Experiencing Renewed Vision (Lesson 5)

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Go everywhere. Where had Jesus told them to go? “Go ye into all the world” (Mark 16:15).

2. Evangelize. “What had Jesus told them to do? “Preach the gospel to every person” (Mark 16:15).

3. Followers in every nation. What results did Jesus expect? “Make disciples in every ethnic group” (Matt. 28:20, ELT).

4. A multi-ethnic church. What had they done? “To Antioch . . . preaching the Lord Jesus to Greeks” (Acts 11:19-20).

B. WHY WERE THEY FASTING AND PRAYING?

1. Saw what God did in Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas had seen great answers to prayer in Jerusalem.

a. Peter released from prison.

b. “The Word of God grew and multiplied” (Acts 12:24).

2. Their enemy judged. One of the leaders, Manaen, saw his friend eliminated. “Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch” (Acts 13:1).

3. Worship and communion. “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted” (Acts 13:2). The word “ministered” is liteago, i.e., to worship or serve. This is why it is called the worship service.

4. To know God. Why were they fasting? “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6).

C. GOD SPEAKS WHEN WE PRAY

1. The Holy Spirit. Who spoke to the leaders? “The Holy Ghost said” (Acts 13:3). “Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:38).

2. Commitment to God. What is the first step of service? “Separate me” (Acts 13:2).

3. The very best. Who does God want in His service? “Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 13:2).

WHY NOT THE BEST?

God wants the best.

To give Him your best.

To produce the best.

4. Full-time service. What is God’s call? “The work” (Acts 13:3).

5. God wants us before He calls. “Whereunto I have called them.”

WHAT CONSTITUTES GOD’S CALL TO FULLTIME?

1. Burden. Malachi 1:1

2. Desire. Jeremiah 15:16

3. Fruit. John 15:16

6. Who does God call to serve Him?

a. Those who are already obedient 11:25)

b. Those who are serving (13:2)

c. Those who are praying (13:3)

d. Those who are available (13:3)

7. Who sends out workers to serve Christ?

a. A fasting and praying church. “When they had fasted and prayed . . . they sent them away” (Acts 13:3).

b. A helping church. “They laid their hands on them”

c. A sending church. “They sent them away” (Acts 13:3).

8. What does sending involve?

a. Prayer support.

b. Money support.

c. Spiritual support.

D. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CHURCHES PRAY?

1. Ministry. “Preached the Word of God” (Acts 13:5).

2. Penetration. “When they had gone through the isle” (Acts 13:6).

3. Arouse interest. “The deputy of the county . . . called for them” (Acts 13:7).

4. Overcome opposition. The sorcerer was blinded.

5. Fruit. “The deputy . . . believed” (Acts 13:12).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.