August 24 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Scripture Reading: Acts 13:1-3
Sermon: Life in the Spirit, On a Journey
Acts 13:1-3
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a childhood friend of Herod the ruler, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Key Idea of the Sermon
This passage begins the ministry of Saul, better known to us as Paul. Though the living Spirit of Christ remains the main character in the story of the church, Christ’s Spirit worked powerfully in Paul. Paul’s first missionary journey took him to Asia Minor, over two years and 1400 miles. His traveling companion for most of the journey was Barnabas. Barnabas had vouched for Paul with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-30), earning Paul’s gratitude and trust. Christ loves to work in surprising ways with surprising people like Paul, a former persecutor of the church (Acts 9:1-9).
Questions for Reflection
• Persecution (see Acts 8:1 and 12:1) propelled the mission of the church as the disciples were pushed into new areas to live and proclaim the Way of Jesus. How has hardship deepened your faith and provided you new opportunities to serve Christ?
• Paul was empowered by the living Spirit of Christ and the support of disciples like Barnabas (see Acts 9:26-27). Who has encouraged your discipleship? Who are you encouraging to follow the Way of Jesus?
• Paul took the gospel to new lands. Barnabas was an invaluable partner to Paul. What is Christ calling you to do in the next chapter of your life?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Fasting and prayer are mentioned twice in this brief passage. Use these spiritual practices to discern Christ’s call on your life.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
