Engage in Kingdom Building
Acts 13:1-4; 14:21-28
God worked through the early church, and He continues to work through the church today. The church at Antioch was a growing and prosperous church made up of Jews and Gentiles from various walks of life and countries. Luke listed five of the leading prophets and teachers of the church and gave a little background on each one.
Barnabas and Paul were included in this list. As they were worshiping, fasting, and seeking God’s direction, the Holy Spirit led them to dedicate Barnabas and Paul for a special ministry. They were to go and share the gospel. To encourage and prepare them for their missionary service, the church fasted, prayed and laid their hands on them. This was the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey. They went with the blessings and support of the church at Antioch.
We should prayerfully encourage and support the pastors and leaders of our churches as they seek God’s guidance and direction.
Barnabas and Paul had preached the good news in several cities, and God had blessed their ministry. Many people had accepted Christ. After a successful stay in Derbe, they decided to return to the cities they had visited to encourage the believers to grow in love for God and each other. They also helped organize the churches and helped them appoint Spirit-led leaders to lead and guide them. The churches needed Spirit-led leaders and laypeople to help them grow in their faith. They also warned the believers that, as followers of Jesus, their lives would be full of danger. These leaders needed the prayerful support and encouragement of the membership, just as leaders do today. Everyone needs to work together to advance the work of the Lord.
Barnabas and Paul returned to Antioch and reported all the things that God had enabled them to accomplish. They had been able to complete the work God had called them to do. Many Gentiles had accepted Jesus and were growing in their faith. Barnabas and Paul had faced persecution and opposition along the way, but God had blessed and protected them. The people at Antioch rejoiced that God had been at work and had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. They stayed with the believers in Antioch for a long time.
Missionaries need our prayers, encouragement and financial support as they answer the call of God to go to various countries and people groups around the world. Pastors and church leaders also need our prayers and encouragement as they carry out their God-given mission to share the good news and lead others to share what God has done for them.
Johnston– Lessons in the BSL series for the fall quarter are being written by Virginia Johnston, a member of First Baptist Church, North Charleston, where her husband Dan is pastor.