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.
The question is not whether God is calling, but whether we are listening and responding.
In the same way that the church in Antioch was moved to prayer and fasting, let this moment be one where we, as a congregation, open our hearts to God’s leading.
Perhaps the Lord is stirring something within you today—a call to serve, to give, to go.
If you feel God is calling you to a deeper commitment, whether in ministry, missions, or simply in your walk with Him, I invite you to come forward.
Let this be a time where you say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Just like Paul and Barnabas, it may mean stepping out of your comfort zone, but it will also mean stepping into the greatest purpose of your life.
If you’re facing personal opposition or challenges in your faith, we want to pray with you. Just as Paul and Barnabas encountered spiritual resistance, we also face struggles.
But the good news is that God’s Spirit empowers us to overcome.
Whether you’re struggling with doubt, fear, or discouragement, we believe God wants to strengthen you today.
If you’ve experienced rejection in sharing the gospel and feel like giving up, we’re here to pray for perseverance.
The gospel message is powerful, but it’s often met with resistance. However, the victory is assured in Christ.
God will continue to work through you, even when you don’t see immediate
results.
You’re never alone in the mission.
If you have never made the decision to follow Jesus Christ, or if you are unsure of your relationship with Him, this is your moment. The message Paul preached in Acts 13 is the message of hope for all people: that Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again to offer forgiveness and eternal life. If you want to experience that transformation, we invite you to come forward and begin a new life in Christ today.
A Prayer of Commissioning and Empowerment:
“Holy Spirit, we thank You for calling us to be part of Your great mission. Just as You set apart Paul and Barnabas for a special work, we ask that You set apart each of us for the unique work You have planned for our lives. May we be faithful to Your call, whatever it may be, and may we walk in boldness, knowing that You are with us every step of the way.”
“Lord, for those coming forward today, we pray for Your anointing and empowerment. We pray for those who are responding to a call—whether it’s to ministry, missions, or simply to live more fully for You. We ask for Your strength and courage to overcome any opposition they may face. We also pray for those in need of perseverance in sharing the gospel. Fill them with renewed hope and passion to continue spreading Your Word.”
“Father, for those who are making the decision to follow You today, we celebrate this moment of new life. We ask that You would lead them, guide them, and fill them with Your peace and joy as they step into a relationship with You.”
“We trust You with our lives, Lord. Empower us, and send us out as Your ambassadors of love, grace, and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
As we prepare to close, I want to invite you to step forward if God is calling you in any of these ways. There is something powerful in stepping out in faith—whether to commit your life to Christ, to respond to a call to ministry, or simply to seek prayer for strength to continue on your journey.
This is your moment to say yes to God’s mission. He is still calling, still sending, and still equipping His people. Whatever God is stirring in your heart today, let this be a time of commitment and renewal. Come forward, and we will pray with you.
I encourage you to not wait for the perfect moment or for all the answers. God is calling you right now, and He will equip you as you step out in faith. Let’s rise up as a church on mission, responding to the Holy Spirit with obedient hearts, knowing that the work God has for us is more than worth the cost.
