Embracing The Mission Today. Acts 13

Embracing the Mission today. Acts 13

Good Morning

Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.

This is my Bible.

I am what it says I am.

I can do what it says I can do.

I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.

Today I will learn more of the word of God.

The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.

I will never be the same.

I will never be the same.

In Jesus Name

Amen?

Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.

"Called, Sent, and Empowered: The Mission of the Church"

Turn with me to Acts chapter 13 in your Bible and say, “Amen” when you are there.

Acts 13:1-52

Acts 13 marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Church—the launch of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. This chapter shows how God calls His people, equips them, and empowers them for His mission.

Today, we’ll explore three key themes: God’s calling, the response of obedience, and the power of the Gospel.

I. God’s Calling and Commissioning (Acts 13:1-3)

The church at Antioch was diverse and vibrant, with leaders from various ethnic and social backgrounds. They were worshiping, fasting, and seeking God together.

The Holy Spirit Speaks: "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" (v. 2).

This is a reminder that God’s mission is always initiated by Him.

- Are we creating space in our lives and churches to hear God’s call?

- God calls ordinary people to extraordinary purposes. He is still calling individuals and communities to step into His mission.

II. Obedience in Action (Acts 13:4-12)

Paul and Barnabas were obedient and went to Cyprus, proclaiming the word of God.

They encountered resistance from Elymas, the sorcerer, yet Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly confronted the opposition.

The proconsul believed after witnessing God’s power (v. 12). This illustrates how the Gospel overcomes spiritual resistance.

- Serving on a mission involves boldness, faith, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

- Challenges are inevitable, but God’s power is greater than any opposition.

III. The Power of the Gospel Message (Acts 13:13-41)

Paul preached in the synagogue, recounting God’s faithfulness in Israel’s history, leading to the fulfillment of His promises in Jesus Christ.

- **"Through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you" (v. 38). Paul emphasized salvation by faith and warned against rejecting God’s grace.

- The Gospel is for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike.

- We must be ready to share the message of Christ, showing how His story intersects with the lives of those we encounter.

IV. The Response to the Gospel (Acts 13:42-52)

Some of those who heard the message rejoiced and believed, while others opposed and stirred up persecution.

Paul and Barnabas declared, "We now turn to the Gentiles" (v. 46), signaling a shift to include all nations in God’s redemptive plan.

Despite persecution, the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (v. 52).

- Proclaiming the Gospel will bring both acceptance and rejection.

- Our focus must remain on being faithful, leaving the results to God.

Acts 13 challenges us as individuals and as the Church to live in step with the Holy Spirit, obedient to God’s call, and bold in proclaiming the Gospel. Let us remember:

God calls us to His mission.

He empowers us through His Spirit.

The Gospel changes lives and advances God’s kingdom.

Here are a few questions for you today.

1. How is God calling you to participate in His mission?

2. Are you willing to face opposition for the sake of the Gospel?

3. How can your life reflect the joy and power of the Holy Spirit?

Let’s commit to being a church that listens, obeys, and goes wherever God leads!

As we come to the end of our time in Acts 13, we’ve witnessed the early church’s bold step into the world, powered by the Holy Spirit and driven by an unshakable commitment to the gospel.

Paul and Barnabas were called to go—to go beyond their comfort zone, beyond their familiar world, and share the transformative message of Jesus with those who had never heard. Their journey was marked by obedience, courage, and a willingness to face opposition, knowing the eternal significance of the work they were called to do.

Today, God is still calling us.

The Holy Spirit is just as active now as He was then, speaking to our hearts, calling us to live out the mission of God with boldness, faith, and resilience.

Just as Paul and Barnabas were set apart for a specific work, God has a unique calling for each of us—whether it’s to serve in our local community, reach our neighbors with the message of Christ, or step into global missions.