Our Identity as Game Changers
LCC exists because of the faithfulness of the church in Antioch. Because the church in Antioch lived as game changers in their context, we have been given the opportunity to live as game changers in our context.
KEY VERSES
ACTS 11:19-21 (NASB)
19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
ACTS 11:22-24 (NASB)
22 The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.
ACTS 11:25-30 (NASB)
And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. 27 Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. 30 And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders.
UNDERSTANDING
This passage begins by referencing the persecution associated with Stephen’s death. What do you know about the death of Stephen and the impact this had on the church (see Acts 7:54-8:3)?
Identify the two groups who were scattered and with whom they shared the gospel. Why was this significant?
Why is it significant that verse 21 says that “the hand of the Lord was with them”? Why was this important in connection to their living as game changers? Why is this important for us today?
From verse 21, we see that when God’s people went, large numbers turned and followed Jesus. What does this truth remind you about your purpose in life? About our purpose as a church? How does impact the way you view difficulties and challenges?
Why did the church in Jerusalem send Barnabas to investigate what was happening in Antioch
What do we learn about Barnabas’s character in these verses? What about him led the church at Jerusalem to select him to be their reporter?
Considering the impact Barnabas had already had in the new church, why is our ongoing spiritual growth and discipleship crucial for the advancement of the kingdom of God?
Why did Barnabas go get Saul? What does this teach us about the ministry of making disciples?
Pastor Jeff told us that game changers grow and give. How do you see these principles in this passage?
Where do you currently feel God calling you to grow and give? How might you lean into the truth of the gospel, recognizing it as the ultimate game changer?
Where is God calling you to reach out, grow, or give in response to today’s study? Why does living as game changers require this of us?
How might attending a CORE class, joining a Bible study, or plugging into a ministry area encourage you to live as a game change with LCC? How does community and the support of others lead us to greater faithfulness to the Lord?
Who will you seek to begin a conversation about the gospel with this week? How will you seek the Lord’s hand upon you as you enter into this opportunity?
APPLICATION
Where is God calling you to reach out, grow, or give in response to today’s study? Why does living as game changers require this of us?
How might attending a CORE class, joining a Bible study, or plugging into a ministry area encourage you to live as a game change with LCC? How does community and the support of others lead us to greater faithfulness to the Lord? Who will you seek to begin a conversation about the gospel with this week? How will you seek the Lord’s hand upon you as you enter into this opportunity?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.