Born in persecution, the church at Antioch is often referenced as the first place the disciples were known as “Christians” (Acts 11:26). That immediately marks it as special and worthy of note, having members who were so clearly and distinctively disciples of Christ as to be named after him. But that’s not the only reason they were special. The Bible gives us other reasons to pay attention to this local church and its practices.
First, we should notice it was a Gentile church. Specifically, the Bible says it was a church of Grecians (Acts 11:20). Saved through the preaching of persecuted Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene, we read that a “great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” Here, we see something God would teach us through the church at Antioch. Understanding the message of Calvary to be for all men everywhere, they were able to overcome centuries of prejudice. Jews, orthodox, God-fearing, synagogue attending Jews did not associate much with Gentiles. Carrying over all the way from the entrance to Canaan, Jews believed all other races and nations to be inferior and cursed. The church at Antioch, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit of God, loved enough to reach beyond their prejudice and tradition.
Second, they were true disciples. Newly saved, they were so hungry for the Word of God that Barnabus had to go and get help to teach them. And what help! Paul, a converted Pharisee, linguist and preacher, came and helped teach the believers in Antioch. It was after a year of such teaching and obedience that they came to be called “Christians”.
Third, they were a giving church. Nowhere is the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the headship of Christ more readily apparent than in this matter of generosity. A Gentile church, previously persecuted by Jews, was led of the God to send financial assistance to the very ones who had earlier scorned them (Acts, 11:29; Romans 12:21).
Next, they were a praying church. In Acts 13, we find a list of church leaders along with the statement “as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted…”. Realizing their tremendous need for the Lord in everything they undertook, they regularly sought his face through times of prayer and fasting. They did not rely on their own wisdom, but cried out to God in humility and need, trusting Him to provide all things necessary for the success of His church.
Finally, we discover that the church at Antioch was chosen by God to be a sending church. Continuing in Acts 13, as they prayed and fasted, God spoke, directing them to separate Paul and Barnabus for a special misssion. The church at Antioch thus became the first missionary sending church.
Why did God choose the church at Antioch to be the sending agency for the first great missionary effort. It’s not hard to guess if you but look at their history. Here was a body of believers who loved the lost, followed hard after Jesus, was quick to give and quicker to pray. May God find us so.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Unsavory Salt
The recent decision by President Obama to instruct the Justice Department to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is only the latest salvo in the marginalization of the Church. This act, passed by Congress and signed by a previous president, is the law of the land. And yet, our president, who pledged in his oath of office to “preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States” has undermined that very document by refusing to acknowledge the right of Congress, the elected representatives of the people, to make laws. His stated reason was his belief that the law was unconstitutional. Such a statement, by the leader of the executive branch, is in and of itself a flagrant disregard of the constitutional balance of power, in which the judicial branch is responsible for making such a determination.
The fact is that the President, a long-time supporter of homosexual rights, has chosen to hold in contempt any and every person who stands in opposition to his personal views on homosexuality. With no regard for the people’s voices as expressed in the fall 2010 election, President Obama and his advisors have chosen to thumb their noses at Christians and any other group that stands in defense of marriage as it was intended to be.
That being the case, the question not being asked is, “Where is the outrage?” Where are the calls for impeachment, the demonstrations, the rallying of support for that which is morally and biblically correct? At what point is enough...enough?
In the wake of “Roe vs. Wade”, there arose from within the Christian community a movement that eventually became known as the Christian right. The Moral Majority was universally hated by the liberals and socialists, yet it stood for right and made its voice heard. You may not agree with the methods of Randall Terry, but he has consistently raised his voice and helped others do the same in defense of the innocent unborn.
And yet in the wake of President Obama’s order to the Justice Department, we hear nothing. Even when President Obama appointed two of the most liberal pro-death judges ever to the Supreme Court, we heard nothing. Back in the 70s, Christian philosopher and apologist Francis Shaeffer identified the two overriding interests of western society as “personal peace and affluence”. In simple terms, “leave me alone, and give me enough money to do what I want.” Given the silence of the God’s people in the face of vicious attacks on what should be fundamental convictions of our faith, it seems these values have permeated the church as well.
Church, we must wake up, stand up and be counted for righteousness. We must do it wherever we are; at home, at work, in the community and especially at governmental meetings on every level. Our failure to do so can only result in the fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:15
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
Trodden under foot of men… You know, if I listen carefully, I swear I can hear the sound of jackboots.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
The fact is that the President, a long-time supporter of homosexual rights, has chosen to hold in contempt any and every person who stands in opposition to his personal views on homosexuality. With no regard for the people’s voices as expressed in the fall 2010 election, President Obama and his advisors have chosen to thumb their noses at Christians and any other group that stands in defense of marriage as it was intended to be.
That being the case, the question not being asked is, “Where is the outrage?” Where are the calls for impeachment, the demonstrations, the rallying of support for that which is morally and biblically correct? At what point is enough...enough?
In the wake of “Roe vs. Wade”, there arose from within the Christian community a movement that eventually became known as the Christian right. The Moral Majority was universally hated by the liberals and socialists, yet it stood for right and made its voice heard. You may not agree with the methods of Randall Terry, but he has consistently raised his voice and helped others do the same in defense of the innocent unborn.
And yet in the wake of President Obama’s order to the Justice Department, we hear nothing. Even when President Obama appointed two of the most liberal pro-death judges ever to the Supreme Court, we heard nothing. Back in the 70s, Christian philosopher and apologist Francis Shaeffer identified the two overriding interests of western society as “personal peace and affluence”. In simple terms, “leave me alone, and give me enough money to do what I want.” Given the silence of the God’s people in the face of vicious attacks on what should be fundamental convictions of our faith, it seems these values have permeated the church as well.
Church, we must wake up, stand up and be counted for righteousness. We must do it wherever we are; at home, at work, in the community and especially at governmental meetings on every level. Our failure to do so can only result in the fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:15
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
Trodden under foot of men… You know, if I listen carefully, I swear I can hear the sound of jackboots.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
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