December 8, 2024 • Tom Messer • Matthew 28:19–20, 2 Corinthians 9:6–7, Acts 11:19–30, Acts 13:1–4
In this powerful message, we're called to reflect on what it means to be an extraordinary church. The book of Acts, particularly chapters 11 and 13, paints a vivid picture of the church in Antioch - a model of spiritual vibrancy and impact. This church was saturated with the Holy Spirit, committed to biblical teaching, and marked by diversity and balance. As we delve into this scripture, we're challenged to consider: Are we allowing God's Word to shape us more than the surrounding culture? Are we 'cleaving' to the Lord and to our church community with unshakeable commitment? The transformation of the Antioch believers was so profound that they were first called 'Christians' there - a testament to how closely they resembled Christ. This prompts us to examine our own lives: Is our identity primarily rooted in our cultural background, or in our spiritual growth? Let's aspire to be a church where the Spirit moves so powerfully that our lives are visibly transformed, making us unmistakably Christ-like in our community.
