July 26 – Antioch
It never ceases to amaze me how our Father can take, what may be considered, unconnected or seemingly random things in our lives and create this beautiful masterpiece that is His Plan and perfect timing. When I was asked to write this blog over a month ago, I had no idea what Pastor Daniel’s sermon would be about or what exactly would transpire in my life over that short amount of time. I have to be honest and say that I have been a little apprehensive about doing this, but our God is faithful and never fails to remind me of His promise in Isaiah 51:16, “I have put my words in your mouth…”.
The word that Pastor Daniel brought to us today hit very close to home for me, you see, I had the amazing privilege to be part of the 18 member mission team that you sent to South Africa on July 11-22. It was a trip that will absolutely change each of the team’s lives either in calling, awareness or many other ways that the Lord has determined.
This morning, Pastor Daniel spoke about the sending church of Antioch (Acts 13:1-3) and what it looks like to be a sending church. He spoke about 4 specific characteristics of a sending church.
#1: Hunger – A desperate, burning, searching hunger. A hunger that says, “I need you, God, I desire you, above anything and everything in my life.” A worshipful hunger, that invites His absolute, constant Presence in every area of our lives. A hunger where we discipline ourselves to a physical fasting, whether that is food, TV, internet, movies, whatever takes us out of His Presence. Is there a hunger in me and you for God? Have we stepped away from that intentional life of daily, hourly, minute by minute seeking God’s Presence and guidance?
#2: Listening – Acts 13:2 “…the Holy Spirit said…” The Holy Spirit is always speaking to us, are we listening? Are we intentionally cultivating a relationship with the Father so that we are able to recognize His voice? Are we ignoring what He is saying to us? I confess that this is an area that the Father has to work with me on quite often! I can be so stubborn sometimes, which so often gets me into trouble. But once again, thank God, He is always faithful and keeps working on me until I listen to what He is saying to me. How much easier, though, would it be for me to just listen and obey Him in the beginning?! To fully enjoy what He has in store for us we must be willing to give up whatever He asks of us. Are you willing to do that? Am I?
#3: Prayer – Prayer will mark a church that is sending, listening, talking and checking. What is going on in our prayer lives? Is it intentional, seeking, listening? Is it a one-sided conversation (me->God), or a two-sided conversation (God<->me)?
#4: Sending – A sending church is not content just to worship God, it also listens and does something. Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” We are all called to “go” at some point. For some, this means supporting or getting out of your “comfort zone”, for others this means moving and/or giving up everything and everyone that you know to do what God wants you to do. Wherever God calls us, we can be assured that the safest place to be is right where He asks us to be, in the center of His Will. Who knows what God can and will do in our lives if we will just obey! Sometimes it is difficult to obey, but God will make it all worth it in the end!
God has a specific, personal plan for each and every one of us! We are all called to live intentionally and on purpose. Ephesians 1:11 “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” In Christ, we are chosen, predestined and purposed in His will! So, what is your calling? What has God set you apart for? The Heavenly Father calls us by name, sets us apart, and has a plan and a purpose specifically for each and every one of us! Wow, how amazing is our Father??!!! Praise His Holy Name!!!
In Christ,
Debbie Eason