Celebration CA '24 - Session 5

Sermon Notes: The Church at Antioch: Obedience and Identity

Scripture References: Acts 11:19-30, Acts 13:1-3, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 14, 2 Corinthians 5, 1 Timothy, 1 & 2 Timothy, Proverbs 4, Proverbs 31, Hebrews 12, Romans 8, Revelation 2, Revelation 19, Ezekiel 37

Intro:

• Recap of previous sermons on the church at Antioch.
• The church at Antioch as a model for us.
• This sermon focuses on obedience and identity, drawing lessons from the Antioch church and other scriptures.

Key Points:

• The Church at Antioch:
  • Evangelistically bold, multi-ethnic, generous, disciplined, and Spirit-led.
  • Emphasis on the importance of these qualities for the church today.
• Obedience and Identity:
  • The tension: following Jesus's commands vs. pursuing personal desires.
  • The call to obedience: "Do whatever he says."
  • Obedience as a key to experiencing God's presence and power.
• The Church's Identity:
  • We are the church, called to be a dwelling place for God.
  • Built on the foundation of Christ, the cornerstone (Ephesians 2).
  • The importance of understanding our identity in Christ.
• Examples of Obedience in the Bible:
  • Jesus's obedience, a model for us.
  • The disciples following Jesus, even when it was difficult.
  • The church in Antioch, responding to the Spirit's leading.
• The Call to Obedience:
  • Obedience is not optional, but a command from Jesus.
  • It is an expression of our love for God (John 14:15).
  • It is necessary for experiencing God's blessings and fulfilling His mission.
• The Importance of Unity:
  • Unity is not sameness, but togetherness under Jesus.
  • The church should be a place where all are welcome and valued.
  • We are called to cooperate with one another and submit to God's leadership.
• The Pursuit of God's Glory:
  • The church's mission: to glorify God by making disciples.
  • We must be intentional about our pursuit of God and His glory.
  • God's glory is the ultimate goal, and our lives should reflect that.

Conclusion:

• The church at Antioch provides a model for us in its commitment to obedience and its pursuit of God's glory.
• We are called to be a church that reflects Christ's love, unity, and mission.
• Obedience is essential for experiencing God's presence and fulfilling His purposes.

Call to Action:

• Examine your own heart: are you obeying God's commands?
• Seek to know God more deeply and understand His will.
• Pursue unity with other believers.
• Be active in God's mission to glorify Himself.
• Surrender to His leadership and trust in His plan.