The Call Beyond Our Comfort Zone Acts 13:1-5 The Call Beyond Our Comfort Zone

Introduction Fartlek Training HIIT

Introduction You will not accomplish anything significant, much less anything great if you operate only within your comfort zone. The early Christians accomplished much because they obeyed the call of Christ to move beyond their comfort zone

Introduction Church in Antioch Strong church God speaks to the worshipping and fasting church

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country Acts 13 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. Five leaders mentioned in Antioch:

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country Barnabas (Joseph of Cyprus) Simeon (called Niger). Lucius of Cyrene Manaen (companion of Herod the Tetrarch) Saul (of Tarsus)

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country Acts 13 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country Barnabas – most senior Saul – most talented

Acts 11 9 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country The Church in Antioch was the result on missionary efforts from Cyprus and Cyrene even though it was started escapees from Jerusalem Barnabas from Cyprus Lucius from Cyrene

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country Why does God want us to do foreign mission?

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country Locals are essential. So are foreign missionaries. Both serving the Lord Jesus humbly can produce great impact for the kingdom of God and blessing to the people.

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country Why Antioch? Obedience Antioch ideally suited culturally The shift of locus from Jerusalem

1. The call beyond the comfort zone of country God has decreed mission beyond our own country to be one vital means for us to take part in establishing his kingdom.

2. The call beyond the comfort zone of cost Note: there was no talk about money even though it is essential It is not money rational, but it is what the Lord chose! There was a huge personnel cost to the church in Antioch.

God’s wonderful plan is to save all creation, and we are invited to be part of it. When we understand that our salvation is part of God’s bigger plan to save all creation, we will no longer treat our personal needs as the goal in our life.

3. The call beyond the comfort zone of control The best mission work is done without central control over money

Acts 11 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.(This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

3. The call beyond the comfort zone of control The best mission work is done without central control over the missionaries

3. The call beyond the comfort zone of control Acts 13 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

3. The call beyond the comfort zone of control The best mission work is done without central control over money or missionary

4. The call beyond the comfort zone of individualism This applies to all of God’s work, not just to the mission field. The work was done by a missionary team: Barnabas, Saul and John Mark. You need to be approved by the church, and sent by the church, even when you are not supported by the approving / sending church.

4. The call beyond the comfort zone of individualism We need teamwork if we are to accomplish anything wonderful for the Lord Jesus Christ.

5. The call within the comfort zone of ability Acts 13 4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. 

5. The call within the comfort zone of ability While we should not stop at the low hanging fruit, we should always start with the low hanging fruit in mission.

Conclusion Singapore is the Antioch of Asia Mission work starts with us as individuals and as a community.

You will never accomplish anything significant, much less anything great until you obey Jesus when he calls you to beyond your comfort zone.