The Gospel which was initially preached to the Jews was now being preached to the Gentiles (1 John 3:1). It was against the law for Jews to associate with the Gentiles, which caused anger among the Jews. Yet Peter did not let go of the mandate and contended with the Jews, explaining the heavenly vision of the Gospel being preached to the Gentiles.

Part I:
‘Being Obedient to the Heavenly Vision’
Speaker: Rev Benedict Rajan

The Jews contended against Peter’s heavenly vision to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Peter did not let go of the vision.

“Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11:1-4, 9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

1. Do not let anyone or anything steal your dream or call from God. Do not abort the call of God. We may be delayed but not derailed. We may be delayed but not denied. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

2. Your vision, dream, and prophecies are the reality of God’s purpose and prophetic destiny over your life. (Philippians 1:6, Jeremiah 32:17)

Part II: The Grace of God to All
Speaker: Pastor Derrick

This move of God started with Cornelius, a centurion and Gentile. The Jews were angry with Peter’s association with the Gentiles. Cornelius was a God fearing man that helped others. Yet he was still lost and wasn’t saved. Many people believe in the existence of God but only by faith in Christ Jesus can they be saved.

“But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11:4-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

God asked Peter to follow Cornelius’s messengers to meet him in Acts 10 in order to preach the Gospel (Acts 10: 28). How willing are we to obey God without question? This also reveals that God is impartial to all and willing to save all by grace regardless of culture, race or background. (Acts 10: 34)

Everyone and anyone can experience this amazing grace by placing their faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9)

There is only two criteria to experience this grace: the confession of the mouth and faith in Jesus.

“And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Gentiles experienced the same outpouring of the Holy Spirit as in the days of pentecost.

“When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The people against Peter now were silent as the move of God broke out among the Gentiles.

Part III: ‘Barnabas the Encourager’

Speaker: Pastor Crystaline.

“Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11:22-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Barnabas wasn’t initially called Barnabas. His name was changed by the apostles because he was an encourager, a man who walked in his identity and calling, filled with the Holy Spirit.

Imagine walking so powerfully in your identity and calling that others call you by that name. He was key in bringing many into salvation. Barnabas served well and encouraged others powerfully.

We are contending for the move of God, like the Book of Acts, and that many would walk powerfully in their identity and call.

Barnabas had certain characteristics because of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

1. Barnabas was always looking for a way to uplift and encourage others.

2. Barnabas was the biggest support system to the church.

3. Barnabas was willing to look past Paul’s past as Saul and stood with him as he helped connect Paul to the the apostles.

God wants us to do the same for others and call people into their place. That we would become secure in our identity and calling. Who are you and who did God intend you to be?

Part IV: ‘Give According to your Ability’
Speaker: Pastor Sebastian

As persecution broke out among the believers, the Gospel was being preached and the church was growing. They sent Barnabas to encourage the body of Christ as the work continued to grow.

Barnabas met Saul/Paul and brought him to Antioch, which further built the body of Christ among the Gentiles. This was the first time they were called Christians.

When they heard word from a prophet of a famine coming, these new believers sent aid.

Two key words to draw from this text:
Kingdom mentality and generosity.

This was a principal among the believers that none would go without anything.

How do we apply all this to our lives? The call to action for the famine in the text can apply to the time of this pandemic too.

The disciples put on generosity in the time of the famine.

“Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We as disciples are called to give according to our own ability. Everyone has an ability. What are we called to give to according to our ability, with Kingdom mentality and generosity? It’s not limited to just finances but even praying for others, encouraging others, teaching the Bible etc.

Ask the Holy Spirit what ability you have to give. The moment you give your ability to God, He will give back to you. (Philippians 4:19)