The Church in Antioch
Notes
Transcript
(use setting of Acts map 1 from ESV Study Bible in book of Acts)
(interview question for Shelby and pics)
(values from us—values map)
Please turn to Acts 11.
Acts 11, beginning at verse 19.
If you are new here, we are looking at this incredible book in the NT—a historical account of what happened in the life of the early church.
this takes place after Jesus lived, died, rose, ascended—and now the church is figuring how to live and be on mission together.
and we read of one of those churches right here...
and I want you to think about this question—what kind of church do you look for to be a part of…and would you be a part of this church in Antioch...
(don’t stand yet…)
Acts 11:19–30 (NIV)
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.
20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
(before I keep going…look at the geography and the maps here)....
Stephen’s death was in Jerusalem—(chapter 7)
—Phoenicia—region north here
—Cyprus—island
—Antioch---city—3rd largest in the Romans Empire behind Rome and Alexandria—approximately 250,000 - half a million people.
so some Christians were scattered—of a Jewish background—they went to these places—preaching the Gospel only to Jews it says.
that’s 1 movement -
but some of them—men from Cyprus and Cyrene—so from the island here—and from North Africa here—went to Antioch and began to speaking to Greeks also—most likely just Gentiles.
so the good news of Jesus is spreading....
and we are going to see what life is like in the church of Antioch
now you may stand...
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)
29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
what is it that you look for in a church?
—why do you go to the church you go to…whether here, or you are checking this church out...
even that question—shows the kind of cultural moment we are in.
It assumes that you and I are almost like “consumers...” "church shoppers...”
when you think about buying something---some of us may still buy things b/c we are loyal to a brand… “I only buy Ford...”
but that’s probably less common now...
you often buy where you buy now…b/c it’s cheaper, better deal, more convenient I can get it faster through here…through Amazon Prime...
so bye bye old store, and hello Amazon...
the consumeristic mindset permeates everything about us..
it’s not all bad—and you can’t avoid it...
but it invades how we think about relationships like marriage (that’s a problem) and even the church...
what do you look for in a church?
—a place with good kids and student ministry...
—a place I can connect…and belong...
—a place with good coffee
—a place with a good balcony...
---—#1 a pastor with good dad jokes—if that is what you are looking for, this place is God’s call for
—friendliness...
look at what this passage says is a dynamic church...
this passage reminds us so much of the end of Acts 2—where it describes the church in Jerusalem after the Day of Pentecost with the Jews who became Christians.
after we just had the Gentile Pentecost with Cornelius in Acts 10-11—we see what the church in Antioch was like...
4 marks of a great church.
ordinary people on mission for Jesus:
these are normal people spreading the good news of Jesus (in love and action) (vs. 19-21)
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.
20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
we heard about these people earlier in Acts 8...
4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
while we sometimes glamorize apostles like Paul or Peter and how God would use them to do the ministry in places like Acts…most of the way that the good news of Jesus spread in the Bible and the history of Christianity—was through these people—people scattered all over the place…and as they scattered, they were on a mission from God—to spread the good news of Jesus—it action and in speech.
these are the unsung heroes of Acts--
this is the MAIN WAY the Gospel spread.
one theologian says they gossiped the Gospel…this is a good form of gossip—they couldn’t help but talk about Jesus—and show it.
did you know that God’s plan A to spread the Good News of Jesus is....what … you.
turn to your neighbor and say awkwardly— “You are God’s plan... to spread the Gospel...”
say it again to your other neighbor…
now say, looking at me, “I am God’s plan…to spread the Gospel...”
in your workplace, in your neighborhood, in your family life.. because me—Pastor Rick - I am not the #1 person to reach those people..b/c I don’t know them. You connect with them all the time—you are God’s unique plan to share it. yes—you.
and if you think “I could never do that…I am too ordinary...” That’s great!
God doesn’t want people who think they have it all together or think “I got this down...” b/c those people don’t need to depend on God. Those people are more about their own glory. If you feel weak—that’s good—b/c then you will depend on God, and then He will get the glory.
you and I are God’s plan A in our respective spheres of influence...
notice that this plan A probably felt like Plan B to these people. b/c this spreading of the Gospel came as a result of the 1st Christian martyr Stephen dying for his faith—being stoned to death—you can read about it Acts 7.
they had to flee for their lives—and instead of it becoming an opportunity for a pity party—they simply spread the Word—viewing it as open doors.
