Sermon Central
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The Church’s Growth And Its Political Persecution Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Apr 29, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: Even in the face of persecution and life's challenges, how different could we live if we chose to be faithful only to Christ? Even though the 1st century church faced incredible difficulties, God was still faithful to them, and we can learn from that right now!
To the Ends of the Earth, Part 17
The Church’s growth and its political persecution
Acts 11:19 – 12:18
Dismiss children for nursery (under 4) and children’s church (ages 4-7)
Introduction
- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”
-- In 2023 we unpacked the beginning of all history (Creation/Fall/Promise)
-- And we looked ahead, anticipated the coming & victory of Jesus (Revelation)
-- But, in order to get to the end, we have to be busy doing the work now (Acts)
- Last time we examined what could be called the “Gentile Pentecost”
-- It was moment in the 1st century when the Gospel was opened to all (GR: pas)
-- Most (nearly all) believers at this time were Jewish converts; legalism
-- Peter’s testimony of grace and repentance led many to hear/accept Jesus
-- And in accepting Jesus, they were baptized – despite fellow Jewish objections
- Today we have a few encouraging points to cover, all with a similar theme
-- The theme is FAITH … being faithful and trusting God to lead the Church
-- But more than that – this could even be a subtitle for all of us to lean in to
-- Question: “Do you believe that God will do what He says He will do?”
-- What we’ll dive into today spotlights the importance of our answer!
- Read Acts 11:19 – 12:18 / Pray
- TR: Let’s start with a great foundation for building a church …
Point 1 –What happens when a church grows in faith?
- Look at what happens as believers begin to be faithful: (19-21)
-- Not only were Jews preached to, but Gentiles as well, and many came to Christ
-- Why? Because the power of God was with them, they were faithful to tell
-- APP: For you and me, there can be no other job to strive to do today!
- Tie in: Last week we examined how our prejudices can hinder us
-- But, when we get out of our own way, God begins to do something amazing
-- He allows His word to be shared through us, because we become messengers!
- As the church is faithful something else happens: they are nourished (22-24)
-- Consider it – our obedience brings from God others to witness and participate
-- Want to grow the church? Here’s the recipe: BE the church!
-- CHALL: Do we do the things we must do to grow the church?
-- FACT: Being the church is what causes it to church to grow, to reach others!
- Casting Crowns wrote a great song in 2018 called, “Only Jesus”
-- “I don't want to leave a legacy, I don't care if they remember me, Only Jesus”
- Sad truth: Any pastor is just a human, just one man with all kinds of flaws
-- But together … this church has dozens of capable witnesses to share Jesus
-- IMP: It is not about bringing people to Seasons (NO!), but to Jesus Christ!
-- The ministry of the Church is to preach, which is what Antioch is showing us
- Even Barnabas, a faithful man, heard about it and was sent to investigate
-- Look at what happened (re-read v23) … He stayed and worshiped with them
-- APP: He shared in their joy, worshiped with them & contributed to the mission!
-- Imagine that: going to a church and plugging in where God has put you!
- Seeing this growth, Barnabas went to Tarsus to bring Saul into this! (v25)
-- He knew that this was exactly what was needed, additional staff to minister
-- This is where growth and training of others begins to become very important!
-- As the church expands, it needs others to be involved and to share the load
- EX: Jesus taught in Matthew 4:19, “Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
-- Are we doing that? Are we following and seeing others led to Him?
-- Are we focused on sharing what we know so others can see Him as well?
- Bonus: In v26 we see an incredible revelation … we are called Christians!
-- Greek: Christianos; a Christian
- It’s an identity that we were given, amplifying what our life signifies!!!
-- 1 Peter 2:21, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
- Even with challenges ahead, the ministry of the Church is being birthed (v29-30)
-- How? Reaching out to others in a famine, sharing Christ, caring for one another
-- Look at it this way: How many songs we sing will not be important in Heaven
