Radical Inclusion: Responding to the Spirit's Call

Summary

Grace and peace to you all. Today, we gathered in the joy of baptisms, celebrating new life and the beautiful diversity God brings into our family. As we turned to Acts chapters 12 and 13, we found ourselves in the midst of a church wrestling with questions that still echo today: Who can be saved? What does it mean to be “in” or “out” of God’s family? The early believers, steeped in tradition and ritual, were suddenly confronted with the radical inclusion of Gentiles—people who, for generations, had been considered outsiders. This shift was not just theological; it was deeply personal and cultural, challenging their assumptions about God, tradition, and what truly matters.

We saw how the Holy Spirit is the initiator of all that is good and holy. In Acts, the Spirit is not a background character but the main actor, moving the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. The Spirit speaks, directs, and empowers, but always through people—through their willingness, their obedience, and sometimes even through their questions and confusion. The story of Herod’s pride and downfall reminds us that human power and arrogance are fleeting, but the word of God continues to spread and flourish, often in the very places where opposition is fiercest.

We reflected on the lives of Barnabas and Saul (Paul), men of privilege and education who could have chosen comfort but instead allowed themselves to be set apart for God’s purpose. Their story, like that of William Borden—a young man of wealth who gave up everything for a calling he never fully saw realized—challenges us to consider what it means to have a “fixed purpose.” Are we willing to be set apart, to let go of our own plans and comfort, and to align ourselves with the Spirit’s movement?

The church at Antioch modeled a community gathered in expectation, worshiping and fasting, ready to hear and respond to the Spirit’s call. Their diversity, their willingness to send out their best, and their openness to God’s surprising work remind us that the Spirit is not confined by our boundaries or expectations. The question for us is not just what God is doing “out there,” but how we are being called—individually and as a church—to join in the Spirit’s ongoing work. Are we praying for our children, and for ourselves, to be set apart for something greater than comfort or success? Are we ready to respond when the Spirit moves?

Key Takeaways

- The Holy Spirit is the true initiator of God’s work, moving not just in grand miracles but through the willing hearts and hands of ordinary people. Our plans and ambitions, no matter how noble, are powerless unless aligned with the Spirit’s leading. The challenge is to discern whether our purposes are truly God’s or simply our own desires dressed in religious language. [51:26]

- God’s grace is radically inclusive, breaking down the boundaries of tradition, culture, and even our own prejudices. The early church struggled with who could be saved, but the Spirit was already at work far beyond their debates, drawing in those considered outsiders and making them central to the story. We are called to examine our own hearts for the lines we draw and to trust that God’s love is bigger than our categories. [52:19]

- True spiritual power is found not in pride or position, but in humility and surrender. Herod’s downfall is a warning that human arrogance, even when cloaked in religious or political authority, ultimately leads to emptiness. In contrast, the word of God flourishes in the soil of humility, where people are willing to be used by God for purposes greater than themselves. [53:59]

- A “fixed purpose” in God’s kingdom is not about personal achievement or recognition, but about being set apart for God’s mission, wherever it leads. Like William Borden, Barnabas, and Saul, we are invited to say “no reserves, no retreats, no regrets”—to live with open hands, ready to go, give, or stay as the Spirit directs. This kind of purpose is discovered in prayer, worship, and a willingness to let go of our own agendas. [01:07:59]

- The Spirit’s movement often begins in communities that gather with expectation, openness, and a willingness to send out their best. The church at Antioch was marked by diversity, spiritual gifts, and a readiness to respond to God’s call—even when it meant sacrifice. We are challenged to pray not just for our own comfort or success, but for God to raise up men and women, including our children, who will be set apart for the sake of the world. [01:15:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:28] - Baptisms and Family Celebration
[46:17] - Opening Prayer and Honest Approaches to God
[47:06] - Praying for Openness and Change
[48:36] - Wrestling with Who Can Be Saved
[49:48] - Cultural and Religious Barriers to Inclusion
[50:35] - Early Church Questions and Gentile Inclusion
[51:26] - Tradition vs. Spirit-Led Community
[52:19] - The Holy Spirit’s Expanding Work
[53:59] - Herod’s Downfall and the Spread of the Gospel
[01:02:54] - The Spirit Moves Through People
[01:07:59] - Fixed Purpose: Stories of Sacrifice
[01:15:16] - Praying for Our Children’s Calling
[01:17:19] - Responding to the Spirit’s Call
[01:18:30] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Acts 12–13 and the Spirit’s Radical Work

