Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:39 — 6.6MB)
Sermon Notes January 30, 2011
Acts 11
Intro: My visit to Lake Sevan (large high altitude)..9th C Church!
- As we began…Canadians…It’s worth it, pace yourself, stay to right, go to view on back side, US quarters!
T/s – Value advice from someone who has gone before!
Antioch was the Kind of Church We Want to Be…Healthy, Impact!
- Trust Jesus to Build His Church. (Follow…Attempt More!)
- Speak of Jesus — Everyone, Everywhere, Anyone
Acts 11: 22-26
For an entire year they met with the church (26)
Key Words: Met = Assembled, were Gathered Together with
Sunago == Gathering
Church = ekklessia = A Called Assembly
Note Time Reference….An Entire Year of Gathering!
Spend Time Together
Acts 14: 27-28 (post 1st journey)
Acts 15: 30-36 (post Jerusalem council)
Acts 18: 22-23 (later journey)
Unmistakable, Intentional Emphasis on Time Together.
The Church at Antioch was strong in part because they
Spent a lot of Time Together.
Spend Time Together
Together (gathering/assemble…. The Gathered of God)
Exp – The Christian Life Is Life Together.
- Church as Spiritual Fitness Club –
Happen to meet a few friends…My well being
- Church as Spiritual Walmart –
Tolerate the crowds, lines, lot to get what I need
- Body of Christ; Family of God
The Christian Life Is Life Together
- The Design for Discipleship
- The Desire of God
What do we do with all that Time Together?
- Next week….The Word
Rejoicing, Testifying, Worshipping, Praying, affirming calling…
Encourage One Another
Encourage used three times in Antioch Narrative
n exhort, admonish, comfort, console, strengthen
n To Call to one’s Side
An Gentle Arm around a Shoulder (comfort, support)
A Firm Hand in the Back (Strengthen, Challenge)
Hebrews 10: 23-25 (Note: Assembling == sunago/met)
App – Seasoned Saints, new believers, Jews, gentiles, scholars,
Teachers, prayer warriors, prostitutes, black, white, rich, poor
- I need Encouragement
- I can give Encouragement
Spend Time
Exp – Time is a precious commodity. How we use it reflects our
Values, our priorities. Time, not talk, exposes Values!
- Your Time Is Talking!! (I dare you to measure it)
ILL – Photos of the Tree Transplant… Society of Instant
Gratification…Immediate Results… No Patience.
App – It Takes Time Together to Fulfill Our Calling!
Commitment == I will show up when the Church Gathers!
n Not one or two hours a week!
n No apologies…What is the Value of the Kingdom?
Conclusion: Investment Tip… Life Together will Pay Off (Big Time)
Life Together Is a Worthwhile Investment.
