Empowered to Share: A World-Changing Church
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of being a world-changing church, drawing from Acts 13. We began by acknowledging the importance of our children and ministry workers, and then transitioned into the heart of the message. The focus was on the church in Antioch, where prophets and teachers were worshiping and fasting, leading to the Holy Spirit setting apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. This passage underscores the necessity of seeking the Holy Spirit's leadership, selecting gifted leaders, and sharing the gospel with everyone.
We discussed how the church must be full of action, especially when God removes opposition. The elimination of Herod's threat freed the church for its missionary endeavors, and similarly, we must spring into action when God clears obstacles for us. The church in Antioch was a racially mixed group, symbolizing the inclusive nature of the gospel. This diversity was crucial for the church's mission to reach the world.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of being in a healthy rhythm of spiritual practices like preaching, teaching, worshiping, and fasting. These practices help us stay in tune with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to be effective in our mission. We were reminded that the gospel is for everyone, and we must share it with all, regardless of their background or status.
A significant part of the message was a call to repentance for not sharing the gospel as we should. We were challenged to not only meet people's physical needs but also their spiritual needs by sharing the gospel. The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to be active in sharing the gospel and being a part of the church's mission to change the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Seek the Leadership of the Holy Spirit: The church in Antioch thrived because they sought the Holy Spirit's guidance through worship and fasting. This teaches us that we must prioritize spiritual disciplines to hear from God and be led by His Spirit in all our endeavors. [25:36]
2. Select Gifted Leaders: The commissioning of Barnabas and Saul shows the importance of recognizing and empowering gifted leaders within the church. These leaders are crucial for advancing the mission and ensuring the church remains active and effective. [49:51]
3. Be a Church of Action: When God removes obstacles, it's a signal for us to act. The church must be proactive in its mission, not resting on past victories but continually seeking new opportunities to spread the gospel and serve the community. [33:52]
4. Share the Gospel with Everyone: The gospel is for all people, regardless of their background or status. We must be diligent in sharing the message of Jesus Christ with everyone we encounter, ensuring that we meet both their physical and spiritual needs. [01:05:34]
5. Repent and Refocus: We must repent for the times we've failed to share the gospel and refocus our efforts on being a world-changing church. This involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines, active ministry, and a heart for reaching the lost. [01:17:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:59] - Acknowledging Our Community
[19:31] - Nearing Breakthrough
[24:36] - Acts 13: The Church in Antioch
[28:30] - Being a World-Changing Church
[30:01] - Previews of the Coming Attraction
[31:32] - Making World-Changing Disciples
[33:52] - A Church of Action
[36:04] - Seeking the Holy Spirit's Leadership
[38:15] - Diversity in the Early Church
[43:38] - Worship and Fasting
[47:49] - The Two-Fold Responsibility of the Church
[49:51] - Selecting Gifted Leaders
[51:03] - Establishing a Healthy Rhythm
[52:39] - Encountering Opposition
[56:01] - The Power of the Gospel
[01:05:34] - Sharing the Gospel with Everyone
[01:17:38] - A Call to Repentance
[01:23:22] - Commissioning the Church
[01:26:23] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:30:54] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Acts 13:1-12
### Observation Questions
1. What were the spiritual practices of the church in Antioch that led to the Holy Spirit's guidance? ([25:36])
2. Who were the key leaders in the church of Antioch mentioned in Acts 13:1-3, and what roles did they play? ([25:36])
3. How did the church in Antioch respond when the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work? ([25:36])
4. What was the reaction of Sergius Paulus after witnessing the miracle performed by Paul? ([27:33])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the church in Antioch was racially mixed, and how does this reflect the inclusive nature of the gospel? ([38:15])
2. How does the story of Bar-Jesus and Sergius Paulus illustrate the power and authority of the gospel message? ([27:33])
3. What does the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul teach us about the importance of selecting and empowering gifted leaders within the church? ([49:51])
4. How does the practice of worshiping, fasting, and praying help the church stay in tune with the Holy Spirit's guidance? ([43:38])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual practices. How can you incorporate more worship, fasting, and prayer into your daily routine to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance? ([43:38])
2. Think about the leaders in your church. How can you support and encourage them in their roles? Are there any potential leaders you can help mentor or empower? ([49:51])
3. When God removes obstacles in your life, how do you respond? Share a recent experience where you felt called to take action and how you followed through. ([33:52])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the gospel with everyone. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What steps can you take this week to share the message of Jesus with them? ([01:05:34])
5. The call to repentance was a significant part of the sermon. Reflect on times when you have failed to share the gospel. How can you refocus your efforts to be more proactive in your mission? ([01:17:38])
6. How can you balance meeting people's physical needs with addressing their spiritual needs? Share a practical example of how you can do both in your community. ([01:15:27])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of being a world-changing church. What specific actions can your small group take to contribute to this mission? ([34:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking the Holy Spirit's Guidance
The church in Antioch thrived because they sought the Holy Spirit's guidance through worship and fasting. This teaches us that we must prioritize spiritual disciplines to hear from God and be led by His Spirit in all our endeavors. The believers in Antioch were deeply committed to spiritual practices, which allowed them to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's direction. This sensitivity led to the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul for missionary work, a pivotal moment in the spread of the gospel.
In our own lives, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance requires intentionality. It means setting aside time for prayer, worship, and fasting, creating space for God to speak to us. When we prioritize these spiritual disciplines, we position ourselves to hear from God and be led by His Spirit in all our endeavors. This not only benefits our personal spiritual growth but also empowers us to be effective in our mission to share the gospel and serve others. [25:36]
Acts 13:2-3 (ESV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to prioritize spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and fasting in your daily routine?
Day 2: Recognizing and Empowering Gifted Leaders
The commissioning of Barnabas and Saul shows the importance of recognizing and empowering gifted leaders within the church. These leaders are crucial for advancing the mission and ensuring the church remains active and effective. The church in Antioch identified the gifts and callings of Barnabas and Saul and responded by setting them apart for the work God had for them. This act of commissioning was not just a formality but a recognition of the Holy Spirit's leading and the gifts these men possessed.
In our own church communities, it is vital to recognize and empower those whom God has gifted for leadership. This involves not only identifying their gifts but also providing opportunities for them to grow and serve. By doing so, we ensure that the church remains vibrant and effective in its mission. We must be intentional in seeking out and supporting those whom God has called to lead, understanding that their leadership is essential for the advancement of the gospel. [49:51]
1 Timothy 4:14 (ESV): "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you."
Reflection: Who in your church community do you see as a gifted leader? How can you support and encourage them in their calling this week?
Day 3: Acting When God Removes Obstacles
When God removes obstacles, it's a signal for us to act. The church must be proactive in its mission, not resting on past victories but continually seeking new opportunities to spread the gospel and serve the community. The elimination of Herod's threat freed the church for its missionary endeavors, and similarly, we must spring into action when God clears obstacles for us. This proactive approach ensures that we are always moving forward in our mission, ready to seize new opportunities as they arise.
In our personal lives and church communities, we must be vigilant and ready to act when God removes obstacles. This means being attentive to the ways God is working and being prepared to step out in faith when He opens doors. It requires a mindset of readiness and a willingness to move beyond our comfort zones to pursue the mission God has for us. By doing so, we can be effective in spreading the gospel and serving those around us. [33:52]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What obstacles has God recently removed in your life? How can you take action to advance His mission in response to these changes?
Day 4: Sharing the Gospel with Everyone
The gospel is for all people, regardless of their background or status. We must be diligent in sharing the message of Jesus Christ with everyone we encounter, ensuring that we meet both their physical and spiritual needs. The church in Antioch was a racially mixed group, symbolizing the inclusive nature of the gospel. This diversity was crucial for the church's mission to reach the world, demonstrating that the message of Jesus is for everyone.
In our own lives, we must embrace this inclusive approach to sharing the gospel. It means being intentional in reaching out to people from all walks of life, understanding that everyone needs to hear the message of Jesus. We must also be mindful of meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of those we encounter, recognizing that the gospel addresses the whole person. By doing so, we can be effective in our mission to share the love of Christ with the world. [01:05:34]
Colossians 3:11 (ESV): "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week, meeting both their physical and spiritual needs?
Day 5: Repenting and Refocusing on Our Mission
We must repent for the times we've failed to share the gospel and refocus our efforts on being a world-changing church. This involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines, active ministry, and a heart for reaching the lost. The call to repentance is a call to acknowledge our shortcomings and seek God's forgiveness, allowing us to refocus on the mission He has given us. It is a reminder that our primary purpose is to share the gospel and make disciples, and we must be diligent in pursuing this mission.
In our personal lives and church communities, this call to repentance and refocusing is essential. It means regularly evaluating our efforts and seeking God's guidance to ensure we are on the right path. It also involves a commitment to spiritual growth and active ministry, understanding that these are key components of being a world-changing church. By doing so, we can be effective in our mission to share the gospel and make a lasting impact on the world. [01:17:38]
Revelation 2:5 (ESV): "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you neglected to share the gospel? How can you repent and refocus your efforts on being a part of the church's mission to change the world?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The old saying says the darkest hour is just before the break of day. And so whatever you are facing, just know that you are very, very, very close to your breakthrough and deliverance. Amen. And the Lord. Is coming quickly to see about you." [20:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In the meantime, God has left the world. He has left you and me here as previews of the coming attraction. And as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are supposed to be hot clips of the upcoming show. So that when people see our clips, they conclude, man, that show must be hot. From watching our previews, people should raise the question, where can I buy a ticket to that show? And it's then that we can tell them, you don't have to buy a ticket because the price has already been paid." [30:01] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In order for us to reach the world for Christ, God must use the disciples of Christ. And if you claim to be a disciple of Christ, then you must get involved in disciple-making. I am 100% convinced and a believer in the thought concept of Dr. Miles Monroe that said it in this way. He said, Without God, man cannot. But without man, God will not. God needs us. He needs us as the born-again believers of Jesus Christ to be hands and extensions of his will here on this earth." [31:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The truth of the matter is, my brothers and sisters, we can't do anything without the Holy Spirit. I told you all, and I keep saying, I'll keep reiterating, the answer to every prayer is more of the Holy Spirit. Whatever it is that you need, whatever it is that you're seeking for, the answer is encapsulated in receiving more of the Holy Spirit. Apart from him, we can do nothing. For it is in him that we live and we move and we have our being." [36:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let me tell you something. The gift of this word will open up doors for you and bring you before great men. And when you get there, it's not for you to put your candlestick under a bush. Because see, that's what begins to happen. What happens a lot of times is when we get to these high affluent places, we want to put the Bible away. And I'm not talking about the physical Bible. I'm talking about the word that God has planted in your heart." [56:01] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And in order for us to become a world-changing church, there are a few things that we must do. First and foremost, we must, watch this, seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit. This text that we just read, I think, points out for us several things that we have to do if we want to become a world-changing church. And number one, first and foremost, is we have to seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit." [36:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The presence of both prophets and teachers is evidence that God had his hand upon the church in Antioch at that time. Prophets were the ones who carried an itinerant ministry. What does that mean, Pastor Devin? That simply means, it means they traveled around preaching the gospel. Teachers were the ones who instructed and taught in the local churches. This is important because when you begin to look and study the church in Antioch, we can see symbolisms of that even in our present day church today." [37:09] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The text says, Lord, I'm getting happy right here, that as they were worshiping and fasting, watch this, the Holy Ghost begins to speak. Lord, I feel like preaching right now. Let me say it one more time. As they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Ghost begins to speak. Let me say it one more time. As they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Ghost begins to speak. Let me say it one more time for the people in the back. As they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit begins to speak." [43:38] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to share the gospel with everyone. Now in a minute I'm going to share with you something that was convicting to me. As it relates to us right here at Revival. But I want to tell you something first. Because this I thought was very interesting, Pastor Ken. Paul has now become the leader of the church. Leader of the team, actually. Because I would say that Barnabas was probably the leader at that time. Because his name always appeared first. Barnabas and Saul. Barnabas and Saul. But when you get to verse 13, it was a shift that happens. Now Paul and his company. Or now Paul and his companions, right?" [01:06:33] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have this treasure in earthen vessels. What do you mean, Pastor Devin? What I mean by is this. Though you can minister the gospel, though I can speak with tongues, though I can cast out devils, there still is pieces of me that God is still working on. And let me just tell you something. I made that personal for me, but you can make it personal for you. And you can let people know, hey, you got to give me grace. I know I'm a lot better than I was, and I'm so not what I used to be. But let me tell you something. I'm still going to disappoint you. I'm still going to mess up. I'm still going to make you upset. We're still not going to agree on everything. Because we have this treasure in earthen vessels." [01:08:55] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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