What does it look like to be a faithful Church? In the book of Acts, the Church of Antioch is known for its faithfulness in doctrine, piety, and mission.
The Church at Antioch was faithful in their devotion to the Lord, in their commitment to missions, and their unity in sound doctrine. The Church prayed, fasted, and sought God's will together and did this when they commissioned Barnabas and Saul for their missionary journey. They taught and studied God's word even when it meant addressing tough and potentially divisive doctrinal issues. And they witnessed to the word about Jesus wherever they were scattered.
A faithful church is like a three-legged stool; it is committed to Doctrine, Piety, and Mission without emphasizing one to the neglect of the others. May we likewise be committed to in our devotion to the Lord, to truth in doctrine, and to obedience in the great commission.
Application Questions
What do people want in a "good" church today?
In Acts 11:19-20, 23, 26, what birthed the Church at Antioch? Who was saying what to whom and under what circumstances?
In Acts 13:1-3 and 14:24-28, what work did the Church at Antioch send Barnabas and Saul to do (see Acts 14:24-28)?
In Acts 13:1-3, how would you describe the Church's devotional life? Is there anything surprising about how they made decisions?
In Acts 15:1-2, 22, how did the Church deal with theological disputes?
Scriptures for Further Study Isaiah 12:2-6; Titus 2:1-15; Colossians 1:9-14; Deuteronomy 6:4-9
