: God Turns Division Into Multiplication

After the split, Paul takes Silas, and Barnabas takes Mark.
Instead of one mission team, now there are two. The gospel spreads even farther.

Key lessons here:

1. What looks like loss to us can become kingdom gain in God’s hands.
   Families, even in painful seasons, God can multiply His work.
2. Divine multiplication often comes disguised as painful change.
   Pruning a vine may look destructive, but it produces greater fruit. God sometimes prunes our relationships, ministries, and plans to bring about greater multiplication.
3. Releasing control allows God to work beyond what we imagine.
   Paul and Barnabas could have clung tightly to “the old way,” but they trusted God’s hand as they separated.

Families: trust that God can multiply His work in your home, even when you don’t understand how.

✅ Main Point 4: God Restores Broken Relationships for Future Impact

The most beautiful part of this story comes later — years later.
Paul, who once rejected John Mark, writes in 2 Timothy 4:11,

“Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”

Key lessons here:

1. Time and grace can heal what was once broken.
   Even if you have wounds in your family, trust God’s healing process.
2. Restoration strengthens relationships for future impact.
   When God restores, the new bond is often stronger than before.
3. God’s ultimate goal is not just success, but reconciliation.
   In your family, God doesn’t just want outward peace — He wants deep, heart-level healing.
4. We are called to be agents of reconciliation.
   2 Corinthians 5:18 says God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. Families, we are called to be peacemakers, healers, restorers.

 Climactic Revelation: The Father’s Prophetic Arc

This is not just Paul and Mark’s story — it’s God’s story, from Genesis to Christ to us today.

• In Genesis, conflict separated God and His children.
• Humanity failed, but God promised redemption.
• Through Abraham, Israel, and the prophets, God multiplied His promises.
• In Christ, God reconciled all things and brought us back into His family.

Today, the Father still seeks to restore His family — your family.
You are part of His prophetic restoration plan.

Closing Family Month Call

Today, I invite every family here to surrender before the Father.
This is not just another Sunday — this is a moment for healing.

• Parents, forgive your children.
• Children, forgive your parents.
• Spouses, reach for each other again.
• Siblings, open the door to reconciliation.

The God who restores is here.