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 12:19–25 (ESV)
- Acts 13:1–4 (ESV)
- Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 12:19–25, what happens to King Herod, and what is the result for the word of God?
[[53:59]]

2. Who are the leaders mentioned in the church at Antioch in Acts 13:1, and what is notable about their backgrounds?
[[01:07:59]]

3. According to Acts 13:2–3, what were the believers in Antioch doing when the Holy Spirit spoke, and what did the Spirit command?
[[01:07:59]]

4. In Acts 1:8, what does Jesus say will happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What does Herod’s downfall in Acts 12 teach about the dangers of pride and the difference between human power and God’s power?
[[53:59]]

2. The church at Antioch was made up of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Why might this diversity have been important for the Spirit’s work?
[[01:07:59]]

3. The Holy Spirit initiates the mission in Acts 13, not the people. What does this suggest about how God’s purposes are accomplished in the world?
[[01:07:59]]

4. The early church struggled with questions about who could be included in God’s family. How did the Spirit’s actions challenge their assumptions?
[[52:19]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to consider if our own plans and ambitions are truly aligned with the Spirit’s leading, or just our own desires “dressed in religious language.” How can you discern the difference in your own life? Can you think of a time when you realized your plans weren’t really God’s?
[[51:26]]

2. The early church had to let go of long-held traditions and prejudices to welcome those the Spirit was including. Are there boundaries or categories you hold that might keep others out? What would it look like to let God’s grace be bigger than your comfort zone?
[[52:19]]

3. Herod’s story is a warning about pride and seeking recognition. In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek your own glory or control? How can you practice humility and surrender this week?
[[53:59]]

4. The church at Antioch was willing to send out their best people for God’s mission. Are you open to being “set apart” for God’s purposes, even if it means sacrifice or change? What might God be asking you to let go of?
[[01:07:59]]

5. The sermon asked, “How often do we pray for our children (or ourselves) to be set apart for something greater than comfort or success?” How can you begin to pray differently for your family or friends in light of this challenge?
[[01:15:16]]

6. The Spirit moved in a community that gathered with expectation, worship, and fasting. How can your small group or church create more space for the Spirit to speak and lead? What practical steps could you take together?
[[01:07:59]]

7. William Borden’s motto was “no reserves, no retreats, no regrets.” What would it look like for you to live with that kind of open-handed purpose? Is there a specific area where you need to say “yes” to God’s call?
[[01:07:59]]

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Close in prayer, asking for the Spirit to move in your group, your families, and your church, just as He did in Antioch.

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Initiates and Empowers God’s Mission
Nothing good or holy begins without the initiation of the Holy Spirit. Throughout Acts, the Spirit is the main character, moving powerfully through people to accomplish God’s will. The Spirit’s guidance is not just a historical event but a present reality, inviting each believer to align their purposes with God’s. When the church in Antioch worshiped, fasted, and prayed, it was the Spirit who set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new work, reminding us that God’s mission always starts with His Spirit moving among His people. Are you attentive to the Spirit’s prompting in your life, or are you following your own agenda? [01:01:00]

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: When was the last time you paused to ask the Holy Spirit to guide your next step, rather than simply moving forward with your own plans? What would it look like to wait on the Spirit’s direction this week?


Day 2: God’s Grace Welcomes All—No One Is Excluded
The early church wrestled with questions of who could be saved, but the Spirit made it clear that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of background, nationality, or past. The inclusion of Gentiles, the Ethiopian eunuch, and even a Roman centurion shows that God’s grace knows no boundaries. The Spirit moves through people to break down barriers and welcome all into God’s family, challenging us to examine our own hearts for any limits we place on God’s love. [48:36]

Acts 8:29, 35-38 (ESV)
And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” ... Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Reflection: Is there someone in your life or community whom you have unconsciously considered “outside” of God’s grace? How can you intentionally extend Christ’s welcome to them this week?


