2. View of the site of the ancient city of Antioch from the south, now occupied by the modern Turkish city of Antakya. Antioch Jerusalem for the Gentiles

3. The Church’s Beginning The preaching? The word and the Lord Jesus The response? Large numbers who believed, turned The relationship? 1.Grace evident to observers 2.Encouraged to remain true 3.Had resolute hearts

4. 3 Lessons from Antioch 1.They used their opportunities a.Opportunities for benevolence b.Opportunities to teach considerable numbers c.Opportunities to raise up, send out teachers

5. 3 Lessons from Antioch 1.They used their opportunities 2.They knew their mission, evangelism

6. 3 Indications of “Mission Awareness” 1.Kept and used a number of teachers How Many? 11:19- “those” 11:20- “some” more 11:22-26- Barnabus and Saul 13:1- years later, 5+

7. What is a “Good” Teacher? A “Barnabus”! Acts 4:36-37- good reputation good actions Acts 11:24- good man full of the Holy Spirit full of faith Results? Considerable numbers brought and taught

8. 3 Indications of “Mission Awareness” 1.Kept and used a number of teachers 2.Were interested in “outside” evangelism 1.“Sent” out teachers 2.“Commended” them to the work 3.Were interested in the progress

9. 3 Indications of “Mission Awareness” 1.Kept and used a number of teachers 2.Were interested in “outside” evangelism 3.Members were involved How Do We Know? Barnabus “witnessed” the grace of God

10. Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,12. instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

11. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,2. that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.3. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, (concern & sacrifice, cpm) they gave of their own accord,4. begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints,5. and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord (sanctification)…

12. 3 Lessons from Antioch 1.They used their opportunities 2.They knew their mission, evangelism 3.EVERY church can “drift” in EVERY generation if our hearts are not turned and tuned to God