Text: Acts 11:19-30
Main Idea: The mission of Jesus continues as the hand of the Lord blesses the church in Antioch through mission-minded evangelism and discipleship of Gentiles.
Marks of a Mission-Minded Church:
- The people preach Christ. (vs. 19-21)
- Psalm 127:1
- The empowered encourage others. (vs. 22-24)
- 1 Corinthians 1:4
- 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18
- The transformed are taught truth. (vs. 25-26)
- 1 Peter 2:2
- Psalm 19:7-11
- 1 Peter 4:12-16
- "Do not desire to be the principal man in the church. Be lowly. Be humble. The best man in the church is the man who is willing to be a doormat for all to wipe their boots on, the brother who does not mind what happens to him at all, so long as God is glorified." - C.H. Spurgeon
- The Christians contribute to the mission. (vs. 27-30)
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
- These early Christians teach us that we do not need wealth to be generous. We simply need to value God's kingdom above our own interests and value our brothers and sisters more than we value the number in our bank account." - Albert Mohler
Discussion Questions: Look again at what Luke has told us so far in the book of Acts about Barnabas. What would it look like for you to be a Barnabas in Helix Bible Church? The church in Antioch was known for its witness to non-Christians (vs 20-22), for its loyalty to Christ (v 26), and for its generosity toward other believers (v 29). To what extent are these qualities things that our church is known for? How about you personally? Review the four marks of a mission-minded church that we see in this passage and evaluate where, by God's grace, we/you could do better?