My sermon notes for Sunday, Oct 21st. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net
Acts 11:19-26 “Life Together. The Faithfulness of His Church” part 5
Acts 11:19–26 – [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. [22] The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. [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, [24] for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. [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. (ESV)
First things first about this passage:
- They were first called Christians. The first missionary movement!
- As they loved and lived for Him they experienced Him. They were able to recognize the hand of the lord. God’s favor, God’s grace, God’s power.
- Once our heart is devoted to the things of God our life will naturally follow.
They lived a Gospel centered life – vv. 19-20
To them the gospel was not just a thing you share so people can go to heaven. Rather, the Gospel was their life.
They Were Trusting God– v. 19a
Those that were scattered
- In the midst of difficult times.
- As the lived…THEY LIVED FOR HIM
- We can trust Him in all our circumstances.
They Were Sharing the Gospel – vv. 19b-20
Speaking the Word. Preaching the Lord Jesus.
- We can live a moral life, but a lost person can live a moral life. People need to see a moral life and hear that Jesus is the means of that life (Red Cross and Disaster Relief)
- When Jesus Christ has changed your life then that becomes the message that is proclaimed.
- Normal people. Not pastors or apostles.
- It was a normal life to the early church. SHARE CHRIST.
- They understood the THEOLOGY OF LOSTNESS. DEAD IN OUR SINS, THE ONLY HOPE IS CHRIST!
The hand of the Lord was with them – vv. 21 & 24b
God had His hand and spiritual favor on their life.
- A great number believed and turned to the Lord.
- BELIEF IN HIM…TURNING TO HIM
- A great number. We can trust the Spirit and the Word to do what only the Spirit and Word can do.
- Seems they became part of one another. WE DO NOT DO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ALONE.
They were sensitive to the things of the Lord – vv. 22 & 25
- His direction and leading
- Seeking His will.
- Listening and obeying the Spirit of God (Spirit and Word)
- Heeding to the things of God (careful attention)
- When one walks with the Lord they can hear clearly from the Lord.
- God using His people for His kingdom.
- Listen and Obey. Sent Barnabas.
- Listen and Obey. Barnabas went to get Paul.
They experienced the Grace of God – 23a
He saw the Grace of God.
- God is always working, but do we see Him.
- Do we acknowledge Him.
- God’s peace, power, and presence
They understood their purpose– 23b & 26a
- OTHERS. HIM AND THEM
- Investing. Reproducing, Multiplying. To often in life we here in regard to money. “I need to do a better job investing for the future” This is so true with our spiritual life as well.
- Goal always Christlikeness. REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE LORD.
- Discipleship=Learning to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Loving, Serving, Growing.(Loving, Growing, Serving)
- WITH THE PURPOSE of LIVING OUT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
- For an entire year they encouraged them to remain true.
- For an entire year they were Comforting, Teaching, Strengthening
- By the WORD and by their LIFE
The community was transformed – 26b
- And the DISCIPLES WERE FIRST CALLED CHRISTIANS.