Love God Greatly: EmpoweredSample

After Stephen was martyred (Ac 7), Saul began persecuting the church, causing the believers in Jerusalem to scatter. Some of them traveled to Antioch and started a church there. In Antioch, the believers had been proclaiming the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, something not yet done in Jerusalem. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard of the great number who had believed in Antioch, they sent Barnabas there. ⁣

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Seeing the work God had been doing through the believers in Antioch, Barnabas rejoiced. He encouraged the church to continue in their faith and to continue spreading the gospel. Their faith and boldness had been a tremendous encouragement to Barnabas and to the believers in Jerusalem. ⁣

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The church in Antioch grew quickly as they relied on the Holy Spirit. The disciples in Antioch were the first believers to be called Christians, meaning “little Christ.” They were named after the One they followed, Jesus Christ. As we continue to spread the name of Jesus, may we also bring honor and glory to the One whose name we serve. ⁣

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Lord Jesus, You alone bring people to know You. You alone are worthy of our praise and recognition. Help me to be devoted to You in all of my actions and words. Help me to be a witness to You as I seek to make Your name known. Amen.