Antioch

Acts 11:19–21 ESV

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

Every Christian church that has ever (or will ever) exist anywhere in the world shares one irreducible fact...

We are dependent on God’s word.

The Gospel has no boundaries (geographically or culturally)

Acts 11:20 ESV

20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Acts chapter 10: Peter led to share the gospel to the house of Carnelius.

Acts chapter 11: we again see the gospel shared to gentiles, this time in city of Antioch.

If you want to be on the wining team… it’s the church!

Jesus said so, “On this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not stand against it.”

Growth is a by-product of a healthy Spirit filled church.

Acts 11:21 ESV

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

A church should see evidence of the Holy Spirit.

Personal spiritual growth.

But also numerical growth

rededication’s and conversions

Do you agree that growth is a sign of a Spirit Filled Church?

Uncomfortable consequence is that...

Lack of growth is likely a sign of an unhealthy church who desperately need the Holy Spirit to move!!!!!!

Acts 11:23 ESV

23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

We see two more points from the instruction given by Barnabas...

A church is to remain faithful to the Lord.

Faithful - indicates opposition

internally, externally, personally

Points to the truth - The Lord

Plowing a field you set your sights on a fixed spot!!!!

A church is steadfast in their purpose.

We MUST understand that we are here for a PURPOSE!!!!!

The church in Antioch clearly knew why it existed!!!

They were a forgiving church.

Acts 11:25–26 ESV

25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Antioch knew what it was like to be “outsider”

They didn’t forget where they came from.

Those make some of the most accepting churches.

Here they accept and even sitting under the teaching of the widely feared Saul (no Paul)

Not for nothing … Paul had a history!

Is there anyone who would not be welcome at Warwick Baptist Church?

They established our identity as Christians

Acts 11:26 ESV

26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

So faith to the Lord and so steadfast in purpose

They stood out (how can you not)

Their faith and purpose defined them.

Christians - “Christianos”

like Christ Jesus

closely emulated the person of Christ

That reputation doesn’t “just happen” upon conversion.

It is a lifestyle change.

Remain faith to the Lord with steadfast purpose.

Our Vision...

“You don’t need a vision statement; you need a visionary state of mind. You need a vision storyline … ultimately vision transfers through people not paper.” -God Dreams (p. 150)

So what is our story?

Our future story begins by looking at the past which gives us clarity for our future.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus poured life and truth into twelve disciples. But He wasn’t simply teaching them, He was preparing them for a mission. One that would change the world forever. We believe this provides us with both a model and a purpose for authentic Christian discipleship. Those first disciples were equipped, and then sent out, to fan a flame that was set by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. A Flame that has not been quenched in over 2000 years; and will remain ablaze until Christ’s appointed return. Only a few centuries ago, that flame would be carried to the shores of the American colonies. Here it would have such a profound impact, that it would come to define the very identity of our nation. However, while we have enjoyed centuries of the warmth and security of the gospel, our enemy has never stopped working to extinguish it.

As a result, we must painfully acknowledge, that the once high and lofty standard of Christian discipleship has been lost. Too often, we are not preparing disciples that are equipped to continue in the charge that was given to us by our Savior. This, in turn, has led to a spiritual deterioration that can be seen in our families, our churches, and our communities. Broken homes, fatherless children, increased immorality, drug addiction, human trafficking, and all sorts of social divisions are all at epidemic levels; all while Christianity in the US is continually decreasing. In this country, we are witnessing the, once strong and steady, flame of the Gospel being reduced to fading embers.

Therefore, within 5 years, Warwick Baptist Church will rediscover the true meaning of Authentic Christian Discipleship. We will raise up disciples that are committed to life-long spiritual transformation. Lives that are marked by a deep personal love for Jesus Christ, a devotion to regular prayer, biblical literacy, service, and evangelism. Every member of this local body will be made ready with the full armor of God, empowered in their unique spiritual gifts, and sent out to reignite the flame of the Gospel across our community and anywhere else we are sent. We will lead a spiritual assault on the enemy, storm the beachhead, and reclaim our nation for Christ, starting with those nearest to us. In order to clearly articulate the imposing nature of this vision, it should be understood that Warwick Baptist Church intends on becoming the leading discipling and sending church in the state of Virginia. We will expand or build were necessary, but we will stay true to the vision God has given us. We will make disciples.

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