For the last 5 weeks we've been going through our summer series, Paul's Odyssey.
We've seen a lot of change when it comes to Paul.
- He is the leader of the Freedmen
- He is intent to destroy the Followers of Jesus (The WAY)
- On the Road to Damascus he meets Jesus. Ananias is instructed by Jesus to go to Paul and tell him...
- To proclaim Jesus to Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel – and by the way, you will suffer!
- He proclaims in Damascus – Arabia 3 yrs – Flees to Damascus – Flees to Jerusalem – Tarsus 10 yrs. He is a tentmaker in this preparation phase: the quiet years.

Story about Pastor Josh and the parallels from his life.

Would the surrounding communities say, "Man, have you seen the Christians from Grace?!?!"
They seek God, they serve God, they sacrifice for God! They act like Jesus!
Today we'll see how the followers in Antioch progressed and grew in these ways as well.
SEEKING GOD
SERVING GOD
SACRIFICING FOR GOD

Today we will look at the beginning of the Christian movement.

For the last 10 years, Paul has been in his hometown making tents. Pastor Don covered that section of Scripture last week.

The Good News is spreading and starting to take root.

Why is the Good News spreading? How is it spreading?
Acts 10
Peter is spoken to by God saying that the Good News can be shared with everyone.
Acts 11:18

This brings us to today's passage: Acts 11:19-30

The Gentiles are hearing the Good News about Jesus and it is spreading. The Church is growing and being energized.
Barnabas finds Paul in Tarsus and they go back to Antioch where they serve together for a year building up the Church.
It is here in Antioch that people are called Christians first.

What is the difference between "following" and "living?"

We all have people that we "follow" on social media but this just means that we are interested in them...not that we are changed by their life.

What did it mean when the followers of Jesus in Antioch were called "Christians?"
There was evidence of growth. They were seeking God, serving God, and sacrificing for God.
What does it mean to be growing?
- The Holy Spirit is moving as the people were accepting the Good News.
- People are energized. They were learning and being equipped.
- The world is seeing. It was the first time that the followers were called Christians.
- The Church is ministering. The Church is giving and sharing.

Table Discussion: Why do people serve?

Acts 11:27-30

What do we see about the church in Antioch from these verses?
The disciples were students - SEEKERS
They decided to provide help - SERVING
They were sending their gifts - SACRIFICING

Pastor Don shared this statement last week:
"OBEDIENCE is the primary CHANGE that VALIDATES our faith."

How do we see that change?

First - We should be SEEKING.
Are you responding to truth and becoming more like Jesus?

Second - We should be SERVING.
Are we living for Him? What is our priorities and our purpose?

Third - We should be SACRIFICING.
Is your life, your giving, and your sacrificing coming from a place of love or from legalism?

Let's not just be part of a church, but be a family that is known for:
LOVING God and people
LEARNING about Him
LIVING for Him with purpose and passion
LEADING others to live likewise

We are the Church, not just a building. Let's stop going to Church and go be the Church!