The Evangelical Christian

The Christian Community Comes Alive
Giving Bold Testimony

Trusting the Spirit

Acts 11:19-26  The Message

^19-21 Those who had been scattered by the persecution triggered by Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they were still only speaking and dealing with their fellow Jews. Then some of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene who had come to Antioch started talking to Greeks, giving them the Message of the Master Jesus. God was pleased with what they were doing and put his stamp of approval on it—quite a number of the Greeks believed and turned to the Master.
^22-24 When the church in Jerusalem got wind of this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to check on things. As soon as he arrived, he saw that God was behind and in it all. He threw himself in with them, got behind them, urging them to stay with it the rest of their lives. He was a good man that way, enthusiastic and confident in the Holy Spirit’s ways. The community grew large and strong in the Master.

^25-26 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. He found him and brought him back to Antioch. They were there a whole year, meeting with the church and teaching a lot of people. It was in Antioch that the disciples were for the first time called Christians.

For Reflection 

For some, the terms "evangelical, evangelize, and evangelistic," have taken on negative connotations.  Perhaps it is because of the pressure tactics used by some preachers or the false prophets who make unreasonable promises that are not true to the scriptures. 

But, whatever the reason for the adverse reaction to the term evangelism, to be evangelical pleases God.  The word "evangel" refers to the gospel, the teachings of Christians as found in the first four books of the New Testament. Those who are evangelistic, therefore, are persons of good character, enthusiastic and confident in the ways of The Holy Spirit -- God.


Pray

that you will live an evangelical life that attracts others to follow Christ.  Pray that you will be humble, enthusiastic and confident in the promise of God.