BUILDING A CHURCH FOR TODAY’S GENERATION
BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE CHURCH

OCTOBER 17, 2021
Acts 11:19-30 & 13:1-3

The Book of Acts has been called “The Tale of Three Cities.” It begins with the mighty wonders in the City of Jerusalem. Then the activity shifts to the almost unknown city of Antioch. As The Book of Acts closes, the center of witness seems to be the City of Rome, where Paul writes his letters to the churches. Today we will study Antioch, an example of God’s Mission for a Great Church.

Characteristics of an Effective Church

1. Antioch was a frontier Church.
Acts 11:10-20 – Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene went to the Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.

Three Distinct Happenings:
Phillip’s witness to Samaritans.
Peter called to Cornelius the Gentile.
The Church goes to the Gentiles.

Attitude: Makes all the difference.

2. Antioch was an evangelistic Church.
Acts 11:20-21 – Telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

3. Antioch was a fruitful Church.
Acts 11:23-24 – When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord.

4. Antioch was a discipled Church.
Acts 11:24-26 – For a whole year, Barnabas and Saul met with the Church and taught great numbers of people.

5. Antioch was a generous Church.
Acts 11:27-30 – The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide for the brothers living in Judea.

6. Antioch was a worshipping Church.
Acts 13:1-2 – While they were worshipping.

7. Antioch was a foreign mission Church.
Acts 3:3 – So after they fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them.

Why We Believe in Foreign Missions:
God sent His Son into the world.
Christ must be brought to the world.
Jesus commanded the Church to go into the world.
I can’t be content till all know.
We must have a world vision.