Antioch: Church Growth Acts 11:19-30

11:19 – “Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except the Jews.” 11:20 – “But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.” 11:21 – “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.”

Acts 11: :22 – “The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.” 11:23 – “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,” 11:24 – “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”

Acts 11: :25 – “So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,” 11:26 – “and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” 11:27 – “Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.”

Acts 11: :28 – “And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).” 11:29 – “So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.” 11:30 – And they did so,, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.”

Churches Grow When Getting the Gospel Out is a Priority Verses Unnamed, unknown believers doing God’s work Preaching the Lord Jesus Antioch – immoral and wicked city People believed and turned to the Lord – faith and repentance What is your priority in life?

Churches Grow When They Experience God’s Grace and Power Verses They experience the hand of the Lord – the power of God They experienced the grace of God – God’s favor, blessing How? Obedience and dependence upon God What do you depend on in your service to God?

Churches Grow When Godly Leaders Are Committed to Jesus Christ Verses 23-25, first part of 26 Leaders in Antioch – Unknown believers who started sharing the gospel – Barnabas – righteous, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, wise, discerning, humble – Paul – chosen instrument to carry Christ’s name to the Gentiles

Churches Grow When God’s Word is Taught Verse 26 Met together and taught the word of God First called Christians – – Called Christians by the unbelievers around them – Used a derogatory term – Shows how teaching impacted believers so they grew and lived godly lives What’s the most important part of a church to you?

Churches Grow When They Give Generously Verses Famine in all the world – Jerusalem church in need The church in Antioch meets the need – They saw the need and took action – They gave spontaneously – They gave proportionately – They gave freely How much of OUR money should we give to God? – X How much of GOD’S money should we keep for ourselves?

Conclusion Acts 11:19-30 – Antioch - a historical, significant event – Church for first time mostly Gentiles with Jewish believers in one body – First time called Christians – Becomes Paul’s base for his missionary journeys – The church starts to reach out to Gentiles – you and me – Where the gospel originates from that reaches Europe

Conclusion The church at Antioch was growing Growing together – Are you giving the gospel out? – Are you experiencing God’s power and grace through not depending on self? – Are you committed to Jesus Christ as you try to lead others? – Are you being taught God’s word? Self study and through hearing it preached – Are you giving generously?