Yet the story begins not with strategy, travel, or platform—but with a church being led by Jesus in worship, prayer, fasting, and obedience.
Before God does something extraordinary through the church in Antioch, He is doing something essential in them: the Spirit is transforming a people into the likeness of Christ.
Their Christlikeness becomes the evidence of Jesus’ leadership—and it is this Spirit-formed heart that prepares them to send, to go, and to endure opposition with gospel clarity and courage.
The church Jesus leads will always be the church Jesus sends—locally and to the nations—so that the Word is proclaimed and Jesus saves.
Outline
- If Jesus is leading, our church will be Generous & Sacrificial
- With resources (Acts 11:27–30; 12:25)
- With people (Acts 13:1–3)
- If Jesus is leading, our church will be Broad & Welcoming (Acts 13:1, 9)
- If Jesus is leading, our church will be Listening & Dependent (Acts 13:2, 3)
- If Jesus is leading, our church will be Sending & Going (Acts 13:4–12)
- Going—so the lost hear (Acts 13:4–7)
- Persisting—although opposed (Acts 13:8–11)
- Proclaiming—because Jesus saves (Acts 13:12)
Big Idea
Jesus leads His church by His Spirit to become like Him—and a Christ-shaped church will live outward in sacrificial generosity, welcome people broadly, listen in dependent prayer, and go faithfully with the gospel.