DCLM Higher Everyday 12 March 2024 — God’s Generals
Topic: God’s Generals
Text: Acts 13:1-2
1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Key Verse: “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ” (Acts 13:1).
Message
Some countries of the world have old and new capitals, the United States of America moved from New York to Washington D.C., Nigeria in Africa moved from Lagos to Abuja. Jerusalem was the headquarters of the New Testament early Church. The twelve apostles endured persecution there yet often sent moral and spiritual help to the brethren in diaspora.
The church in Antioch was raised up by those Christians who fled Jerusalem during the fierce persecution. They were anointed believers who kept preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere (Acts 8:1-4, 11:19-21). Through unity and manifestation of diverse gifts by the believers, that church grew in numerical strength. Our text today mentions some of its key leaders who can be described as God’s generals. They include prophets and teachers such as: Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul. From them the gospel spread to all Asia. They were able to hear the Holy Spirit speak to them to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work of missions. Pray for spiritual maturity and Holy Spirit daily guidance for His servants.
Quote: Anointed believers who kept preaching
Challenge: Pray to be among God’s generals.
Prayer for today: Lord, make me a vibrant preacher, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