I believe you and I are God’s Plan A to share the gospel—but often it comes with what we feel like is Plan B for our lives. God’s plan A often comes through what we perceive is Plan B.
“God I had this other plan—for my life—for you to bless—I could glorify you with that plan.”
and God’s like “No...” You are my plan A—but your glorifying often comes through your Plan B.”
often it involves suffering…I have seen it over and over—a medical diagnosis, a tragedy, something hard, losing a job—I don’t wish that on anyone.
when people go through that—and surrender whatever they are going through to God—God uses that to spread His Good news—God opens up opportunities—b/c when you are shining the light of Jesus even in suffering—people take notice. even of ordinary people like us—b/c we have an extraordinary Jesus.
I want to invite Shelby Taylor up here…she and her husband Drew—here is a picture of them and their family. They recently shared a couple Wednesday nights about about their story (If you would like to see it—it is on the church app, and Brenda in the Book Nook area can help you find it).
the Taylors are everyday people feeling led to do something for the mission of Jesus—in their neighborhood.
Shelby, tell us about what you are doing in your neighborhood?
it’s a way to shine the light of Jesus.
what led you to start this?
how can we help?
so bring non-perishables to church next Sunday—bring it to your SS class—location—fellowship hall—1st service.
and certainly pray...let’s pray.
(spur us on—it may no look like this—…)
so the first mark—is ordinary people on a mission for Jesus—when you look for a church—do you see ordinary people on a mission for Jesus—do we spur you on to do missions in your context…do you see yourself as a missionary—you should…you are… what if all of us had that view...
are we a church that holds your feet to the fire—to be on a mission for Jesus...
the 2nd mark we see is a welcoming and encouraging church (Acts 11:22-24)
this is most exemplified in a character named Barnabas.
Acts 11:22–24 (NIV)
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem (what’s the this—that many Gentiles and people in Antioch had received Jesus Christ), and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. (probably to check it out—they felt hopefully a kinship with the church, maybe some suspicion—who knows)
23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
we have seen Barnabas before...
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),
37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
he is known for his graciousness...
known for his acceptance of people...
he is known for connecting people and opportunities together...
earlier when Saul or Paul came to Christ…he was critical in helping to introduce Paul to the church. b/c they were scared of him
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
churches need Barnabases…people who are encouraging, embracing, inviting, welcoming—they are the glue of the church—connecting people together...
people who overcome barriers between people relationally and people groups—we talked about the “circumcised vs. uncircumcised” categories…last week like $, race/ethnicity, family names, sports teams, politics.
when you look for a church—do you look for a people who are welcoming, embracing, encouraging, inviting,
people who don’t divide but embrace and promote unity.
this doesn’t mean issues are swept under the rug—issues need confronted.
nor does it mean we don’t talk about the exclusivity of Jesus.
Jesus said “he is the way, the truth, and the life, no ones to the Father except through Him.
coming to Jesus involves turning
21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
but are we the kind of people—is this church truly a welcoming church.
and are you the kind of person that can help create that culture...
think of a practical situation...
even on Sunday mornings—I have noticed this—do you ever see someone you don’t know?
yes!
What do you do in that moment…think “I hope Pastor Rick talks to them...” I try—but can’t reach everybody. “I hope somebody says hello..”
What if you were that somebody..
what if you were that person who showed them where the coffee area was, where the children’s ministry was...
what if you took them out for a meal after church or invited someone into your home—and practiced the lost art of hospitality....
on our Wednesday night group—recently Wired—someone mentioned that someone recently came to our church for the first time and told them that “nobody welcome me or talked to me...” “Nobody...” Whose fault is that?
are we an embracing, welcoming, inviting church...
do you look for that in a church? How can we spur each other on for this?
mark #3--
a Bible-based, Word of God saturated teaching church (vs. 25-26)
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
I find it so interesting...
First Barnabas did his welcoming and connecting thing—by finding Saul—(here in Tarsus on map)
it had probably been almost 10 years since Saul or Paul came to faith in Christ in Acts 9 on the road to Damascus...
and Barnabas probably thought—we had tons of people coming to faith in Christ in Antioch—it’s a diverse group…Jewish background converts, Gentile background converts…and pagans. It’s a crazy city filled with all kinds of Roman and Greek gods, a wicked, immoral city. lax in sexuality and ethics. sounds a lot like our time. it’s a big city—important city—Josephus said it was 3rd in importance behind only Rome itself and Alexandria...
who better to get than Saul—who had a Jewish background—had the OT memorized…but also grew up in a cosmopolitan, Greek/Gentile city like Tarsus.
