The Original "Christians" (Part 3)
a commentary on Acts 11 (Application)
Thank you, Lord, for this day. May it be used for your glory!
Good morning everyone and welcome back to Biblit!
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This week we’ve been doing a deep dive on what made the church at Antioch so unique. Let’s jump into what we can learn from them and apply to our own lives today!
Repentance is a Gift
The first takeaway I have is this thought that repentance is a gift.
When we aren’t careful we can start to think repentance is this act we must do to stay right with God.
But the reality is, once we have put our faith in Jesus, nothing can take that away. We are and will always be right with God because when He looks to us, He sees the righteousness of Jesus.
The reality is that repentance isn’t a necessary act for us to do each and every day in order to ensure we keep our salvation.
Repentance is a gift!
A gift God has given us not to stay right with Him, but to get closer to Him. A gift that leads us into a deeper understanding and appreciation of the gift of grace we can embrace.
Nobodies Do Powerful Work for God
When we read scripture, we often focus on the named individuals: Moses, King David, King Solomon, Peter, Paul, etc.
It can be tempting to do the same today and think that only the people in ministry who have a “name” for themselves are doing God’s work.
However, the truth couldn’t be any further. The unnamed men that started the church in Antioch are responsible for establishing one of the most influential churches of all time.
The point is, it doesn’t matter if you have a name. It has never been about Paul or Moses. It’s all about Jesus. That’s the only name that matters.
Nobodies do powerful work for God because Jesus works through anybody.
Meet People Where They Are
Just like the people in Antioch, we should meet people where they are. I think this is why Jesus said this prayer for us:
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” (John 17:17-19 CSB).
We are not to be conformed to this world, but we do live in the world. We don’t run away like monks to the mountain tops to never speak to a non-believer.
But when we live in the world, we understand the world, we understand where they come from, and can relate to others more.
When we do that, we can meet people where they are. A sinner will never turn away from sin on their own because you tell them to. They will only turn away from sin when they meet Jesus and begin that life-changing relationship.
God can use any and all of our relationships to bring others to Jesus. But only if we encounter people who don’t know Jesus.
Focus on the Mission
Lastly, let us also focus on the mission like the believers in Antioch: sharing the gospel, helping each other generously, and knowing that all we have is temporary; we are simply stewards.
Are you stewarding the time, talents, and treasures God has given you?