Scripture also says that by the authority of Jesus people would be told to turn to God and change the way they think and act so that their sins will be forgiven. This would be told to people from all nations, beginning in the city of Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things.
Luke 24:44-48 (GW)
JERUSALEM WAS THE FIRST GREAT CHURCH PLANTING CHURCH
Peter said much more to warn them. He urged, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted what Peter said were baptized. That day about 3,000 people were added to the group… The disciples were devoted to the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer… The believers had a single purpose…
Acts 2:40-42, 46 (GWT)
ANTIOCH WAS THE SECOND GREAT CHURCH PLANTING CHURCH
NOTE: Acts 13:1–3; 14:26; 15:32–33, 36–40; 18:22–23
The Jerusalem Church seemed compelled to plant by persecution.
The Antioch Church seemed compelled to plant by purpose.
THE CROSSINGS WILL BE A GREAT CHURCH PLANTING CHURCH…
1. IF WE IMITATE THE JERUSALEM AND ANTIOCH CHURCHES
The believers were scattered by the persecution that began when Stephen was killed. Some of them went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. They told the Good News in these places, but only to Jews.
Acts 11:19 (ERV)
…the gospel we brought did not come to you in words only, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. Indeed, you know what kind of people we proved to be while we were with you, acting on your behalf. You became imitators of us and of the Lord...
1 Thessalonians 1:5. 6a (ISV)
2. IF WE MODEL THEIR DISCIPLE MAKING EFFECTIVENESS
When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to help the new converts.
Acts 11:22 (TLB)
The church in Antioch had grown strong, with many prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (a dark man from Central Africa), Lucius (from Cyrene in North Africa), Manaen (a member of Herod’s governing council), and Saul.
Acts 13:1 (VOICE)
As a result, you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. From you the word of the Lord has spread out not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place where your faith in God has become known. As a result, we do not need to say anything about it.
1 Thessalonians 1:7, 8 (ISV)
3. IF WE TRANSITION FROM “WE” TO I.
NOTE: Planting disciple-making churches requires disciple makers.
And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)
Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you and shown you…
Philippians 4:9a (Phillips)
In my first book[a] I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach.
Acts 1:1a (NLT)
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)
NOTE: It is hard to imitate a church, but easy to imitate an individual.
Am I a devoted to Christ’s commission disciple?
the church at Jerusalem … sent Barnabas.
Acts 11:22a (LB)
Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to hunt for Paul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch; and both of them stayed there for a full year teaching the many new converts.
Acts 11:26 (TLB)
O Israel, my people! How I long for you to come to Christ. My heart is heavy within me, and I grieve bitterly day and night because of you. Christ knows and the Holy Spirit knows that it is no mere pretense when I say that I would be willing to be forever damned if that would save you.
Romans 9:3 (TLB)
Am I an excited, joyful disciple?
When he arrived and saw the wonderful things God was doing, he was filled with excitement and joy… Acts 11:23a (TLB)
Am I an encouraging disciple?
…and encouraged the believers to stay close to the Lord, whatever the cost.
Acts 11:23b (LB)
Am I an imitable disciple?
Barnabas was a good person, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. As a result, large numbers of people were added to the Lord.
Acts 11:24 (LB)
The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Acts 11:26b (NIV)