I want to exhort you to start being the church wherever you go.
[Acts 11:19-26, 28-30 KJV] “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.”
“And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.”
“Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”
“Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.”
“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar.”
“Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.“
Many of us misconstrue living by faith to mean, attending fellowship meetings. In modern times, beyond attending fellowship, nothing more shows that brethren are saved and being transformed. This is one of the key reasons our faith is not making the necessary impact on our friends, family and society.
The text above shows how the early church made impact in Antioch. The brethren lived the truth and faith. Though they assembled together daily for a whole year, they continued in the fear of the Lord from house to house.
Let us focus on being the church where we live and work. Let us strive to preach the gospel by lifestyle and deeds. We are exhorted not to love in word only but also in deed. If we say we love God, then we must show by action and deeds. This one of the effective ways to reach and save the world. Coming to fellowship empowers and changes you but being the church at home will turn many to the faith.
Until we learn to continue daily in the temple and from house to house; the world will not believe. The world must see us live the life of faith. They continued steadfastly and the city turned to God. I challenge you to start being the church and see the change that comes.
Our lifestyle speaks louder than our messages. Sometimes, our lifestyle is so loud that the world can not hear our message. May the Lord empower us to make the right choices and decisions that reflect the nature and spirit of Christ! May the world around us see the Christ in us! May you become the light of your of world to show light for others. May the grace of God help you to shine brightly!
Stay blessed!
