Acts 11:19-30

What was intended to stamp out Christianity only scattered it. Persecuted in one city, believers fled to others - carrying their faith with them. In Antioch, a new name would be coined for the followers of Jesus. They would be called "Christians," meaning the Christ-like-ones.

The word Christian has become worn down by cultural meanings.

For some it means belonging to a certain religious institution or a cultural life-style.

Going back to its first clear-cut image, "Christian" means being Christ-like.

If you call yourself a "Christian," are you Christ-like?

CONTINUITY: the Work of Ministering in New Areas (vv. 19-21).

Every new growth is the outcome of earlier growth: "Scattered by the persecution...."

Growth comes by reaching out in new ways.

Growth always manifests itself in new ways; linked to the previous but always independent.

Growth in the Church recognizes the unity of the Church along with the variety of the Spirit’s gifts and methods.

Unity: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bod of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all...." (Eph. 4:3-6).

Variety: God "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service" (Eph. 4:11-12).

The method of the Spirit’s operation is that of diversity, while He is the unifying life of the Church.

The hands of God are tied by an unwillingness to be used by His Spirit.

"The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord," (v. 21).

CONFIRMATION: The Work of Encouragement & Teaching (vv. 22-24).

God’s grace is seen in the equipping ministry of spiritual gifts. God equips His Church to produce Christ-like characters.

Barnabas was sent to "encourage them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts" (v. 23).

The spiritual eye looked for evidence of God’s grace.

Barnabas exemplified the Christian life for them (v. 24).

CONSOLIDATION: The Work of Restoration (vv. 25-26).

In no ministry is the Church more Christian than in its work of redemptive restoration.

The Church is deeply indebted to those who dedicate themselves to see others grow spiritually.

Because of their redemptive ministry the disciples at Antioch were first called Christians.

COOPERATION: The Work of Relief (vv. 27-30).

The width of their vision saw the Church as a whole.

In belonging to Christ we belong to one another.

Has not Jesus said, "All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another" (John 13:35).

The sign of maturity is reaching out to help others.

No adequate picture can ever be drawn of Christianity without it’s flowing spontaneous, joyful generosity.

Every Christian service today is a continuation of something which has gone before. But there must be freedom from the restraint of the past, freedom from interference of traditions. Growth must be under the impulse and inspiration of the Spirit.

The essentials of unity are: One Lord to be preached; one faith to be exercised; one baptism, that of the Spirit, to be received; one God to be glorified. If you take the name Christian, don’t forget that you bear the name of Christ. Are you Christ-like?