Acts 11:19-26
“19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the
persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus,
and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which,
when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord
Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great
number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the
church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go
as far as Antioch.
23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was
glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto
the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of
faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch.
And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the
church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first
in Antioch.”
In these verses we see an example of how a New Testament
church is to come about. Notice first, they preached the Lord Jesus to the
Grecians(Gentiles). Second, when word reached the original church in Jerusalem,
that church sent Barnabas(a missionary) to Antioch to confirm what they had
heard. Third, Barnabas sought the help of Saul(Paul) to help teach people of
Antioch. Lastly, the members of this newly founded church who were under
Barnabas and Saul's discipleship for a whole year were called Christians. By
definition, in God's Word, one must be a member of and a disciple in a New
Testament church to be a Christian. The name Christian is not a name to be taken
lightly. Many today want to claim the name of Christian but not follow our Lord
in His commandments nor take seriously the membership and discipleship of one
of the Lord's true churches. Notice the people of the church in Antioch were
not sitting at home teaching themselves or only reading God's Word for
themselves. They were meeting with the church and being disciples of the
teaching of the men who God had sent. Yes, God tells us we must be like the
Bereans and study daily what is taught. But study what or who? God did not say
study only on our own. Though we are commanded to read His Word and have our
daily Bible readings. We are to keep His word in our hearts also. But He also
tells us to study what we are taught by those who are preaching and teaching to
the congregation.
Child of God, are you the member of a true New Testament
church of Jesus Christ? If not, why not? Are you faithful to the church you are
a member of? If not, why not? Some may have no true church close by. Have you
asked any of the Lord's churches to send a missionary or for their pastor to
visit? There is also such a thing as long distance members in some churches.
You can still be a part of a true church and live at a distance. It is not the
best situation but with today's technology you can receive sermons and teaching
via internet or phone or a number of other ways.
Christian, pray for others who need discipleship. There are
many of the Lord's people out there who desire to be taught and to have
fellowship and membership with one of the Lord's churches. If you can help,
don't wait. Let these others know they are in your prayers and offer them
advice in what they seek.
Pray one for another. Seek Christ and His discipleship. As
children of God we should be seeking to be one of those who are in the Bride of
Christ. The Word of God is clear, only those who are faithful in one of the
Lord's churches will be in the Bride of the Son of God.
Praise ye the Lord!!!
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