For a Mission

Commissioning

As we start tonight we find our selves among some elite leaders;

Now you maybe asking why are they elite, what a great question - because they all are prophets and teachers;

On a side note we see one named Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch - why single him out because he was a companion of this Herod, he could have served under him in his court but chose to serve Christ;

So who is this Herod the tetrarch - he is the person that had John the Baptist beheaded at his nieces request;

The first thing we notice about missionary activity in the early church is that it is born out of a culture of worship (v. 2). Authentic worship of God should lead to actions in service of God. The teachers and prophets (leaders) of the church at Antioch were worshipping God when they heard the Spirit tell them: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (v. 2). Ministry Pass

These prophets and teachers (church leaders) where seeking how to serve the world, not just there individual churches - the purpose was greater than their desire;

As the representatives of Jesus, the church must be on the move—not spontaneously but intentionally. As part of their worship, the early believers in our passage were fasting. Fasting is a way to pause your life and wait on God. Ministry Pass

They were completely on board with what the Holy Spirit directed;

Because of this they sent two of their leaders, Barnabas and Saul (later named Paul) out “For a Mission”.

Journey

This is the first of three mission journeys for Paul - this one being approximately in AD 46-47;

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 13

This commissioning marks an important turning point in the history of the church, as Saul and Barnabas were selected to extend the gospel message beyond Judea and surrounding regions.

There was a reason behind the journey - to share the gospel with the Gentiles;

This was Christ’s plan all along as we see in Matthew 28:18-20 - “go make disciples”;

They knew who they wanted to reach and moved forward because of prayer and fasting not committees and self-service.

Plan

What does the community think about us from the outside;

Who is Life Journey Baptist Church suppose to reach;

Our community and those hurt by a church;

How are we going to reach them;

By giving of ourselves in ways we never have before;

What does this mean - I have no idea but God does;

Mark Clifton - "If the disciples would have worried about safety they never would have left the upper room!"