The Church’s Growth And Its Political Persecution Series

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 17

The Church’s growth and its political persecution

Acts 11:19 – 12:18

Dismiss children for nursery (under 4) and children’s church (ages 4-7)

Introduction

- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”

-- In 2023 we unpacked the beginning of all history (Creation/Fall/Promise)

-- And we looked ahead, anticipated the coming & victory of Jesus (Revelation)

-- But, in order to get to the end, we have to be busy doing the work now (Acts)

- Last time we examined what could be called the “Gentile Pentecost”

-- It was moment in the 1st century when the Gospel was opened to all (GR: pas)

-- Most (nearly all) believers at this time were Jewish converts; legalism

-- Peter’s testimony of grace and repentance led many to hear/accept Jesus

-- And in accepting Jesus, they were baptized – despite fellow Jewish objections

- Today we have a few encouraging points to cover, all with a similar theme

-- The theme is FAITH … being faithful and trusting God to lead the Church

-- But more than that – this could even be a subtitle for all of us to lean in to

-- Question: “Do you believe that God will do what He says He will do?”

-- What we’ll dive into today spotlights the importance of our answer!

- Read Acts 11:19 – 12:18 / Pray

- TR: Let’s start with a great foundation for building a church …

Point 1 –What happens when a church grows in faith?

- Look at what happens as believers begin to be faithful: (19-21)

-- Not only were Jews preached to, but Gentiles as well, and many came to Christ

-- Why? Because the power of God was with them, they were faithful to tell

-- APP: For you and me, there can be no other job to strive to do today!

- Tie in: Last week we examined how our prejudices can hinder us

-- But, when we get out of our own way, God begins to do something amazing

-- He allows His word to be shared through us, because we become messengers!

- As the church is faithful something else happens: they are nourished (22-24)

-- Consider it – our obedience brings from God others to witness and participate

-- Want to grow the church? Here’s the recipe: BE the church!

-- CHALL: Do we do the things we must do to grow the church?

-- FACT: Being the church is what causes it to church to grow, to reach others!

- Casting Crowns wrote a great song in 2018 called, “Only Jesus”

-- “I don't want to leave a legacy, I don't care if they remember me, Only Jesus”

- Sad truth: Any pastor is just a human, just one man with all kinds of flaws

-- But together … this church has dozens of capable witnesses to share Jesus

-- IMP: It is not about bringing people to Seasons (NO!), but to Jesus Christ!

-- The ministry of the Church is to preach, which is what Antioch is showing us

- Even Barnabas, a faithful man, heard about it and was sent to investigate

-- Look at what happened (re-read v23) … He stayed and worshiped with them

-- APP: He shared in their joy, worshiped with them & contributed to the mission!

-- Imagine that: going to a church and plugging in where God has put you!

- Seeing this growth, Barnabas went to Tarsus to bring Saul into this! (v25)

-- He knew that this was exactly what was needed, additional staff to minister

-- This is where growth and training of others begins to become very important!

-- As the church expands, it needs others to be involved and to share the load

- EX: Jesus taught in Matthew 4:19, “Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

-- Are we doing that? Are we following and seeing others led to Him?

-- Are we focused on sharing what we know so others can see Him as well?

- Bonus: In v26 we see an incredible revelation … we are called Christians!

-- Greek: Christianos; a Christian

- It’s an identity that we were given, amplifying what our life signifies!!!

-- 1 Peter 2:21, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

- Even with challenges ahead, the ministry of the Church is being birthed (v29-30)

-- How? Reaching out to others in a famine, sharing Christ, caring for one another

-- Look at it this way: How many songs we sing will not be important in Heaven