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 model of authentic Christianity. Though the early believers were scattered by persecution, they did not scatter their faith. Instead, they evangelized boldly, preaching the Lord Jesus to Jews and Greeks alike. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed. These were not just passive believers—they were transformed, mobilized, and Spirit-empowered witnesses. Authentic Christians don’t wait for perfect conditions to share Christ—they carry Him wherever they go. Evangelism was not a program; it was their passion.
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he saw the grace of God at work and encouraged the believers to remain steadfast. He discipled them, then sought out Saul to help teach and strengthen the growing church. What followed was not a superstar ministry but a team effort that produced deep roots and wide fruit. They were first called “Christians” here—not because of what they claimed, but because of what others observed. Generosity, prophecy, and global awareness marked them. Authentic Christianity isn’t defined by lip service, but by lives of evangelism, discipleship, teamwork, and spiritual fruit.
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
SCATTERED, BUT STILL SHARING
“Now they which were scattered abroad… preached the word.” — Acts 11:19
Persecution had broken out. Families were torn from their homes. Communities were shattered. The early believers didn’t relocate by choice—they were scattered by force. Yet in the scattering, they didn’t lose their purpose. They didn’t go silent. They went sent. And wherever they landed, they preached.
What the enemy meant to crush them only caused the Gospel to spread like wildfire. They didn’t wait for life to stabilize or circumstances to improve—they just obeyed. Because authentic Christians don’t require comfort to be committed. They understood that mission isn’t suspended when life gets hard—it’s revealed.
Where has God allowed you to be scattered? Maybe it’s a job you didn’t want. A new school, an unexpected diagnosis, a city far from home, or a season of waiting. You may feel displaced—but you’re not misplaced. You’re not off course—you’re on assignment.
The scattering isn’t random. It’s strategic. Your current location—whether it’s a cubicle, a classroom, a hospital bed, or a grocery line—is not a detour. It’s a divine appointment. And someone there needs the hope that only you carry.
Don’t underestimate the power of your presence. Your story. Your voice. You don’t need a microphone to preach—just a willing heart. One word of truth, one act of love, one step of boldness could change someone’s eternity.
Sometimes, your scattering is someone else’s answered prayer. You may be the only light in their darkness. You may never know how deeply your simple obedience reaches. When you show up with Jesus in your heart, Heaven shows up with power. What seems like a breakdown in your plans could be the breakthrough in someone else’s life.
Prayer: Lord, help me to stop seeing interruptions as obstacles. Open my eyes to see the places You’ve scattered me as fields ripe for harvest. Give me courage to speak even when it’s uncomfortable, and to share Your truth no matter where I find myself. Use me, Lord—right where I am.
Challenge: This week, be intentional: share the Gospel with one person—whether it’s through a conversation, a message, a meal, or a prayer. Let your scattering become someone else’s encounter with Jesus.
MONDAY’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