Manifestation of the Kingdom- The Local Church

THE LOCAL CHURCH CONTEXT:

From the context of the local church, the greatest manifestation of the Kingdom of God was seen in the church at Antioch which presented quite a different model from the Church at Jerusalem.

(a) The Jerusalem church was very localized, a little kingdom of its own, it began to suffer from ingrownism, was very nationalistic, prejudice (jews only) lack vision for the nations –until scattered because of persecution.
Peter stood up and preached the kingdom, after 569 words 3000 souls were saved. The Church at Jerusalem had one of the strongest beginnings as a local church. It would be a wonderful picture today to see a local pioneeering work begin with the conversion of three thousand souls in one call.

(b) The Church at Antioch – On the other hand was a powerful base for strategic level spiritual warfare and an operation center for the training and development of leaders who will orchestrate the transformation of nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church had a breakers anointing upon it because a few believers were willing to break the limitations of culture and fear and preach the gospel to Grecians also. See Acts 11: 19-20. The Antioch church broke down both racial and cultural barriers because a few men dare to step outside the box and respond to the new thing God was doing. I know for a fact that God in His sovereignty is doing a new thing in this season and it's about to be poured out across the region. There will be an unprecedented increase in signs, miracles, healings, deliverance and the transformation of nations. ARE WE READY???

Acts 13:1-3


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. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

From the passage of Scripture above there are five important components that were responsible for the powerful manifestation of the kingdom through the church at Antioch :-

1. A passion to build strong Genuine Relationships – prophets, teachers; Barnabas, a Hellenist from Cyprus, Simon called niger (Black man); Lucius of Cyrene (Libya-North Africa), Manaen- a childhood companion of King Herod Antipas; Saul – a Hellenist from Tarsus.
2. A passion for Prophetic Worship – They rediscovered their priestly roles (Deut 10:8) – i. To carry the Ark of the Covenant; ii. To stand before the Lord to minister; iii. To pronounce blessing in His name.
3. A passion for Fasting and Praying – Mark 9: 14-29.
4. They Listened to God
5. A deep passion to Fulfill God’s Purpose for your life – This experience transformed Paul and Barnabas life forever.
1Tim 1:12 “He counted me faithful putting me in the ministry.”