In previous sermons in this series, we learned that by faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ Gentiles enter into the family of God. Gentiles were baptized with the Holy Spirit and therefore they shared equal status with Jews in the community of faith.

What an astonishing thing for Jews to understand. But it was a clearly the plan of God.

So, the door opened to Gentile ministry to the end of the earth. But how would they walk through that door? How would that happen?

God would use the mouths of his people and the proclamation of the gospel message as the way the gospel would go forth. In this passage well see the ministry base begin to move north. A new church was born in Antioch. It would be one of the most significant churches ever to exist

The message for us is this: The grace of God through the proclamation of the gospel creates churches that are steadfast in their faithfulness to the Lord. The birth of the church in Antioch sets forth principles for us and challenges us to become more steadfast and effective in our faith, service, and mission for Jesus.

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