Preschool
Peace, be still (Mark 4:39).
The Ministry at Work
Memory Verses
Primary
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still (Mark 4:39).
Junior
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39).
Background Scripture: Acts 12:20-25, 13
Lesson Scripture: Acts 13:1-7; 14:21-28
Introduction
As we live our lives and become engrossed in daily living, it is needful to pause at times and refocus. The foundation of this lesson is about dedicating ourselves to Christ. Dedication in this context brings the realization of our need to be in close communion with Christ and to commit ourselves completely to his cause.
There was much work to be done to build Solomon’s Temple, yet it was God’s work. David asked the people, “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” (1 Chron. 29:5). There has always been a need for workers. We can become calloused to the needs of mankind and the need for staffing the programs of the church. Consecration and a deep thankfulness for what Christ has done for us will bring a burning desire to touch people’s lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the Spirit’s fire has purged our human lips, we can fervently say, “Here am I; send me.”
Key Verse
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise (Rom. 1:14).
Lesson Scripture
Acts 13:1 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.
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Studying the Lesson
The young church at Jerusalem had been growing under the apostles’ leadership. The work had become so great they felt the need for deacons to take care of material needs among the believers so the apostles could give themselves wholly to preaching. Stephen, one of the first deacons, had been martyred for the faith, and the disciples began to be scattered further abroad. After Saul’s conversion, the gospel was taken to the gentiles as well. The gospel had spread as far as Antioch, and Barnabas joined Saul in preaching the word. Together they preached there for a year as the new congregation prospered. The believers were first called Christians at Antioch.
The church was growing in other places as well, and the kingdom was being propagated. The apostles were traveling and spreading the gospel, but they simply could not be everywhere. The need for more leadership in new places and for help spreading the Word was apparent. Evidently, this church at Antioch was thinking not only of their own needs but also of the greater outreach. They realized they had talented brethren and were seeking the Lord’s will in this matter of ministry by fasting and praying. We can sense a carefulness as they called forth Saul and Barnabas to go out from them to spread the gospel. They sent them out with the congregation’s blessing by praying and laying their hands on them. The other three leading brethren likely stayed to minister at home.
Practical Truths for Today
It is the church’s responsibility to recognize the world’s need of the gospel. The church’s need is often to seek out those who will serve. This requires a serious level of consecration and is a weighty charge given to each of us. Each one of us must examine ourselves and our level of commitment to the cause of Christ. A heartfelt conviction for the work to be done, a bond of fellowship with the brotherhood, and a sense of responsibility come with consecration and a call to service.
The church needs leaders, and God desires to commission men of conviction. God faithfully issues the call to service, but there must be men who will answer that call. A burden and love for God’s kingdom are necessary to perceive a need and will be an aid to help in understanding whom God is calling. Our tendency to look at human imperfection and measure brethren against an idealistic standard will cloud God’s direction. As we study this lesson we want to examine some points that will help us to determine whom God is calling.
Some of the first virtues we want to look for are sincerity, carefulness, and enthusiasm for Christian living. Upon further observation, we should see a willingness to share personal conviction and an active contribution to the health of the congregation. Many brethren meet this initial criteria, but let us ask the Lord to help us look deeper. Can we recognize that those whose hearts God has touched in a special way are quietly touching other people’s lives? This may not be so apparent, but part of God’s direction will be to learn where they are using their talents. If we are looking for someone who is perfect, we will misinterpret God’s election.
The chief desire of brethren who have a call to service will be to grow deeper in their walk with Christ. They will have Spirit-led guidance for their family, and the children will be content and happy. There should be purpose to their home and principle in their business practices, no instability in their Christian life or their financial affairs. Specifically, as we think about the office of the ministry, these brethren are not willing to compromise on Bible doctrine or principles of the church. They are also careful in their speech and refrain from gossip or speaking ill of others. Rather, they will be trying to encourage their fellowmen, keeping negative thoughts to themselves.
Sometimes recognizing a call to the deaconry is more difficult. Being wealthy or successful is not necessarily a qualification for deacons, but a commonsense approach in managing their affairs is important. We should be able to sense compassion and empathy in them for their fellowmen and that they are able to lay aside their own work and be there to help when a need arises. It is important to look for a brother who will contend for the faith and doctrine of the church of God. Looking back to the example of the first deacons, we can see how they served by attending to the physical needs of the congregation and those they found opportunity to minister to. A deacon’s wife is versatile and willing to fill many roles: cooking, ministering to the sick, and helping with transportation for those who need rides to doctor visits or help with their shopping.
There is a great need for pastoral care and a great cry from lost souls. Collectively as congregations and personally as individuals, we must consider that to stand blameless before God someday may hinge upon how we have heeded his call to service. Is placing ten percent in the offering basket enough to assuage our conscience? Hebrews 13:14 declares that “here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Often we lose sight of that fact, and due to shortsighted vision, we focus on the things of this life. When our hearts are filled with thankfulness for what Jesus has done for us, we will be better prepared to consider the needs of the mission and service programs of the church. We should not consider our God-given talents to be inferior. Rather, let us seek his will in how He would like to use us.
Questions
- Define a call to the mission field or place of service. Is it a special call, or is it simply accepting the call that is already there?
- What are ways young people can prepare for service spiritually, mentally, and emotionally?
- Can unsuccessful elections be due to a lack of prayer and fasting?
Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).