Size of Church & it’s purpose | Sun 24 Jul | 2022 Year of Abundant Harvest

Welcome back to the house of God. Today is the day that God has made. Be blessed as we hear God speaking with us through His words.

We will learn about the “Size of a Church & it’s purpose.”

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 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.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

The Church of Antioch was a mega church. Few historians claim that there was over 20000 congregation strength with multiple preachers. What an assemblage was here! In these names we see that the Lord raises up instruments for his work, from various places and stations in life; and zeal for his glory induces men to give up flattering connexions and prospects to promote his cause. It is by the Spirit of Christ that his ministers are made both able and willing for his service, and taken from other cares that would hinder in it. Christ’s ministers are to be employed in Christ’s work, and, under the Spirit’s guidance, to act for the glory of God the Father. They are separated to take pains, and not to take state. A blessing upon Barnabas and Saul in their present undertaking was sought for, and that they might be filled with the Holy Spirit in their work. Whatever means are used, or rules observed, the Holy Spirit alone can fit ministers for their important work, and call them to it.

Illustration: Someone asked a Christian Scholar who was associated with Billy Graham, “Is Church growing?” To which he replied, “Yes, it is growing wider, but not deeper!”

It doesn’t matter the strength of the Church, but the relationship of congregation with God.

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.”

We need to be a praying Church. Prayer is like the air we breathe. Imagine if there is no air, we will die. Similarly, without prayer in our life, we are mere dummies, absolutely lifeless.

Jesus says, pray without ceasing. At your home, plan a prayer time, sit together and pray together as a family.

The world today needs missions. Antioch was active in preparing missionaries and sending across all the nations. The church at Antioch was the launching site for several missionary journeys.

Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

And from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.

And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.

When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Many people seek expansion of the church, but the ones with the wisdom of Christ seek deep-rootedness.

Mike Stachura once said, “The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity.”

Dear Church, two important things from today: Praying & Church Missions. Seek God and pray and prepares yourselves as well as others for Christ’s mission.

We thank you for joining us today, we look forward to see you all next Sunday. God bless!