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S-Scripture: Acts 14:21-22, “21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returnedto Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulationsenter the kingdom of God.” (NKJV)
O-Observation: Barnabas and Paul (notice the order which Acts 14 places these men, Barnabas usually came first) were Ministry Partners. In Acts 13, these men were God called, Spirit led, church sent Missionaries (Disciple Makers, Church Planters) on a mission to make more and better disciples of the Lord. Because of this, they made many disciples, and the Lord organized many churches. Notice what they did when they entered the cities:
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They preached the gospel.
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They made disciples.
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They revisited the cities where the churches were established.
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They strengthened the believers.
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The exhorted them to remain faithful to Christ and his system of beliefs and doctrines.
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They assured them that they would be persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ.
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They appointed elders/pastors in the churches.
A-Application: As a church planter, I am not sure how effective I have been in this strategy. When I look at their strategy, I can check mark a few of these things, but not all of them. I think this is a Biblical model of planting churches. We must:
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Preach the Gospel.
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Make Disciples.
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Report to the churches.
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Strengthen, and Feed the Disciples.
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Exhort them to be faithful to Christ and His doctrine.
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Remind the disciples of the hardships of following Jesus.
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Train men to lead (Acts 14:23; 2 Tim. 2:2).
P-Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help every church planter, missionary, disciple maker in the world. Help us to be faithful in preaching the gospel, making disciples, etc. etc. We thank you Lord for calling us into the ministry and counting us faithful to carry out Your work. Please strengthen us, and enable us to do amazing things for You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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