Acts 11:19-30 The Church in Antioch

Antioch is an exciting church plant and a great model to follow. Most of the believers in those days were preaching to Jews only, but a few began to witness to the Hellenists (Greeks) and they began to trust in the Lord. The word about these conversions came to the ears of the Apostles in Jerusalem and they sent Barnabas to check out what was going on. It is important to note the interest that the Apostles have to ensure the integrity of the preaching of the Gospel. Organization is a very important part of the kingdom of God and we would do well to pay attention to it. The movement in Antioch was at the "grass roots," but nonetheless the Apostles intervened to "supervise it." The Church is built on authority and hierarchies and we can't do away with them. Doing away with them produces chaos at most and a lack of doctrinal integrity at the least.

Barnabas was the emissary of choice because he was a good man, full of the Spirit and of faith. He was able to discern what the Spirit was doing among the people ("saw the grace of God") and rejoiced with them. He was also able to exhort or encourage the brethren "to remain faithful with steadfast purpose." Barnabas is an encourager. The work of the kingdom requires people who are able to encourage others to follow Christ with steadfast purpose. I want to be a Barnabas, an encourager of God's people! A man full of the Spirit and faith able to discern God's work among his people and able to celebrate with them. What keeps me down when I know deep down that I am an encourager?

Interestingly enough, encouragement is not enough and Barnabas was well aware of it. The church needs encouragement, but it is not enough to get it through the trials and tribulations of the day. The church needs strong teaching and Barnabas set out to find it in Saul. Saul was gifted to teach and he taught for over a year at Antioch. The Word of God is very essential for the growth of a church. Encouragement combined with solid Teaching is the winning combination to create an environment conducive to growth. Am I encouraging my brothers and sisters? Am I teaching God's Word to them?

The people from Antioch were the first ones to be called Christians. Without a doubt, the name people gave the early believers is evidence that the community was Christ-centered. The encouragement was done in the name of Christ and the teaching was about the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and return of Christ. Is my life Christ-centered? Is my teaching Christ-centered? Is my encouragement done in the name of Christ?

We can't miss the supernatural work of the Spirit through Agabus - a prophet who foretold a famine in those days. And we can't miss the gracious response in giving to aid the believers in distress. Here is the other element that a healthy church needs: belief and practice of the gifts of the Spirit. A supernatural outlook on life through the eyes of the Spirit. The power of the church is in the operation of the spiritual gifts. Am I taking for granted the gifts of the Spirit? Am I using them to the max? Or am I hiding them in the closet? A healthy church will have the elements of encouragement and solid teaching as well as the operation of the gifts of the Spirit.

Father, may Faith Alliance be a church like Antioch, filled with encouragement, strong teaching, and the gifts of the Spirit. Help me be an encourager and teacher open to the supernatural work you desire to do. May our leadership team offer the gifts you have bestowed for the building of your church and the honor of your glory. Amen.