1. A Model for Us Acts 13:1-3

2. Two Big Questions for our Churches (1) What is its purpose? What is the church suppose to be like? What is our part in what God is doing? (2) Is it replicable? How can we more effectively see God work in our own lives and churches? ? ? ? ?

3. A) A Developed Church (Acts 13:1) B) A Diverse Church (Acts 13:1) C) A God-seeking Church (Acts 13:2) D) A Mission Church (Acts 13:3) The Antioch Church: A Model for our Churches (Acts 13:1-3)

4. “So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. And the news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he had come and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:19-24). A) A Developed Church (13:1) How?

5. “Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul” (Acts 13:1). Mature leadership Transfer membership Shared leadership A) A Developed Church (13:1)

6. Watch who you copy! More leaders for more work! Watch who you copy! More leaders for more work! What can we learn? A) A Developed Church (13:1) What kind of church are we? What kind of leadership do we have? How does it help or hinder us?

7. ✴ Jewish and Gentile (non-Jew) ✴ Various classes ✴ Sundry gifted ✴ Different races B) A Diverse Church ( 13:1) “Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul” (Acts 13:1).

8. 200 + miles B) A Diverse Church ( 13:1) ✴ Diverse experiences Barnabas LuciusSimeon Saul Herod

9. B) A Diverse Church ( 13:1)

10. Watch who you copy! Enjoy harmoniously working together! Watch who you copy! Enjoy harmoniously working together! What can we learn? Am I prejudiced? Have I been hurt by ethnic slurs? Have we prioritized diversity above Biblical principles? B) A Diverse Church ( 13:1)

11. Ministering to the Lord Fasting Holy Spirit speaks C) A God-seeking Church (Acts 13:2) “And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”” (Acts 13:2).

12. C) A God-seeking Church (Acts 13:2) God’s work is God-directed. God’s work is born from waiting upon Him. God’s work is God-empowered. God’s work is specific - “for the work.” God’s work often includes teamwork. God’s work often has unclear parts. What is God’s work like? Have you seen God’s work in your life?

13. C) A God-seeking Church (Acts 13:2) What is God’s work like? Watch who you copy! Enjoy praying together! Watch who you copy! Enjoy praying together! What can we learn? Do our leaders meet in prayer? Have I taken God’s will seriously? Have you fasted before? Is God calling you?

14. D) A Mission Church (Acts 13:3) Strategic Dependent on the Lord Fast Prayed Supported by the church Sent away “Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:3).

15. Watch who you copy! Who are we sending out? Watch who you copy! Who are we sending out? What can we learn? Do we have the vision to send? Have we prioritized our resources? Are we prepared to go? Are we ready to send our young? D) A Mission Church (Acts 13:3)

16. Busily develop leaders Never be afraid of culture and class diversity Develop the gifts of the congregation - we need them Make sacrifices Live for higher goals than self Consciously take part of God’s expanding kingdom - send out Purposely learn from sending churches Conclusion What about our church?

17. Two Big Questions for our Churches (1) What is the design and purpose of the church? (2) Is the special work replicable in our churches today? ? ? ? ?

18. A Model for Us Acts 13:1-3