A Grace-Filled Church Dan Hudson
It’s a good time for us to reflect as a church on all the new initiatives we’ve been launching this term. On Sunday morning, Dan shared about the church in Antioch in Acts 11, which tells a remarkable story of God’s grace.
Acts 11:19-30
Verse 23: “...when Barnabas saw what the grace of God had done...”
God’s grace is about increase
In Antioch large numbers of people became Christians (verse 24). Grace-filled churches think bigger and bigger. God loves numbers! Ones, twos, thousands and ultimately a redeemed humanity so large it cannot be counted in Revelation 7:9.
God’s grace became visible when someone did something new (verse 20).
Verse 20: “Some however shared the message with gentiles also”. Grace loves crossing boundaries that exist in our culture and in our minds.
God’s grace was in Word and Spirit.
Verse 21: "The Lord’s hand was with them".
They gave God an opportunity to work. And he did. God showed up. When we make space for God and rely on him, he’s glad to oblige.
God’s grace was demonstrated through soft-hearted response to need, especially among the poor.
Verse 27. Their definition of charismatic wasn’t just to improve their worship experience but to change the world.
God’s grace was evidenced in financial generosity (verse 29).
They all gave as they were able to the financial need of others.
How do you keep going?
What did Barnabas do?
Verse 23: "...he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
He encouraged them (note that the results themselves weren’t encouragement enough; it needed personal encouragement from Barnabas).
Why is building this Grace-filled church worth it?
1) Because this world needs Jesus and the Gospel. Jesus is alive from the dead. Everything has changed.
2) The church is the beautiful expression of Jesus on the earth. Edinburgh needs God’s power.
3) Hard doesn’t mean bad. It’s always the right thing to obey God and follow Jesus. Grit and resilience and perseverance are vital in developing character
4) It’s Spiritual warfare, the Enemy wants you to stop and discourage you. We must resist.
5) It’s only for a season. Paul had sleepless nights for ministry sake, but he never suggested sleep wasn’t necessary! Certain seasons require exertion for reward.
6) It’s Spiritual food for us. John 4:34 34: “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work”.
7) God’s grace is displayed all the more as people see God’s power at work in our frail human lives. 2 Corinthians 4:7
Questions:
Antioch was a successful church, yet clearly they still needed encouragement from Barnabas. What things in life/church do we find discouraging or tiring that require regular encouragement to battle through?
God breaking out. In Antioch, they found the Lord's hand was with them when the stepped out from their "ordinary" mission to Jews. What would it look like for you/our church to step out from our ordinary mission?
7 encouragements. Which of these most resonated with you? Are there other reasons to keep going?
The Holy Spirit is our strengthener and encourager. How do you best connect and get filled with the Spirit in times of pressure?