AUGUST THEME: “Experiencing God: From Knowing About Him to Walking With Him”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY – DANIEL FORD
In Acts 11, the church at Antioch became a powerful example of authentic Christianity, marked by bold evangelism even in the midst of persecution. The hand of the Lord was with them, and many believed—not through programs, but through Spirit-empowered witness and passion. Barnabas and Saul discipled the growing church together, forming a ministry rooted in encouragement, teaching, and teamwork. These believers were first called “Christians” because their lives reflected Christ through generosity, prophetic insight, and genuine spiritual fruit.
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE HAND OF THE LORD WAS WITH THEM
“And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” — Acts 11:21
Evangelism is not about persuasive speech—it’s about God’s power working through willing vessels. The early believers didn’t rely on slick strategies or trained apologetics—they relied on the hand of God to do what only God could do. The same God who moved through scattered disciples then is still moving through faithful witnesses today.
When the hand of the Lord is with you, conversations shift. Words you thought were simple become soaked with Spirit-led conviction. Hearts open—not because you argued well, but because Heaven touched earth through your obedience. This verse reminds us that we’re not responsible for the results—we’re responsible for availability. God moves where He finds surrendered hearts.
The hand of the Lord represents more than just assistance—it symbolizes active, divine involvement. It’s God placing His weight on your words, His presence in your personality, His power behind your message. It means you’re not alone, even when you feel weak or unprepared. He’s not asking you to impress the world—He’s asking you to carry His presence into it.
Too many believers are paralyzed by fear, waiting to feel worthy or eloquent before they speak. But authentic evangelism isn’t born from perfection—it’s born from dependence. God doesn’t anoint pride; He anoints surrender. The Spirit works best when we stop trying to be impressive and start trying to be obedient.
Do you trust the Spirit to use your witness? Even when it’s awkward? Even when the timing feels uncertain? What if the hand of the Lord is waiting to move—but waiting for you to open your mouth in faith?
You never know what your obedience might unlock in someone else’s life. A five-minute conversation can echo into eternity when His hand is upon it. And it may not always feel powerful—but God works in ways we can’t always feel. He’s not looking for polished vessels, just poured-out ones.
Prayer: God, I don’t want to speak about You without depending on You. Let Your hand be on my life and my lips. Use me in ways that go beyond what I can see or measure. Help me not to fear being inadequate, but to trust that Your Spirit fills in all the gaps. I surrender my words, my witness, and my weakness into Your hands. Make me a vessel through which You reveal Yourself today.
Challenge: Before every conversation today—whether at work, home, the store, or school—pause and pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your tone, your timing, and your truth. Expect God to use even your smallest acts of obedience for something eternal. Then step out in faith, trusting that His hand is on you—even when you can’t feel it. Be bold. Be surrendered. Be available.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Linda Mays – Rehab
Debbie Foskey – Home
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley – Home
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner
Jason Parker
Jessica Headrick – Beginning Treatments And Walking In Faith
John McClain’s Mother
John Parillo
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sadie Almand
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher