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A Church Led by the Lord’s Hand

Acts 11
Pastor Mike O'Brien
June 10, 2007

Prop: A church led by the Lord’s hand should have these five characteristics:

This week we come to a passage where we see the name Christians used for the first time. Last week we finished up chapter 10. And in 11:19 we read that the Jewish believers had come to realize that God was granting repentance to the gentiles. That is to say, they were being saved. (This proves quite clearly that repentance is involved in salvation, no matter what some might say.)

Now we will see the emergence of Barnabas. We saw Barnabas back in chapter 4, when he sold his possessions and gave the proceeds to the disciples. Now Barnabas will be front and center in what God is doing.

This morning’s passage gives us a glimpse as to the make up and missions of the early church.

But most importantly, this was a church that had the hand of the Lord upon it. So I want us to ask ourselves how can we have the hand of the Lord upon our church? There is no formula. There is no technique. In fact, we don’t deserve nor can we expect God’s hand to be upon us. But humanly speaking, I believe there some things that we can do which would make it more probable that God’s hand would be upon this church. On the other hand, there are some things that we could do that make it probable that God’s hand not be upon a church.

Prop: We can observe 3 aspects of the early church here:

I. A desire to share the gospel – v. 19

Acts 11:19

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.

We need to notice the spread of the gospel. Back in chapter 8:4 we read that the gospel was spreading after Stephen was martyred. This was because the believers were being scattered. Now verse 19 echoes that. Being scattered was no picnic. But instead of focusing on where they would live and what they would eat, their primary focus was on spreading the gospel.

II. A desire to welcome diversity – v. 20

Acts 11:20-21

But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

The gospel was preached to the Jews first and then to the gentiles with Cornelius—who was described as a God-fearer—being exhibit A. But now the gospel was going to those who we might call pagans. Antioch was a pagan city. In some ways it seems like it is easier to share the gospel in a pagan culture. I say that because it is often easier to make inroads with one who has no “religious baggage,” though of course, God can save anyone.

Now I want us to notice the last phrase in v. 21 “believed and turned to the Lord.” These people were genuine converts. Yes, they believed, but also “turned” to the Lord. This carries with it the idea of repentance. A lot of people intellectually believe but never turn. True conversion has both elements. This word “turn” can be used of a physical turning or a mental turning. For instance, back up two chapters in Acts 9:40, Peter physically turned his body. Here is speaks of a mental turn. But it is a real turn, just as Peter really turned his body. So here we have people really becoming saved. They were turning, that is, repenting.

Why were people being saved in Phoencia, Cyprus, and Antioch? Because “the hand of the Lord was with them.” If God’s hand is not on something we are doing, it is not going to go well. If God puts his hand on a pastor the church will be alive. Now it may not grow a lot numerically, but it will be clear that it is spiritually alive.

I have talked to pastors and ex-pastors who have echoed this. They speak of a time in their ministry when God was really blessing them and then times when God seemed to be distant. It is in those times that a church can fall apart.

Are we reaching out to others and inviting them to church? Are we going out of our way to be sure to greet visitors and new faces? Are we trying to find ways to help new people get involved? It is true that nothing can take the place of preaching the word of God faithfully. But these other things are very important. As I have said before, the congregation will usually be used of God to bring in people more than the pastor.

III. A desire for devout leadership – vv. 22-24

Acts 11:22

Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.

Barnabas is now a church leader. This fact, in itself, show that this early church was discipling. In fact Barnabas was the perfect choice to be sent out. Remember he sold his possessions and gave to the church. So he was generous. He also, though he was a Jew, was from Cyprus, which is a Gentile area. So he would know how to interact with Gentiles. He was also an encourager, as his name suggests.

Acts 11:23

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

Look at the phrase continue with the Lord. Did they really have to be told that? Yes they did. He was encouraging them. We all need that. Have you ever felt like “throwing in the towel?” I’m sure you have. I know I have. Some of us have done it so much that we don’t have any towels left!

Maybe our jobs are not what we currently want. Maybe our marriages are not all we want them to be. Maybe we are married, but want to be. Whatever the case, don’t throw in the towel.

Now for some of us, perhaps the words “continue with the Lord,” seem too late. Maybe you need to stop waving the white flag and get back in the game. If your life is not what you want it to then there is no one to blame but yourself. Your first step must be to have the proper relationship with God.

Acts 11:24

For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Listen to this description of Barnabas. Can this be said about you? Three key things are mentioned about Barnabas:

1) He was a good man – you say well “I thought no man was good.” Well apart from Christ you are correct. But when you become saved you become righteous as the righteousness of Christ is imputed to you.

2) He was full of the Holy Spirit – this is why he was a good man.

3) He was full of faith – see how these go together.

And God saved many people. What a blessing.

IV. A desire to make disciples – vv. 25-26

Acts 11:25-26

So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Part of the great commission is making disciples, not just converts. We have many today who are very vigorous to make converts, but not disciples. Now hear this: Discipling is very important in terms of finding out who is truly saved. When people are discipled, the fruit will begin to show. Discipleship is like watering a plant. The seed is there, but it needs to be cultivated.

Remember last week I made the statement that if someone is truly saved and they are taught correctly about the doctrine of inspiration then they would accept it. If they reject it then it is proof that they are not saved. The acceptance of such cardinal truths is part of the fruit that must be seen. This is why it is so dangerous for churches to downplay doctrinal teaching.

Now these believers were the first one’s called Christians. Now the “ian” ending of the word Christian denotes membership to a party. In this case it spoke of those in Christ’s party. It had the idea of a “Christ-one.” Now I realize that the term “Christian” is thrown around everywhere in our society.

Now who coined this term? It could not have been the Jews, for the word Christ meant “Messiah,” and they certainly would not call Jesus the Messiah. They also did not call themselves Christians. So it must have been from the pagans around them. The pagans observed them, noticed that something was different about them and came up with a nickname.

This underscores and important point: We should not have to tell people that we are Christians. We should live in such a way as to make it obvious that we are following Christ.

Harry Ironside, whom I’ve mentioned before, was traveling to China. After observing his conduct they began to introduce him as “Yasu-yan.” It meant “Jesus-man.”

V. A desire to help others – vv. 27-30

Acts 11:27-28

Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).

First of all, who in the world was Agabus? Well, besides what is said here about him we don’t know much. It appears that this is the same Agabus that we will see again in Acts 21. What we do know is that he was a true prophet of God, for what he prophesied came to pass.

Acts 11:29-30

So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

This is fruit on display. You can tell a lot about a Christian by his wallet! Each gave according to their “ability.”

Now let me ask you a few questions:

Are we living in the Old Testament era?
Are we under the old covenant or new covenant?
Has the New Testament Church replaced Israel?

Now almost all of us have answered No to those three questions. Now let me ask you another question: ARE WE OBLIGATED TO TITHE 10% TO THE CHURCH? If you answered Yes to that question then you better go back and change your answer to the first three questions.

Now I can’t get into a lengthy discussion on the matter at this time, but I want to say that we are to give according to our ability. The 10% figure is a great starting point, but no where in the New Testament are told a certain percentage. It should be according to our ability.