06.13.2021 | KINGDOM PRIORITIES
KINGDOM PRIORITIES
Proverbs 29:18a (KJV) – “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Vision of Joy Church – An intergenerational, multicultural army of Spirit-filled worshippers who know their identity in Christ and walk in His authority and power.
Acts 13:1-3 (NLT) – “Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called ‘the black man’), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.’ So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”
1. Embrace Diversity
Acts 13:1 (NLT) – “Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called ‘the black man’), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul.”
Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV) – “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
2. Prioritize Worship
Acts 13:2a – “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted…”
Word from the Lord for Joy: “If you will worship Me, I will supply all you ever need.”
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.”
The secret to worship is hearts that love Jesus and are open to Him.
3. Be Led By The Spirit
Acts 13:2 – “One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.’”
Acts 8:29 – “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join this chariot.’”
Acts 10:19a – “While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him…”
Acts 11:12a – “The Spirit told me to go with them.”
Matthew 4:1a – “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit.”
4. Reach The Nations
Acts 13:3-5 – “So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. So, Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the Word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant.”
Matthew 28:19-20a – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
Discussion Questions:
1. Does your relational sphere reflect the diversity of leadership in the church of Antioch?
2. Do you pursue worship/ministry to the Lord and fasting as the pathway to God’s direction?
3. Are you willing to prioritize God’s direction above your comfort or the well-being of those in the community around you?
4. What does reaching the nations look like for you? Do you think this might look different in your future than it did in your past?