sf770 - SOME WENT AND SOME STAYED (Acts 13 1-5)

Acts 13:1-5

Introduction

Antioch was the first missionary sending church recorded in scripture.

Others had gone out but they had been out driven by persecution and problems.

These missionaries were called out by the spirit and supported by the church.

1A. A Word For The Missionaries

1B. Confirm your call (2b)

(Acts 20:24 NIV) "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

2B. Consider your commitment (4)

(Philippians 3:14 NIV) "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

3B. Complete your commission (5)

(2 Timothy 4:7 NIV) "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Why did you not come sooner?

In October 1857, J. Hudson Taylor began to minister in Ningpo, China, and he led a Mr. Nyi to Christ. The man was overjoyed and wanted to share his faith with others.

"How long have you had the good tidings in England?" Mr. Nyi asked Hudson Taylor one day. Taylor acknowledged that England had known the Gospel for many centuries.

"My father died seeking the truth," said Mr. Nyi. "Why didn't you come sooner?"

Taylor had no answer to that penetrating question.

2A. A Word For The Church

1B. Seek to develop missionaries.

(Acts 11:25-26 NIV) "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."

They were called Christians because they were Christ-like! Christians make the best missionaries.

2B. Set apart only those God has chosen. (2)

Not everyone at Antioch went, God called only Paul and Barnabas to go.

Be careful not to confuse a need with a call.

Ø Paul was never compelled simply by need, he was compelled by his call. (Acts 16:6-10)

3B. Send them off to the mission field. (3)

Pray and fast for them.

Place your hands upon them.

Ø This was not an act of ordination.

Ø Paul was already an apostle.

Ø This did not make them pastors it made them missionaries.

Ø This act simply spoke of the church’s support, love, and confidence in Paul and Barnabas.

Ø Paul and Barnabas would represent Christ and His church at Antioch.

4B. Support the missionaries after they are sent.

(Acts 14:26 NIV) "From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. Gentiles.

Paul and Barnabas would make Antioch their base of operation. (Acts 15:35)

Application

In Paul’s day some went and some stayed. But all did their part.

If you are one who has been chosen to go.

Confirm your call

Consider your commitment

Complete your commission

If you are one who has been chosen to stay.

Seek to develop missionaries.

Set apart the ones God has chosen.

Send the missionaries off with your blessing.

Support them after they go!

SOME WENT AND SOME STAYED
May 31, 1998 - Acts 13:1-5

1A. A Word For The Missionaries

1B. Confirm your ______________ (2b)

(Acts 20:24 NIV) "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

2B. Consider your _______________ (4)