(SERMON OUTLINE)
                             
THE CHURCH - GOD’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:1-3).

We have noticed that Christ built the church, it was built upon Him. It is the kingdom. The apostles were given inspiration called “keys of the kingdom”. The church is where we solve all our problems. The church was established on the first Pentecost after the resurrection and ascension as recorded in Acts 2 and the save were added to it. The church consisted of people that feared God. When scattered by persecution they went every where preaching the word. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to strengthen the disciples. The church at Antioch assembled showing that assembling to worship and teach is important. The church is a powerhouse of prayer as shown when Peter was in prison as recorded in Acts 12. Today we notice that the church is God’s missionary society. There have been many man concocted societies formed to carry out the preaching of the gospel, making Bibles for distribution, to act in caring for the hungry, naked, and otherwise needy people of the world, and for other phases of these activities. However when it comes to the mission of carrying the gospel to the world THE CHURCH IS TO BE THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

            I. THE CHURCH IS TO SPONSER MISSIONARIES.

1. The Holy Spirit made it plain that Saul and Barnabas needed separating for the work they had been called to do.
            A. When Christ appeared to Saul He made it plain that he had called him to preach to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:17, 18).
            B. Barnabas had been sent by the church at Jerusalem with the same mission in view (Acts 11:22).
            C. The church at Antioch becomes a great missionary radiating point sponsoring Paul and Barnabas and later others as well to carry the gospel all over the known world.
            D. This church fasted, prayed, laid their hands on them (which indicated their approval and asking God’s blessings upon them), and sent them away.
              1) Saul and Barnabas went away with the approval of
            this congregation.
            2) They were also sent away with the support of this
            congregation. Galatians 6:6 – “Let him that is taught in the
            word communicated unto him that teacheth in all good
            things.”
            3) Other congregations also joined in this support as is
            seen in Philippians 4:15-17.
            4) Thereafter all the mission work done by Paul
            originated from Antioch of Syria. They were his
            sponsoring church.

            II. GOD CALLS THE CHURCH TO CARRY THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD.

Mark 16:15, 16.
                1. This starts in the community in which the church is found and extends beyond to the whole world.
            2. Various forms of this work are to be done. Teams of personal teachers can be sent out. Evangelists can be sent. etc.

            III. IT INVOLVES GOSPEL PREACHING.

            1. Nothing substitutes for this.Romans10:6-18. 1) We can’t bring Christ down from heaven or up from the abyss to teach us. 2) The word is near even in the hearts of the teachers. 3) People must believe and confess to be saved. 4) They cannot do this without gospel preaching so they can hear, believe and obey the gospel. 5) Faith only comes by word of God. vs. 17.
                2. An example is given in Acts 13:6-37. 1) First Paul asked for their attention. 2) He pointed out that Israel was the chosen people of God who were brought out of Egypt, 40 yrs. in wilderness, given Palestine, given Judges to deliver, given Saul as king but he was taken away, and David given. Of David’s seed Christ the savior came. 3) John declared him greater than he. 4) Rulers of Jews condemned him and killed him. 5) God raised him up and he was seen many days. He was declared His Son, and the promises to David are fulfilled through Him. 6) Through Jesus Christ is forgiveness of sins. 7) He warned them not to refuse him because the prophets had foreseen that many would.
                3. This gospel preaching so stirred up the people that the entire city came together to hear Paul the next Sabbath day. 1) The Jews judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life. 2) Many of the Gentiles believed glorifying the word of the Lord.

            IV. IT INVOLVED EDIFYING

Acts 14:21, 22. 1) “Continue in the faith.” People can a) fall from it Hebrews 3:12. b) Be deceived by false teachers 2 Corinthians 11:2, 3 –“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”  c) People can also neglect it Hebrews 2:3

            V. IT INVOLVED ORDAINING ELDERS IN THE CHURCHES.

 Acts 14:23. 1) All churches should have elders.
           
            VI. IT INVOLVES REPORTING BACK TO THE SPONSERING CHURCH.

  Acts 14:26. 1. To give the good news of successes. 2. To show the needs of the brethren left behind. 3. To plan for work in other fields.

CONCLUSION
1. We are discussing the greatest institution on the earth and the greatest work on the earth.
2. All saved people are in it and all people are invited to be saved so they also can be in it.  

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