Being Built up

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:19-26

Propagation
Persecution brings propagation.
As believers spread out to other places with the word in their heart and mouth, others come to believe which is God’s will. We saw this at work in Acts 9 as Paul himself armed with warrants (wasted) dragged Christians from their beds and prayer meetings, paraded them like criminals. We see this happening even today in Islamic countries as Christians are tortured for their beliefs, sent to prison, denied basic privileges or even killed by public execution or by arson or other violent means. Nevertheless, God was using the persecution to bring about the propagation of the Good news according to the Word: 'All things work together for the good of those who love God and who are called according to His purposes.' (Rom.8:28) The Church grew in number and from strength to strength.



. Promotion.
As the news reached the Apostles in Jerusalem the sent missionaries like Barnabas to go and comfort, charge and challenge the new believers Hence we can see that those who were students of the word were now sent as teachers and ambassadors of the Gospel in distant fields;charging, challeging and comforting them. We can see promotion at work as the believers remained faithful to the Lord.

Students became teachers and converts became students. This led to
consolidation as they are taught the solid foundational teachings such as:
1. faith towards God,
2. Salvation;
3. Church and church attendance,
4. giving to God,
5. service (ministry);
6. baptism;
7. the Holy Spirit,
8. the word of God;
9. prayer;
10. communion;
11. evangelism (witnessing)
12. Your Local Church- history; vision (Reach people, raise disciples; release ministries)






Consolidation
Furthermore, as the apostles ministered to the new believers and others who took the good news to them, there was consolidation. It is essential that every believer is grounded in the faith they have believed, knowing the foundational teachings and applying them to their lives so that they are not easily swayed or blown to and fro by false winds of doctrine.

This is the practice in many strong, vibrant churches these days. They have about 10-12 weeks of continuous teachings on these key subjects or core beliefs of the church for new believers and those who have just joined the church to ensure that there is a common ground for all the believers. This is essential before they join any ministry in the Church as is the case in my Church.

They have opportunity whilst attending these classes to ask questions to clarify any areas of doubts on doctrinal matters; to know where the Church is coming from and where it is going and make informed and quality decision as to whether they can buy into the vision and support it in every way possible.

When I joined the Church I currently attend I had to go through 12 weeks solid foundational teachings outlines above. Each of the lessons lasted for one hour (usually done on Sunday evening 6-7pm). Certificates were given at the end of the course based on attendance. A video was also shown of the early days of the Church and how far we have come and where we are going.

Also noteworthy in this passage is that this was the first place the disciples were called Christians. We need to remind ourselves that the word Christian only appears only twice in the Bibles and that we were called to be disciples; not mere Christians. Besides, there are many who would call themselves Christians today because they may have said a sinners’ prayer or because their parents were Christians or because they attended a Church. This does not necessarily make them disciples, which was what Jesus commanded. The word ‘Christian’ is very looses in its meaning and may not involve commitment - a far cry from what the Lord expects from us. We must aspire to become disciples- not just Christians- moving from salvation to conversion and from conversion to consecration.



Hence the anointing attracts attack and persecution as we see from this passage but the apostles refused to be distracted. They sent missionaries (men with a good reputation full of the Holy Spirit and full of faith) out to the places were the believers were driven to, resulting in propagation, promotion and consolidation.

Evident also is Barnabas’ ministry to Paul who was rejected by others on account of his past hideous record against believers. And although Barnabas may not have written books like Paul, he certainly had a part in their writing as he took it upon himself to encourage the writer of our all-time best sellers.

You may not have a great singing or writing ministry but you can be called to encourage those who are called to these or other ministries. Remain faithful in your calling and God will bless you abundantly.
And may your persecution lead to your propagation, promotion, consolidation and consecration in Jesus’ name.

Medication4Meditation

Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.2Pet3:18

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.2 Pet1:2

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.Tit1:9
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.2Tim4:2
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:2Tim3:16

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;2Tim4:3
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.1Tim4:16


Hebrews 5:11-6:2 (New King James Version)
11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
Spiritual Immaturity

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 6
The Peril of Not Progressing
1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Heb.5:11-6:2

Fenny wrote:Hence the anointing attracts attack and persecution as we see from this passage but the apostles refused to be distracted.

I agree and it is so real and we can also see it happening in our lives. Satan attacks us when start getting closer to God but these attacks make a believer stronger in faith and prayers.

Thank you very much,thirsty, for your your contribution and response.

We need to go through things to become something for God. Suffering is part of the package of salvation although it does not sound musical yet it is God's way of moving us higher and making us better.