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Acts 13: 1-5
As we begin this morning I would like to consider a challenging verse:
As was often the case, Paul and those who traveled with him were once again facing intense persecution for preaching the Gospel and declaring Jesus as the Son of God.
The difficulty Paul faced isn’t what grabbed my attention, but rather the response of those who opposed him.
These would stop at nothing to hinder Paul from preaching Jesus, but we find an interesting fact in this verse.
Even though they despised Paul and his message, these were forced to admit they had “turned the world upside down.”
Adversity seemed present at every stop, but Paul and others were making an impact on the world.
They were reaching people for Jesus.
I have read that passage in Acts 17 many times and it always challenges and inspires me.
God was using the ministry of Paul in such a way that others were forced to notice.
Not everyone received Christ as their Savior, but Paul influenced every society he encountered.
I am convinced that is what the Lord desires of us as well.
Times have changed, our challenges are different, but our obligation to impact others and reach the world for Christ has not.
As I thought on Acts 17:6 again, I wondered what made the difference in Paul’s ministry.
What was it that allowed him to make such an impact?
Now I know that few, if any, have reached the spiritual level Paul did, but God is no respecter of persons.
If He was willing to use them in such a way as to turn the world upside down, He is able to do the same through you and I.
In order to understand the magnitude of their influence, we need to go to the beginning of this ministry.
Over the next several weeks I want to consider the events that led up to this powerful declaration.
I trust this study will challenge and equip us to turn the world upside down for Jesus.
So let’s take a few moments to consider the principles revealed in our text as we think on: The Charge of the Church.
Our text reveals the starting point that led Paul to have such an impact.
If we are to make an impact, we must follow the biblical examples left for us.
Notice:
I.
The Assembly of the Church (1)
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
This reveals several simple and yet significant principles in our quest to impact our world for Jesus relating to the church.
Consider:
A. The Location
In our text Luke references the church that was at Antioch.
This is the same Antioch that is found just two chapters back.
It is the same place that Christian were first called by this name.
Now that may seem insignificant, but it reveals a great challenge to me.
I am almost positive that neither Paul nor Barnabas in Acts 11 thought that this would be the launching pad for the evangelism of the known world.
It was no accident the church was located in Antioch.
God had sovereignly placed it there for a purpose.
This was a local body of believers gathering together in a local community.
This serves as a profound reminder of our presence as well.
Victory is not here by accident.
We are here for a purpose.
God has placed us within this community to be a witness for Him and provide a place within our community for people to gather together in worship and exhortation through the preaching and teaching of the Word.
We are here to impact others for Jesus.
There are other like minded churches in the area, but God has given us the responsibility of reaching those that we will come into contact with.
B. The Evaluation
We also discover that within the church at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers.
Simply God had gifted certain individuals with particular gifts in order to carry out the ministry.
He had equipped them to be successful in their endeavors.
Surely Antioch was different from other churches, but she had what she needed to reach others.
God had ensured that through the giving of gifts.
Many times we hear excuses when it comes to the work of the Lord.
If only we had the resources that this or that church has.
If only we had the talent they have.
If only we were better equipped, we could accomplish more.
We must look to God through eyes of faith, fully assured that He has equipped us to perform the work He has called us to.
Our church Victory Baptist is unique, and we have what we need to be successful in ministry if we will only use what God has given us by faith in Him.
God has gifted this church to fulfill her mission.
C. The Cooperation (1)
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
There are several listed in this single verse.
Each had unique gifts, contributing to the ministry in their own way, but they were working together in an effort to accomplish their goals.
Each was needful and necessary in the work.
I know that is very simple, but I fear we lose sight of that truth many times.
None of us are the same.
We are all unique, possessing different gifts and abilities, but the labor we are engaged in requires a cooperative effort.
Never feel as if you are unimportant or have nothing to contribute.
If we are to fulfill the work we’ve been given, it will require a cooperative effort from each of us!
D. The Distinction
Luke did not just write these mens names down for the fun of it.
God moved Luke to write these name for a reason.
If you were to do a charter study on all these names you find out something that is very interesting.
First, Barnabas: This was a nickname given to a man names Joesph in Acts 4. “Barnabas” was of the tribe Levi.
He was a Levite.
The name Barnabas means Son of consolation or Encouragement.
Barnabas is a reminder of the sweetness of Jesus Christ.
Every church needs a Barnabas, one that helps the helpless, cares for the widows, laughs with those that laugh and cries with those that cry.
Second, Simon who was Called Niger: This is most likely the same Simon from Cyrene found in Mark 15.
You know the man that was compeled to carry the cross of Christ.
Simon is a Reminder of the sufferings of Christ.
Could you imagine being in a room with this man?
He is that one man that knows about Calvary.
The one that can never stop testifying of the sufferings of Christ.
I believe he is the very reason for the next man being present.
Third, Lucius of Cyrene: Not much is found on this man except the name Lucius was a very common name in that day especially in Cyrene.
I believe Lucius is a reminder of the sovereignty of God.
Fourth, Manaen: Again not much is found on this man except right here in our text.
He was a friend of Herod.
He could be considered royalty.
He is a great reminder of the salvation found in Christ.
He was a friend of the Herod that had John the Baptist beheaded.
He grew up with him, ate at the same table as him.
Went to school together and so on.
But , because of the salvation found only in Christ Manaen was a winner while Herod remained wicked.
It does not matter what your past looks like, you know what side of the tracks you come from, it matters what you do once confronted with truth.
The Truth that will set you free.
Fifth, Saul: A Pharisee of the Pharisee’s and a murderer.
Saved on his way to capture and possibly kill Christians.
Who became the greatest missionary ever to preach the gospel.
Great reminder of the service of our Lord.
Each one of these men was distinct in who they were.
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