The Church Of The BeginningSample

A church lead by the Spirit. 

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

The church at Antioch, like the first church in Jerusalem, was devoted to prayer. They worshiped, they prayed, they fasted. No wonder God’s hand was upon them. No wonder they were led by the Holy Spirit. No wonder they were a great missions church. They were fueled by prayer, the lifeblood of any church. 

We learn from the church at Antioch the importance of prayer and worship. It’s no surprise that it was during a time of worship that the Holy Spirit spoke to them about Barnabas and Saul being sent out. God loves it when we worship together. God shows up when we worship together. God speaks to us when we worship together. God is looking for worshippers.

Thus, we learn from Antioch that the Holy Spirit must lead us. Yes, a church must talk, plan, organize, and even strategize. But we must be led by the Holy Spirit, not by our collective wisdom. The church is no democracy. “Holy Spirit, lead us!” must be our continual cry. If we are desperate, if we are obedient, if we are surrendered, the Spirit will lead us.

We also learn about missions and how they are based in the church. The church at Antioch, together, sent out Barnabas and Saul. They prayed for them, financially supported them, and then received them when they returned. They did missions together as a church, not as individuals. This is God’s ideal way to do missions, for the church is God’s chosen instrument for this age.

This is the way God wants His church—fueled by worship, led by the Spirit, resulting in mission.