Prophetic Agenda
A Cross-Cultural Ministry
In a changing world, the Church is called to its mission – an urgent duty demanding attention. Amidst complexities like postmodern mindsets, geopolitical tensions, economic crises, and gender identity debates, the need for action is critical. We stand on the brink of change, with the power to bring positive transformation. As believers, we bridge gaps, heal wounds, and spread love, anchored in our Biblical roots. Challenges are immense, yet they reveal the Church’s relevance, resilience, and redemptive power. Complacency isn’t an option; the world needs our faith, grace, and action to embody the divine mandate. We are the unveiled Church – called, cultured, and empowered to establish God’s kingdom here on earth. This post 3 of a 7 part series.
A Cross-Cultural Ministry
The Church in Antioch in Acts 11:19-26, is a fascinating account of the early Christian community that shaped the trajectory of cross-cultural ministry. Its story speaks volumes to our present generation, particularly amidst an increasingly multicultural and diverse society, offering invaluable insights into the manifestation of the Gospel’s universality:
- The Universality of the Gospel
Antioch stood as a microcosm of the diverse Roman Empire – it was a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. Into this cosmopolitan mix, the Gospel arrived and thrived, effectively bridging divides and drawing people from different backgrounds together into a cohesive community of believers. The narrative of Antioch powerfully speaks of the Gospel’s power, highlighting its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, breaking down walls of division (Ephesians 2:14). It serves as a potent reminder of the relevance of this universal message in our multicultural, interconnected world, affirming that the Gospel is literally for all people, irrespective of their cultural or linguistic identity. - God’s Hand and Power
In this diverse community, the transformative power of God was significantly evident. Acts 11:21 particularly stands out: “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” The ‘hand’ of God is metaphorically equated with His ‘power,’ underscoring the tangible presence and transformative effect of God in the Church and individual lives. This symbolism serves as a powerful reminder to the modern Church that our faith isn’t merely intellectual or philosophical; it is, at its core, experiential. It calls us to foster a personal, real relationship with God, one where His power actively shapes our lives, influencing our attitudes, actions, and interactions. - Grace Amid Imperfections
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch (Acts 11:22-23), he encountered an imperfect Church – a reality true to every Christian community across ages. Yet, instead of focusing on their shortcomings, Barnabas chose to see the grace of God actively at work within them. He rejoiced, “for he saw the grace of God.” This perspective challenges the contemporary Church to adopt a similar outlook, encouraging us to focus on God’s transformative grace in action, even amid apparent imperfections. It calls for a gracious approach, one that acknowledges our shared humanity and fallibility, fostering a community of grace, forgiveness, and mutual growth. - The Fullness of the Holy Spirit: Barnabas’ Growth
Another pivotal point in the Antioch narrative is the Holy Spirit’s fullness in Barnabas (v24). Barnabas, initially introduced as a ‘good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith’, wasn’t born this way; he grew into it over the years. His spiritual journey, like ours, was one of continual transformation, underscored by his interactions with Paul. Their relationship, marked by both disagreements and reconciliation, reflects our spiritual paths, replete with ups and downs. However, amidst all this, the narrative emphasises the integral role of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the necessity of His continual filling for spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry.
The Antioch narrative is an echo from the past, reverberating into our present, beckoning us to emulate its key principles. As we navigate our faith journey amidst the complexities of a cross-cultural society, let’s strive to uphold the Gospel’s universality, experience God’s tangible power, adopt Barnabas’ grace-centred perspective, and continually seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit. For it’s through this that we can truly influence our world as the early Church did theirs.
_______________________________________
The Church Unveiled – Called, Cultured, and Empowered | Echoes from the Early Church
Cross-Cultural Ministry | The Model of Leadership | Acts of the Apostles
From Local to Translocal | Standing Strong Amidst Challenges
The post A Cross-Cultural Ministry first appeared on Prophetic Agenda and is written by Jon Cressey
