Christians

Acts 11:19-30,    Eph. 4:1-12,    Galatians 2:1-2, and 11
Here we witness Christians moving through uncharted ways, led by the Holy Spirit.

I: “Who was I, that I could Withstand God?” vs. 17
1. The charge against Peter was that he “visited” and “ate” with men who were not Jews.
2. The Jews couldn’t conceive of God saving Gentiles by Faith.
3. This plagued the Church and hindered it’s reaching the whole world. (Still does).
Rockham: “It’s almost inconceivable how in the 17th Century a good Protestant English Captain could be praying and reading the Bible on deck, while beneath the hatches he was carrying a cage of slaves.”

II: These “Scattered” through “Tribulations.”
1. Sometimes God must allow Christians to have tribulations before they are willing to do His Will.
2. “Telling the Message to no one but Jews.” vs. 19
3. But there were some who began to speak to the Greeks.

III: Pagan Antioch (Now A Poor Turkish Town of 6,000).
1. Wealthy “eye” of Asia.
2. 3rd greatest city of its day.
3. 15 miles from the sea on Orontes River.
4. A city of 200,000 when the Christians came.
5. A reputation for Culture, Learning, and Licentiousness. (A Penal Offense for Soldiers to visit her places of Pagan Worship).
6. A place for ready wit and nicknames. (The Disciples were 1st called Christians at Antioch).

IV: Investigation, Inspiration, Dedication.
1. The Church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas. (A good man, full of the Holy Spirit and Faith).
2. “He was delighted.” vs. 23
3. Dedication — encouraged them, sought Saul for help.
4. A whole year teaching, preaching, preparing.

V: Christians.
1. God no respecter of person proved.
2. The Jews caught a new vision.
3. Times of trouble cemented the Bond of Fellowship.
4. Christians must have the Spirit of Christ in every phase of life.
5. “1 Lord, 1 Faith, 1 Baptism, 1 God and Father of all, who is in all, and thru all.” Eph. 4:1-12