I love that Barnabas connected Saul with Antioch.
and that I love that they took an entire year—to ground these new converts in the Word of god. they taught them the bible (now they didn’t have the NT yet)--
it took time…they wanted to make sure this church had a strong foundation in Christ…they probably met not just once a week for church, but had several venues where they did this.
it would have been tempting with new converts to just keep getting more and more new converts—but they wanted their roots to go down deep; they need training; they need to know how to read their Bible, they need to understand who God is, who Jesus and the Holy Spirit are. what it means to be a church and do life together. what is our mission.
when you look for a church—when you think of our church—are we a Bible-saturated place...
it’s worth asking--and how do you know...
do we teach and preach the Bible in all our formats…all our venues…does the Word of God have a major focus in our ministries?
do we read into the text—trying to force it to say what we want (eisigesis)—or what God wants out of the text (called exegesis)— (do you that—I have done that before… “I want the Bible to prove my point…or am I open to what God’s Word says—not coming with an agenda)
do we focus on seeing Jesus in all of Scripture—the Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. all Scripture points to Him...
resources - Jesus Storybook Bible…more on sale in book nook...
Paul will say this in Acts 20:27
27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
do we proclaim the whole counsel of God…even the uncomfortable parts of the Bible---and what is may say about eternal life—heaven and hell—sin, accountability—difficult areas like money and sexuality...
do you look for this in a church?
are you ever offended by the Bible—or sermons—if not—you and I are probably not reading it carefully if the Bible always agrees with me—that’s a problem...
4. a generous church (vs. 27-30)
Acts 11:27–30 (NIV)
27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius (Romans Emperor from 41 - 54 AD).)
29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
so a famine is going to happen...
during the reign of Claudius
predicted by a prophet Agabus in the church—we will talk about the gift of prophecy later in a sermon...
but the church in Antioch took a collection—and generously gave...
notice vs. 29—it was not forced—as each was able. some gave more; some gave less—according to their ability. God loves a cheerful giver.
but they the Gentile church in Antioch had a heart for the mother church in Jerusalem—they could have not given—and said— “the Jerusalem church is too judgy...” “we have our own problems...” but they saw they even beyond their local church—they are one body…vs. 29—says they viewed them as brothers and sisters...
do we have a spirit of generosity..
money? do we give regularly—it’s been said that if all of us tithed—that is gave 10% like the OT prescribes to the church—our budget and most church budgets and missions budget would probably easily be met...
more could be done for the kingdom...
do we give not just money but time…money is sometimes easier to give than time…for some of us… (student ministry, kid’s ministry—we will pay for summer camp or another position—but do we pray over our students, do we get involved in teaching, helping, assisting in our kids and students ministry
do you look for a church do you want to be part of a church—that is generous---with’s money, time, energy, relationships, and affection...
notice—that these 4 marks—
a missional church
an encouraging church/welcoming church
a Bible teaching church
and a generous church is not all on them and their human efforts...
21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
furthermore....
these marks are meant to say “how great that church is...” or “how great FMC is...”
no— “How great our God is!”
These marks all smell of Jesus...
look at our logo---the more we seek to love and be like Jesus—and get to know Jesus—He produces these fruits in us...
and this will lead us to communion...
—if you need elements...
—for believers only...
after all Jesus was on a mission from his Father by the power of the Spirit
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
that was His mission—to die for our sins in our place…so that we could be forgiven—have new life with God. so we could enjoy God together.
he was the most welcoming person/being ever—welcoming the lepers, tax collectors, and sinners—he believed in people like Peter—Peter whom he would build His church on. of course, he wanted people to change—he called sinners and religious people to change…to follow Him.
He taught the whole will and counsel of God…it even got him crucified...
and He was so generous…as he gave not just 10% of his life...
but his entire being...
when we focus on Jesus....
people will notice we are Christians—that means of Christ..verse 26.
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
the culture knew they were of Christ.
communion is a reminder of God’s gracious generosity towards us...
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
would you take a moment to praise God for what He has done?
(moment of silence)
would you also take a moment to ask God what He is calling you to do today in light of what you have heard and in light of what Jesus has done...
(moment of silence)