MAY 19 Fri.

The Age of the Missions' Movement of the Church at Antioch (Acts 11) and My 24 Hours

Acts 11:19-30 / Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. (19)

Hymn #546 Standing on the Promises (Unified Hymn 399)

The evangelism and prayers that you hold onto for the sake of the covenant will never be in vain. People within difficulties gathered and raised the Church at Antioch. Later, God sent Paul on this time schedule. This Church at Antioch began the first missions' movement. When this part is realized, "24" will take place. There are reasons why tribulations and difficulties occur. God will surely bless you because of world missions. (Acts 11:19~30) To the Israelites who faced troubles, God declared, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." (Isaiah 55:8-9) Those who understood those words eventually evangelized Babylon. For those who possess the covenant, tribulations are opportunities; greater doors; opportunities for renewal; and new turning points. How did the Church at Antioch receive those answers?

1. Those Which Were Lost Hold of
The Church at Antioch knew that the Jewish people and religion had lost hold of missions and the Gospel. It also knew that because of Rome evangelization, the nation of Israel had to be colonized by Rome. In addition, it knew about Satan's strategy of Genesis 3; 6; and 11 and the reasons for Christ; God's Kingdom; and "only Holy Spirit."

2. Experiences
The members of the Church at Antioch realized what happened on Calvary, knew the covenant from the Mt. of Olives, and experienced the power of Mark's upper room. That's why when others ran away because of tribulations, the members of the Church at Antioch gathered.

3. A Time Schedule
They also knew of a time schedule given by God. "The persecution in connection with Stephen," was that time schedule. God broke Paul down and allowed him to meet Barnabas. At that time, God's time schedule began, and a team that would do Rome evangelization was formed.

In doing so, unprecedented and never-repeated answers came. There weren't any greater blessings than "The Lord's hand was with them," "The grace of the Lord was seen," and "A great number of disciples gathered together." Although there was a worldwide famine, God still blessed the members of the Church at Antioch and allowed them to give offerings to the Jerusalem Church. This blessing will come to you as well.

[Covenantal Prayer] Dear God, may today be the day when I'm clothed with new grace; receive new grace; and see the things that belong to You. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen.