A Chapter of Blessing
Series: A New Chapter
July 29, 2018
Frank Foreman
As the church of Acts begins another new chapter, it is clear that it was not a place for casual faith. Most evident is the impact that was seen in the lives of believers in places like Antioch who lived such lives as to be a blessing to each other and to the community around them. It was where the term Christian was first used.
Episode Notes
The first GENERATION church gives us clear PATTERNS to follow
1. Groundwork is done: TEACHING and RELATIONSHIPS
Acts 11:19-22, 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. 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. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
2. Growth is displayed: SPIRITUALLY and NUMERICALLY
Acts 11:23-26, 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, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 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.
3. Generosity is expected: DETERMINED and ABLE
Acts 11:27-30, Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Challenge: PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW GOD CAN BLESS OTHERS THROUGH YOUR GIVING TODAY
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