Day 3: Pride Hinders God’s Work, but Humility Makes Room for the Spirit
Herod’s story is a sobering reminder that pride and self-exaltation can lead to downfall, while humility opens the way for God’s purposes to flourish. Herod sought power and recognition, but his refusal to give glory to God resulted in his demise. In contrast, the word of God continued to spread and flourish, showing that God’s work is not dependent on human pride but on humble hearts willing to serve. [53:59]

Acts 12:21-24 (ESV)
On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. But the word of God increased and multiplied.

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to seek recognition or control? How can you practice humility today and give glory to God instead?


Day 4: God Sets Apart Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes
God calls and sets apart people from all backgrounds—rich and poor, educated and uneducated, locals and foreigners—to accomplish His mission. The church in Antioch was a diverse community, yet the Spirit used their unique gifts and stories to spread the gospel far beyond their city. God’s call is not limited to a select few; He desires to use each of us, with our distinct backgrounds and abilities, for His greater purpose. Are you open to being set apart for God’s work, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone? [01:10:00]

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV)
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

Reflection: What unique gifts or experiences has God given you that He might be calling you to use for His kingdom? What step can you take this week to offer them to Him?


Day 5: Living with a Fixed Purpose—No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets
A life surrendered to God’s purpose is marked by unwavering commitment, as seen in the stories of William Borden, Barnabas, and Saul. Despite opportunities for comfort or worldly success, they chose to pursue God’s calling with “no reserves, no retreats, no regrets.” This kind of fixed purpose is not about personal ambition but about aligning one’s life with God’s story and being ready to move when the Spirit calls. Will you pray for yourself and your family to be set apart for God’s mission, trusting Him with your future? [01:15:16]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to live with “no reserves, no retreats, no regrets” in following Jesus? Is there something you need to let go of or say “yes” to today?

Quotes

Now, these are the questions that I think some may not have formally asked that, but we think it. People are still asking the same thing about Jewish people, right? What would they have to change? Now, back in that first group of believers day, back in that little first several years there, these were the questions they were trying to figure out. But they were asking the questions about Gentiles. That's most everybody in this room. That's not of Jewish descent. They're asking the question, can we be saved? And if so, then what are we going to be required to do before we are fully accepted into the family? [00:50:43] (50 seconds)  #QuestionsOfInclusion Edit Clip

A lot of times, we don't think about how many years passed between chapters. But by Acts 12, it's been about 13 years or so. And it's been a lot of work happening in Jerusalem. Lots of it. Remember in Acts 1 -8, whenever Jesus told his apostles before he ascended, He said, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and into all the earth. [00:52:53] (30 seconds)  #EmpoweredWitnesses Edit Clip

Now in acts the holy spirit is the main character if this is a story that's the main character everyone else are just kind of additionals right the holy spirit bursts onto the scene in in acts chapter two and and then it kind of moves into this background role and it hovers there powerfully throughout the rest of acts and the spirit has been working ever since of course. [01:01:50] (25 seconds)  #HolySpiritMainCharacter Edit Clip

He saw a man who was focused on the fact that everyone could be saved anyone didn't matter your nationality or your religion or your crime sprees or whatever you did there's a there's a spot for you. [01:07:17] (20 seconds)  #SalvationForAll Edit Clip

Barnabas had wealth you know he's given land to the church probably a very successful person who could have probably done anything but what is he doing he's spending his time preaching and teaching and investing in a community he spent a whole year in antioch. [01:08:03] (18 seconds)  #GenerousCommunityInvestment Edit Clip

For them it wasn't just simply about you know making a little connections here and there these people in that first group of believers you know what they they did they gathered in expectation it's almost like they were waiting to see what would happen next. [01:09:37] (21 seconds)  #WaitingInExpectation Edit Clip

What is he moving you to do what is he moving you to say what is he moving you to let go of what's the spirit I don't know what is the spirit spirit setting your children apart to do here and now pray for that you know fix yourself on that prayer and on the the fact that the spirit is already moving and working and he's asking us to join him focus on that praying for that and see where god takes you see where god takes your family and see where god takes our church. [01:17:39] (40 seconds)  #SpiritCallsToAction Edit Clip