Devotionals for March 30, 2023
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READ
Acts 11:19 Those who went different places because of the trouble that started over Stephen had gone as far as the cities of Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch. They had preached the Word, but only to the Jews. 20 Some of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene returned to Antioch. They preached the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Greek people there. 21 The Lord gave them power. Many people put their trust in the Lord and turned to Him. 22 The news of this came to the church in Jerusalem. They sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he got there and saw how good God had been to them, he was full of joy. He told them to be true and faithful to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And many people became followers of the Lord.
25 From there Barnabas went on to the city of Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found Saul, he brought him back with him to Antioch. For a year they taught many people in the church. The followers were first called Christians in Antioch.
REFLECT
This entire chapter encapsulates the third part of how TNLC describes a disciple, teaching others to follow Christ.
The fledgling church in Jerusalem was learning that God wanted the Gospel presented to the gentiles through Peter’s actions. The power of what they had learned turned to the enthusiasm and even more action. Paul and Barnabas spent a year teaching and discipling people. They were called Christians and they were building Christ’s Kingdom. And what was the catalyst for this kingdom-building? Stephen was martyred out of obedience to God. He was a disciple who learned, obeyed, and lost his physical life for it. He gained so much more, though. And his legacy is still teaching us today through his testimony in God’s Word. Teaching may not always be the same as instruction or book learning. In building Christ’s Kingdom, it’s through relationships and how we treat each other. Paul and Barnabas didn’t spend a year in Antioch teaching classes, they were building Godly relationships and mentoring new believers. They became part of the fabric of the community and people’s lives.
Truly discipling others for Christ takes time, effort, and personal sacrifice. And that’s hard. It’s the hardest road to follow, but the most rewarding.
APPLY
Q: How did God expand His kingdom through Peter’s obedience?
Q: Are there old ideas about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, or the church you are holding on to that God needs to expand?
Q: What is one thing from Acts 11 that stands out that you want to share with others?
SING
“God You’re So Good” - Kristian Stanfill (ft) Melody Malone
PRAY
Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
Holy Spirit, dwell within me and show me the where I have been limiting God in my life and in my witness to others. Father forgive me for being stubborn and hep me to grow and share your forgiveness and the freedom it brings with others.
READ
Acts 11:19 Those who went different places because of the trouble that started over Stephen had gone as far as the cities of Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch. They had preached the Word, but only to the Jews. 20 Some of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene returned to Antioch. They preached the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Greek people there. 21 The Lord gave them power. Many people put their trust in the Lord and turned to Him. 22 The news of this came to the church in Jerusalem. They sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he got there and saw how good God had been to them, he was full of joy. He told them to be true and faithful to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And many people became followers of the Lord.
25 From there Barnabas went on to the city of Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found Saul, he brought him back with him to Antioch. For a year they taught many people in the church. The followers were first called Christians in Antioch.
REFLECT
This entire chapter encapsulates the third part of how TNLC describes a disciple, teaching others to follow Christ.
The fledgling church in Jerusalem was learning that God wanted the Gospel presented to the gentiles through Peter’s actions. The power of what they had learned turned to the enthusiasm and even more action. Paul and Barnabas spent a year teaching and discipling people. They were called Christians and they were building Christ’s Kingdom. And what was the catalyst for this kingdom-building? Stephen was martyred out of obedience to God. He was a disciple who learned, obeyed, and lost his physical life for it. He gained so much more, though. And his legacy is still teaching us today through his testimony in God’s Word. Teaching may not always be the same as instruction or book learning. In building Christ’s Kingdom, it’s through relationships and how we treat each other. Paul and Barnabas didn’t spend a year in Antioch teaching classes, they were building Godly relationships and mentoring new believers. They became part of the fabric of the community and people’s lives.
Truly discipling others for Christ takes time, effort, and personal sacrifice. And that’s hard. It’s the hardest road to follow, but the most rewarding.
APPLY
Q: How did God expand His kingdom through Peter’s obedience?
Q: Are there old ideas about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, or the church you are holding on to that God needs to expand?
Q: What is one thing from Acts 11 that stands out that you want to share with others?
SING
“God You’re So Good” - Kristian Stanfill (ft) Melody Malone
PRAY
Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
Holy Spirit, dwell within me and show me the where I have been limiting God in my life and in my witness to others. Father forgive me for being stubborn and hep me to grow and share your forgiveness and the freedom it brings with others.