Model Church Acts 13: 1-4 Series

Introduction

The early Church was struggling due to a lot of persecutions arising out of the stoning of stephen ,, the entire pharisee world was against Christianity and Judaism raised its ugly head.. In such kind of hostile circumstances Christians were thrown out of their homes and homeland...and in this context.. We shall see how in these times of persecutions we can respond like the Church at Antioch did …

Evangelising Church

Helping Church

United Church

Missionary Church

Accountable Church

Standing for right doctrine Church

Evangelising Church

A] In hard times

Acts 11:19-21 Times were very hard and they were driven hard and far away leaving everything that they possessed but they carried the treasure of Christ love showing every other thing was trash compared to Gospel..to be a model Church we need to prioritize our thinking leaving aside all our struggles of living, wishing and demanding and to cherish Gospel as our driving force of Christian life..for Christ Died for you and me and Church has taken it for granted and counted God as a blessing machine… so many joined ...if we speak many are willing to join..

B] In life style

Acts 11:25-26 Paul was encouraged to be a pastor with Barnbas..and the lifestyle of believers was most exemplary and constant that for the first time believers were called christians.. Or in a funny manner little Christians for their life resembled Christ humility, love, forgiveness, speech, behaviour…

Today the Church is called Christians because of the way we have divisions in Church, families, manner of eating and all things lack of love, unforgiving spirit Judgmental so that none want to become a Christian.. contrary to Christ..freedom misused..

C] In helping

Acts 11:27-30.. God spoke and they volunteered to help their own people even before the famine could come..two important words.. Determined...to their ability...we somehow protestant world has ignored the physical need of people around and have become so insensitive that to ask about any problem would entail in help so better avoid asking about problems and we think it as wise..helping requires compassion and determination then comes ability..Christ love misused….by escaping under pretext of praying..for James says so...

United Church

A] In diversity and in Prayer

Acts 13:1,2 came together with different abilities and different posts.. But Lord spoke because of united hearts not backbiting and other such practices rampant in the Church..took leave for Jobs for they knew the importance of Gods presence.

C] In sacrifice for missions (pastor)

Acts 13:3,4 listened to God obeyed and sacrificed their best...persons and wealth..modern churches have retained missionary term in their heads and not in action..

D) In accountability

Acts 14:26-28 Came back to report all that they did in ministry… modern Church has no accountability...everybody is a boss of their own..no taking correction...no obedience...misuse of freedom..

Sound Doctrine Church

A] In recognising the danger

Acts 15: 1-2 The Church knew their scriptures well and they were very alert to recognise the danger of yokes.. Unfortunately modern Christianity allows so many yokes.. Like legalistic view.. looking at people as unworthy ..due to standards...compatibility in marriages..

B] In taking Responsibility

Acts 15:2 not only refuting but willing to go the extra mile..

C] In convincing

Acts 15:6,12 Their convincing based on love and works of God no condemnation no domination…

God is looking at our Church to be a MODEL can we stand up and say WE WILL