MEETING AGENDA
- OPENING PRAYER – Ask one person to open the meeting in prayer.
- GROWTH QUESTIONS – Ask everyone the Growth Questions.
- ATTENDANCE – Take attendance through the DG Attendance System.
- TODAY’S LESSON – Go over this week’s DG lesson.
- GIVING – Encourage everyone to give on the App.
- CLOSING PRAYER – Ask for prayer requests and pray.
LEADING PEOPLE TO JESUS WILL FILL YOUR LIFE WITH JOY!
TODAY’S PASSAGE:
Acts 11:19-24 (NLT) – 19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. 22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
- The believers were facing heavy persecution for being followers of Jesus Christ.
- They were forced to flee to other surrounding cities, outside of their comfort zone.
- When they arrived in these other cities, they began preaching about Jesus, and it caused a major wave of salvation among the people.
- One major city they arrived at was called Antioch, which was known for its business and immorality.
- The spiritual condition of the people of Antioch and the immoral lives they were living were perfect for the redemptive power of the gospel.
- Persecution and trials sometimes take us to places we never planned, but the Power of the Holy Spirit can minister through us to reach people we never expected.
Genesis 50:20 NIV – You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
- The persecution of the church ended up being the reason the church grew!
- As a believer, we have seen the power of God at work in our lives when we were born again and saved!
- Those that have been transformed have a responsibility to testify how their life has been changed by Jesus.
Mark 16:15 NLT – And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
- When believers are sharing the Gospel with others, they are operating in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- This is our greatest mission in life: telling others about Jesus
- When we are operating in our purpose to bring others to Jesus, we will be filled with great joy, like Barnabas was.
- Barnabas was a leader in the church who was known for being a good man, an encourager, being full of the Spirit, and having great faith!
- Because of his example and leadership, he was able to lead even more people to Jesus!
- We can learn from Barnabas. Not only should we TALK about Jesus but we should also WALK like Jesus!
- Telling others about Jesus is not enough if we are living worldly lifestyles.
Matthew 5:16 NLT – In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
- People are watching us, and they want to see the evidence that Jesus is real through your lifestyle!
- When they see this, they will be encouraged to trust your testimony as proof that God is real and desires a relationship with them.