Sermon Tone Analysis

10 Characteristics of an Effective church.

As we enter 2020, these are the qualities that we want to see in our church.

1. Qualified Leadership (1)

Prophets — foretellers and forth-tellers of truth directly from God.

Not in use today.

Prophet — “This is what God says to all.”

Teachers — “This is what God says to you.”

Paul was an Apostle of Jesus Christ.

Both Paul and Barnabas were apostles of Jesus Christ through His church.

The point is they communicated the Word of God.

Antioch was a well taught church.

Because the leadership focused on their calling, the church bean to overflow with ministry until the overflow compelled them to look beyond their own community to reach new communities for Christ.

We are in an exciting position.

For the last 15 years we have poured our lives into grounding the children of this church in the Word of God through homeschooling, Sunday school, preaching, etc.

Over the next 15 years, our children will be able to join us in ministry as well as continue to train up the next generation.

Qualifications to do this work?

2. Diverse Leadership (1)

Barnabas, whom we have already met (Acts 4:36–37; 9:27; 11:22–26); Simeon, who may have been from Africa since he was nicknamed “Black”; Lucius, who came from Cyrene and may have been one of the founders of the church in Antioch (Acts 11:20); Manaen, who was an intimate friend (or perhaps an adopted foster brother) of Herod Antipas, who had killed John the Baptist; and Saul (Paul), last on the list but soon to become first.

plurality of elders.

3. Active Leadership (2)

As priests offered up scarifies of the flesh and blood animals (drain the blood, sprinkle the blood, burn the flesh, rinse the blood, repeat), so we as priest unto God offer up sacrifices of praise to Him.

4. Praying Leadership (2)

fasting — foregoing food fully or partially because of an urgent spiritual concern.

Not going to a banquet (entertainment of the day).

Fasting is not commanded in NT but it is expected.

If you are never concerned about spiritual matters enough to fast, it is time to fast about your lack of concern.

5. Spirit Lead Leadership (2)

God chose the best to move on.

The church may have thought, “Not Barnabas or Saul!”

6. Obedient Leadership (3)

7. Evangelical Missionaries (5)

It was logical to go first to Cyprus, for this was the home of Barnabas (Acts 4:36)

Salamis was a Major trading center.

Proclaimed God’s Word

What do we make, then, of Pope Francis's constant insistence, recently repeated here, and in his meeting with the bishops of Japan this past Saturday, that in an evangelical encounter with those who do not know Christ we must witness to Christ but "not with convictions, not to convince [or persuade], [and] not to proselytize"?

Eduardo J. Echeverria

Barnabas and Paul took John Mark with them as their assistant.

He was a cousin to Barnabas (Col.

4:10), and his mother’s home in Jerusalem was a gathering place for the believers (Acts 12:12)

8. Satanically Opposed (6-8)

Paphos was the capital of Cyprus

magician — one who practices astrology (as apposed to astronomy) and witchcraft.

9. Authoritative (9-11)

10.

Relentless (12-13)

John Mark did something so serious that Paul did not want him back on his “team” again!

(Acts 15:36ff) Later, Paul would enlist Timothy to take John Mark’s place (Acts 16:1–5).

John Mark did redeem himself and was eventually accepted and approved by Paul (2 Tim.

4:11).