Christians Named | Acts 11:19–30 | Pastor Josh Wootton

In Acts 11:19–30, we see the early church continuing to grow as believers spread the gospel and establish a thriving congregation in Antioch. As the church in Jerusalem hears about this work, they send Barnabas to encourage and strengthen the new believers, and Barnabas then brings Saul to help teach and disciple them. The churches continue to work together by sharing encouragement, spiritual leadership, and practical support when a famine threatens the believers in Judea.

Their partnership demonstrates that churches are called to work together for the mission of Christ while remaining accountable to Christ as their one true Head. Yet there are two dangers to avoid: too much partnership, which creates an unbiblical hierarchy where outside authorities rule over local congregations, and too little partnership, which leads churches into isolation and prevents them from serving one another effectively. The example of Jerusalem and Antioch shows that healthy cooperation is possible when churches recognize the Lordship of Jesus and the unity they share through the Holy Spirit.

In this sermon, “Christians Named,” we’ll see why churches must partner well with one another, how to avoid both unbiblical control and unhealthy isolation, and how the Lordship of Christ and the unity of the Spirit guide our relationships with other congregations. Ultimately, we are called to live as Christians—people who belong to Christ, submit to His authority, and work together with other faithful churches to make His gospel known throughout the world.