Daily Worship (March 30)
Devotional 1: Die to Your People
Acts 11:19-26 (NIV)
"Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
Devotional Thought
The church in Antioch was a beautiful example of a cross-cultural church. At first, the gospel was shared only with the Jewish people. But then, believers from Cyprus and Cyrene, who knew the power of the gospel for all people, began speaking to the Greeks. The result was a mixed church of Jews and Gentiles worshiping together. This diversity was so radical that the people needed a new name: Christians.
To be part of a cross-cultural church, we must die to our people. This means letting go of the idea that church is only for people like us. It's easy to stay in groups where we feel comfortable, but the gospel calls us to cross boundaries. Barnabas encouraged this new church, seeing God’s grace at work. Like him, we should celebrate when the gospel brings together people from different backgrounds.
Dying to your people means expanding your idea of family. At church, we are brothers and sisters in Christ, even if we don’t share the same culture, language, or traditions. When we lay aside our preferences and embrace others, we reflect the unity of the gospel. How might God be calling you to cross a cultural boundary today?
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the example of the church in Antioch. Help me to die to my own preferences and embrace the beauty of Your diverse family. Give me courage to cross cultural boundaries and share Your love with people who are different from me. May my church be a reflection of the unity You desire. Amen.
"Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
Devotional Thought
The church in Antioch was a beautiful example of a cross-cultural church. At first, the gospel was shared only with the Jewish people. But then, believers from Cyprus and Cyrene, who knew the power of the gospel for all people, began speaking to the Greeks. The result was a mixed church of Jews and Gentiles worshiping together. This diversity was so radical that the people needed a new name: Christians.
To be part of a cross-cultural church, we must die to our people. This means letting go of the idea that church is only for people like us. It's easy to stay in groups where we feel comfortable, but the gospel calls us to cross boundaries. