Preparation Through Worship: Our Call to Serve

Today’s gathering was a reminder of the importance of preparation—not just in the practical things of life, but in our spiritual walk with God. We began by celebrating the ways our community is growing and serving, from life groups to outreach events, and giving thanks for the journey God has led us on as a church family. But as we looked into Acts 13, we saw that true preparation for God’s work is not just about planning or busyness; it’s about returning again and again to the source—worship, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Acts 13 paints a picture of a church in Antioch that was thriving not because of their own strength, but because they continually ministered to the Lord—worshipping, fasting, and seeking His direction before making decisions. Barnabas and Saul were set apart for their mission only after the church had spent time in worship and prayer. This is a call for us to pause, to sharpen our spiritual “axes,” and to seek God’s guidance before we rush into action.

We reflected on how easy it is to get caught up in the demands of life and ministry, to run ourselves dry like a van without oil, forgetting to check in with God. Yet, our purpose remains clear: to know Christ and make Him known. Every act of service, every greeting, every lesson taught to our children, is ultimately about pointing people to Jesus. But we must remember that this mission will not always be easy. Just as Paul and Barnabas faced opposition and persecution, we too will encounter resistance—sometimes from those closest to us, or from the culture around us.

Despite these challenges, the early disciples were continually filled with joy and the Holy Spirit because they kept returning to God as their source. We are called to do the same: to worship, to pray, to trust God with our plans and our service, and to let our lives be evidence of our love for Jesus. Even in the face of difficulty, we can be confident that God’s purpose will prevail, and that He has already won the victory.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Preparation in God’s Work Begins with Worship and Prayer Before launching into action or making decisions, it is vital to pause and seek God’s presence. The early church in Antioch ministered to the Lord through worship and fasting, and only then did the Holy Spirit direct their next steps. This pattern reminds us that spiritual preparation is not a one-time event but a continual returning to God as our source. [37:09]
• 2. Our Mission: To Know Christ and Make Him Known Everything we do—whether serving, giving, or teaching—finds its true purpose in helping others encounter Jesus. This mission is not about building our own reputation or success, but about deepening our relationship with Christ and sharing His love with the world. When we keep this focus, even the smallest acts of service become significant in God’s kingdom. [42:25]
• 3. Expect and Endure Persecution with Boldness Following Jesus will inevitably bring opposition, sometimes from those we least expect. Paul and Barnabas faced resistance and even persecution, yet they spoke boldly and continued their mission. We are called to stand firm, knowing that persecution is not a sign of failure but a mark of faithfulness, and that God’s Spirit will sustain us through it. [51:22]
• 4. Continual Dependence on God Prevents Spiritual Burnout Just as a vehicle needs regular maintenance, our spiritual lives require ongoing attention. It is easy to become so busy—even with good things—that we neglect prayer and worship, running ourselves dry. Returning to God daily, acknowledging our dependence on Him, keeps us filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, no matter the circumstances. [54:27]
• 5. Let Your Life Be Evidence of Christ’s Work If someone were to examine your life, would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a follower of Jesus? Simple acts of gratitude, giving God the glory in everyday conversations, and living with integrity all point others to Christ. Our lives should be a testimony to His grace, not for our own recognition, but so that He is made known in all we do. [62:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
• [06:30] - Life Groups and Community Connection
• [12:00] - Engage 101 and Church Anniversary
• [18:12] - Opening Prayer
• [19:59] - The Importance of Preparation
• [24:00] - Acts 13: The Church in Antioch
• [29:30] - Ministering to the Lord: Worship and Fasting
• [37:09] - Spiritual Preparation Before Action
• [42:25] - Our Mission: To Know Christ and Make Him Known
• [46:11] - Facing Persecution and Cultural Opposition
• [48:31] - Boldness in Sharing the Gospel
• [51:22] - Joy and the Holy Spirit Amidst Trials
• [54:27] - Returning to Prayer and Worship
• [57:48] - The First Four Commandments: Worship at the Center
• [59:48] - Living as Evidence of Christ
• [62:22] - Giving God the Glory in Everyday Life
• [64:38] - Challenge for the Week and Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Acts 13:1-4, 8-12, 42-52 (ESV) —
> 1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 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.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
> ...
> 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
> ...
> 42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
> ...
> 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Observation Questions

1. What were the leaders in the church at Antioch doing when the Holy Spirit gave them direction? (Acts 13:2)
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to “minister to the Lord”? [[37:09]]
3. What kind of opposition did Paul and Barnabas face as they shared the gospel, and how did they respond? (Acts 13:8-12, 50-51)
4. What was the result for the disciples, even after facing persecution? (Acts 13:52)

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit spoke to the church leaders during a time of worship and fasting, rather than during a planning meeting or while they were busy serving? [[37:09]]
2. The sermon compared spiritual preparation to sharpening an axe. What does this analogy suggest about the relationship between worship/prayer and effective ministry? [[37:09]]
3. The mission of the church was described as “to know Christ and make Him known.” How does this focus help believers endure opposition or discouragement? [[42:25]]
4. The sermon mentioned that persecution is not a sign of failure but a mark of faithfulness. How might this perspective change the way someone views difficulties in their faith journey? [[51:22]]

Application Questions

1. The early church paused to worship and pray before making decisions. What is one area of your life or ministry where you tend to rush ahead without seeking God first? How could you intentionally pause and seek God’s guidance this week? [[37:09]]
2. The pastor shared a story about running a van out of oil as a picture of spiritual burnout. Are there signs in your life that you might be “running dry”? What practical steps can you take to return to God as your source? [[19:59]]
3. The sermon challenged us to let our lives be evidence of Christ’s work. If someone examined your daily life, what would they see as evidence that you follow Jesus? Is there an area where you want to grow in being a witness? [[01:02:22]]
4. Paul and Barnabas faced opposition, even from people close to them. Have you ever experienced resistance or misunderstanding because of your faith? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? [[51:22]]
5. The mission “to know Christ and make Him known” was described as the purpose behind every act of service. Think about a way you serve (at church, at home, at work). How can you keep Jesus at the center of that service this week? [[42:25]]
6. The sermon encouraged giving God the glory in everyday conversations. What is one specific way you can point to Jesus in your words or actions this week, even in small things? [[01:02:22]]
7. The pastor suggested starting each day with a simple prayer of gratitude and surrender. Would you be willing to try this for a week? What do you hope might change if you do? [[54:27]]