"Set apart for Me..."

INTRODUCTION

It is estimated that the calling of Paul and Barnabas took place in 47 AD, approximately 14 years after Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

During that time period, the church in Jerusalem was growing numerically and spiritually.

People were fulfilling the Great Commission, but there is no indication there were missionaries sent out with the intent of evangelizing particular regions.

At least, not yet.

The closest we have that we would call “missions work” is:

Acts 8:14

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John

This verse seems to indicate that the church would send delegates where the gospel had been preached, and pockets of people were saved, in order to make sure they were truly saved (and had the Holy Spirit).

But there was no apparent intent to do further evangelization by those who were sent.

Today, we are going to look at Acts 13, where we see a good biblical model for sending missionaries from a church to the field.

THE BACKGROUND

Acts 11:19-26

There are situations in life that seem very difficult to understand.

It is very hard to see any good in what is going on or what took place.

What good is going on through the life of Brodie Walker and his intense battle with cancer?

How is what Don Silcocks is going through good for him or Janie?

To be honest, I have no idea.

But I do know what Romans 8:28 says, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

When Stephen was stoned to death in Acts 7, I am sure there were many people wondering what God was up to.

Many people probably wondered, “How could this happen to such a kind, considerate individual?”

“Why would God allow such a fate for a faithful man?”

Well, the Bible actually shows us a good outcome from the stoning of Stephen.

You see, it was after that death that the people were scattered abroad

Acts 8:1

And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Stephen was killed and the people were scattered.

Notice in 11:19 that the scattering resulted in the church of Antioch being established.

We also read in verse 22 that Barnabas was sent there and, in verses 25-26, he went and recruited Saul (post-conversion) to come along as well.

Ultimately, this (and other) churches were established due to a hurtful situation that no one understood.

God brought together people who proclaimed the gospel and were able to teach the people.

In time, the church at Antioch was so committed to the teachings of Jesus, that they became known as Christians.

MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH (v. 1)

Antioch was blessed to have an abundance of teachers in their midst.

They were known for their prophets and teachers.

Prophets - revealed the Word of God to the people; God’s mouthpiece of revelation. Ephesians 2:20 - prophets were part of the foundation of the church built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

Teachers - instructed people in the Word of God; not the revealers, but the repeaters.

And what is great about the make-up of this church is that it was a multicultural church of leaders!

Barnabas was from Cyprus

Simeon called Niger may have been from Africa (Niger is a Latinism, meaning ‘black’)

Lucius of Cyrene came from North Africa

Manaen is described as having been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, the ruler of Galilee when John the Baptist began his ministry (Lk. 3:1)

Saul was from Tarsus

Though they possessed similar gifts, without question they would possess different personalities.

Consider the variety within the body here at FBS.

Pastor Ken preaches and teaches regularly

Lowrie Robertson who has taught Adult Sunday school and preaches occasionally

Ken Joy who has taught Adult Sunday school and preaches occasionally

Ian Robertson who has taught High School Sunday school and preaches occasionally

Josh Randall who is the music director and preaches occasionally

Though we have all served in similar roles, we go about the business in different ways.

Our personalities are different.

Some people in the congregation even prefer one over the others.

This is not new!

Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

God uses each and every one of us for the purpose that He has made us and equipped us.

We are all fellow laborers in Christ, for His glory.

We support and encourage one another in the work that God has prepared us to do.

And that is what is taking place in Antioch.

THE CALL OF GOD (v. 2)

While Barnabas and Saul were serving the church of Antioch, God was preparing a ministry for them to specifically carry out.

It was not a decision made by Barnabas or Saul to go from the church on a missionary journey.

Rather, they were faithfully serving where they were at, and God led them to go somewhere else.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is how a missionary is formed.

It is not about the whim that somebody has to go and serve people in a certain area.

It doesn’t necessarily start with a leading or “call” to go to a certain field.

A missionary of God always has, at their core, faithful service to the will and purpose of God.

It is not about letting their thoughts and lives be consumed with “getting to the field.”

Rather, it is about being “all there,” wherever they may be.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

God’s calling comes to those who are faithful, first.

THE SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH (v. 3)

The laying on of hands wasn’t a formal ordination or a commission to an office.

It was an act of blessing in which the church expressed its unity in supporting the ministry of Paul and Barnabas.

They were acknowledging God’s direction for them.

CONCLUSION

A brief history of Low and Deb:

Low and Deb Robertson have always had a passion for the gospel ministry

They met each other while serving short-term in Korea

After getting married and having baby Hannah, they joined a team with the intent of serving in Korea full-time

The team fell apart, leading to a lot of hurt and a return to the States

Since returning to the States, they have faithfully served the Lord and followed His direction in their lives

Serving in various ministries in the church and local community

Moving to Denver, CO to complete a Masters degree

Inviting people into their home in Acton as a missional organic church planting effort for several years

Now, God has called these faithful servants who love the LORD and who love people to the field in Sekenani to serve Him.