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, boldly evangelizing despite persecution. Their faith was active and contagious, marked by transformation, courage, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas and Saul built the church through discipleship and teamwork, resulting in lasting spiritual growth and impact. These believers were first called “Christians” not for what they said, but for how they lived—with generosity, unity, and visible spiritual fruit.

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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

Real Christianity: It Takes a Team and Bears Real Fruit

“Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people… Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren…”— Acts 11:25–26, 29

Real Christianity is not meant to be solo. It’s not about superstar leaders, isolated acts of service, or self-made ministries. In Antioch, Barnabas recognized that the harvest was too big for one man. So he sought out Saul—not for competition, but for cooperation. Together, they discipled the church for an entire year. That’s real ministry: long-term, shoulder-to-shoulder, and rooted in relationship.

Barnabas didn’t hoard ministry opportunities. He shared them. He saw something in Saul before anyone else did. In many ways, Barnabas’s humility helped launch Paul’s public ministry. That’s the kind of teamwork the Church desperately needs—one that prioritizes Kingdom growth over personal credit.

But the fruit of their ministry didn’t stop at Bible study and teaching. The believers in Antioch responded with action. When a famine was prophesied, “every man according to his ability” gave to meet the need. They didn’t shrug it off or say, “I’ll pray about it.” They gave. Real discipleship leads to real fruit. These Christians were known not just by their beliefs, but by their generosity.

The church at Antioch became a sending church, a serving church, and a selfless church—all because they worked as a team and bore visible, sacrificial fruit. That’s what it means to be Christian—not just in name, but in character. Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” If someone looked at your life today, would they see fruit? Would they see a team player? Would they see a giver, a discipler, a servant?

In a world obsessed with personal platforms, the early church reminds us that it takes a team to build the Kingdom—and that true faith bears visible fruit that meets real needs.

Biblical Examples:

• Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands (Exodus 17).
• David had mighty men who rallied around him in battle (2 Samuel 23).
• Jesus sent His disciples out two by two (Mark 6:7).
• Paul consistently traveled and ministered with others—Silas, Timothy, Luke—because Kingdom work was never meant to be done alone.

Challenge: Reach out to someone today who serves in ministry with you. Thank them. Bless them. Then look for a need—big or small—and meet it. Give, help, serve, or show up. Let your fruit speak louder than your intentions.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the people You’ve placed around me in this journey of faith. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to do it alone or overlooked the gifts in others. Teach me to value the team, just like Barnabas and Saul did. And let my life bear real, lasting fruit—not just words, but works that bring glory to You and meet the needs of others. May people know I belong to Jesus not just by what I say—but by how I love, give, and serve. In Jesus’ name, amen.

FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Jessica Headrick – Decisions about Treatments And Walking In Faith

Sheila Simmons

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  

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