A Church that Changes the World
https://www.youtube.com/live/pLNWkWa3Q4Q?si=h2r0TmcLUpHwwjZY
Acts 13 marks a pivotal shift in church history as the center of God’s work moves from Jerusalem to the multicultural city of Antioch. What began with persecution scattering believers eventually resulted in a thriving, disciple-making church where “a great number believed.” Under the teaching of Barnabas and Saul, Antioch became the first place where believers were called Christians, and it became God’s chosen launching point for global mission. No longer was the gospel movement reactive or confined within Jewish boundaries—Antioch represented a new, intentional, outward-focused era.
This world-shaping church was marked by four defining characteristics. First, their moment was missional: they embraced Christ’s call to reach all nations with the gospel. Second, their makeup was multinational: their leadership team embodied racial, cultural, and social diversity united under one Spirit and one mission. Third, their ministry was sacrificial: they saw every act of service as worship—spiritual sacrifices offered to God by a holy priesthood. And fourth, their mission was supernatural: they obeyed the voice, calling, and sending of the Holy Spirit, who empowered and guided every step.
The church at Antioch changed history not because of size, wealth, or influence, but because they were surrendered, unified, worshipful, and Spirit-led. Their moment challenges ours: to move beyond attending church to advancing Christ’s mission, to offer our lives as living sacrifices, and to follow the Spirit wherever He leads. Just as Antioch embraced its divine moment, we are called to embrace ours—with obedience, devotion, and a willingness to be used by God to make a real difference in our generation.
Acts 13 marks a pivotal shift in church history as the center of God’s work moves from Jerusalem to the multicultural city of Antioch. What began with persecution scattering believers eventually resulted in a thriving, disciple-making church where “a great number believed.” Under the teaching of Barnabas and Saul, Antioch became the first place where believers were called Christians, and it became God’s chosen launching point for global mission. No longer was the gospel movement reactive or confined within Jewish boundaries—Antioch represented a new, intentional, outward-focused era.
This world-shaping church was marked by four defining characteristics. First, their moment was missional: they embraced Christ’s call to reach all nations with the gospel. Second, their makeup was multinational: their leadership team embodied racial, cultural, and social diversity united under one Spirit and one mission. Third, their ministry was sacrificial: they saw every act of service as worship—spiritual sacrifices offered to God by a holy priesthood. And fourth, their mission was supernatural: they obeyed the voice, calling, and sending of the Holy Spirit, who empowered and guided every step.
The church at Antioch changed history not because of size, wealth, or influence, but because they were surrendered, unified, worshipful, and Spirit-led. Their moment challenges ours: to move beyond attending church to advancing Christ’s mission, to offer our lives as living sacrifices, and to follow the Spirit wherever He leads. Just as Antioch embraced its divine moment, we are called to embrace ours—with obedience, devotion, and a willingness to be used by God to make a real difference in our generation.
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