Acts 13:1-3

Introduction

Really cool to hear Chase’s story and see Acts 1:8 in action (Ole Miss, UA, C Asia)

Context + Acts 13:1-3

Explanation

The Gospel spreads when ordinary people take the message wherever they go, including into their career.

Acts 8:1, 11:19-21 — These were ordinary folks who got jobs in other places.

Luke 10:2 — There’s plenty of church goers, but most aren’t workers.

The Gospel spreads throughout a region when certain people answer a call to vocational ministry.

Acts 13:1-3 — Unlike the others, Paul and Barnabas make full-time ministry their job in order to take the Gospel message to new places. Because of their work, people come to faith not just in Antioch, but in other cities nearby too.

What would it look like to use your life to help students on other campuses come to know Jesus just like you have?

Why Churches of Christ? Different churches reach different people (St. Francis v. UCC) and different ministries reach different people (CO v. Reach v. AIA) Opportunities — UGA (campus ministry), UAB (church), UAH (minister), Kennesaw State (church & ministry + Troy’s visit)

You can’t say you haven’t been called if you haven’t been obedient to share your faith, pray, and fast. (Acts 12:25, Paul wasn’t from Antioch) You might just not’ve heard the call.

I’ve been praying we plant 5 new ministries/churches by 2033. It’ll take ministers/planters (Paul & Barnabas) and helpers (John, like the worship guy from Salt & Friedmans).

This is why we offer apprenticeships for every student (not just ST)

There is no option other than to be sent with purpose; the only question is when & where.

There are far too many Christians who wander life purposelessly, and they miss out on what God has for them.

If you want to know that you’re stepping into all God has for you, it starts with living on a mission for him now and continually taking it before him in prayer.

Will you be a Paul or Barnabas that takes the Gospel to other campuses in the US? Will you be a John that supports the work by giving or going and working nearby?

Exhortation

Last week I invited you to expand your vision of what this ministry could be and live on mission by inviting and sharing like Jesus is alive.

This week…expand your vision of your own life and continually take your plans before God in prayer. Lay them down on the altar and ask what he wants.

You may not end up becoming a missionary or a campus ministry planter or even living in the same city as a church plant, but you’ll be so much closer to God and more joyful in your work knowing you were willing to lay it aside and that he still put on your heart to do what you do.