Different Churches

Acts 13:1-3

Acts 13:1-3

Chapter 13

Theme: Missionaries at Work

Key verse: v.2

52 verses; 1272 words

Grade level: 6.7

Outline:

I. The Ordination of the Missionaries. vs.1-3

II. The Confirmation of the Missionaries. vs.4-13

III. The Declaration of the Missionaries. vs.14-37

IV. The Exhortation of the Missionaries. vs.38-43

V. The Persecution of the Missionaries. vs.44-52

There are some Biblical truths we must adhere to in the 21st century if we are to walk with the Lord Jesus.

We must stay by the Book

We must stay by the Author

We must stay by His Words

Let’s examine two very different CHURCHES:

I. The Church at Jerusalem.

They majored on Money.

Only church others took up money for.

Romans 15:26

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

They majored on Miracles.

This draws a crowd whether real or fake.

Acts 3:9-10

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

They majored on Multitudes.

Told to spread the gospel (Acts 1:8) but stayed put to build a mega church.

Ch.1 gathered

Ch.2 gathered

Ch.3 gathered

Ch.4 gathered

Ch.5 gathered

Ch.6 arguments

Ch.7 Stephen murdered

Ch.8 went out!

II. The Church at Antioch.

They majored on Ministers. V.1

1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Barnabas - son of the prophet, son of consolation

Simeon - (Hebrew) hearing (John 10:27)

Lucius - born in the morning; light (Matthew 5:14; John 8:12)

Manaen - comforter, consoler (John 14:16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;)

Saul - demanded (see Acts 8:1) (then God changed his name to “Paul” (small, little) in v.9)

They majored on Ministry. V.2

2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

For the work

Why do most not make it? It’s a lot like work!

They majored on Missions. V.3

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Fasted - Isaiah 58:6-11

Prayed - believe and ask for God’s will

Laid their hands - ordination

Sent them away - what happens after ordination

Conclusion:

What kind of church do you want?

Preached at Simple Faith Baptist Church in Decatur, AR 6/16/2021