Unstoppable: God’s Plan For Multiplication

How God Can Use You

“Have you ever thought back on the ways that your past played a part in getting you where you are now?”

The Early Church’s Expansion

• Thousands of Jews following Jesus in Jerusalem
• Spiritual awakening in Gentile cities like Damascus and Antioch
• Consistent message: Turn from sin, follow Jesus, be baptized

The Church in Antioch

[Acts 13:1-3] “Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called ‘the black man’), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.’ So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”

• The first multi-ethnic church in history
• Leaders from diverse backgrounds: Jewish, African, Greek, wealthy class, and Roman citizen

Three Key Principles

1. God Interrupts our Routines with Opportunities
   • Regular worship, prayer, and fasting were part of believers’ routines
   • God speaks in the midst of our faithfulness

“It’s in the walking WITH God that we hear from Him.”

2. God Leverages our Assets as Tools
   • Saul and Barnabas chosen for their unique backgrounds
   • God uses our past experiences and skills for His purposes

“None of my life is scripted! The whole thing is staying engaged with God.”

3. God Launches You back to where you’re from
   • Barnabas sent to Cyprus, his home
   • Paul sent to Asia Minor, near his hometown

[Acts 13:4] “So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.”

The First Missionary Journey

• Traveling through prominent towns
• Consistent message of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and call to repentance
• Facing opposition and persecution
• Return to Antioch after approximately two years (AD 46-48)

Application

1. Engage as a follower of Jesus
   • Worship, pray, fast, give, and serve
   • “It’s impossible to steer a parked car”
2. Identify what you bring to the table
   • Use your skills and experiences for God’s kingdom
   • Think creatively and outside the box
3. Embrace the Gospel message
   • Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead
   • Grace is received through repentance, not earned

[Galatians 3:26-27] “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.”

Conclusion

God can use anyone who is willing to engage with Him, leverage their unique experiences and skills, and be ready to go where He sends them. Your past has prepared you for God’s purpose in your life.