Unleashing the Gospel on the World

Unleashing the Gospel upon the World.

Acts 11:19–26 NASB95

19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

EVERYONE is involved.

Not one apostle is mentioned.

Not one preacher is prominent.

ENCOURAGEMENT is needed.

Do you tend to see problems when new people come?

Do you tend to be positive when change happens?

Do you approach God’s work with joy?

So what we see in Acts 11 is a church that takes this to heart.  That every single person is a part of the mission.  Every one!  Acts 11:19 (NIV)📷–Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenecia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.  So….a little bit of

Couple of things about Antioch.  Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire.  So it’s basically the Chicago of the Roman Empire.  New York, Los Angeles, Chicago.  In the Roman Empire, my understanding was it was Rome, Alexandria and Antioch.  It was this major urban center.  It was this huge city with Roman and Greek influence.  What ended up happening was this church was begun in Antioch.  The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed….  This church ended up becoming one of the greatest mission-sending churches in the history of the world!  Who started this (church)?  We don’t see any apostles’ names.  We don’t see seminarians’ names.  We don’t see celebrity pastor-type names.  We see regular, ordinary people that ended up in Antioch.

ENLISTMENT is necessary.

God wants more than a mental Decision.

He wants Disciples.

Questions for reflection:

How would you describe discipleship?

What actions have you taken to mature as a believer?

Where have you become involved in growing other believers?

What positive attitudes do you need to cultivate to approach the changes the pandemic has brought to the church?

How would you rate your life group involvement?

Where can you serve the church?

Where can your words and actions be a blessing and not a burden?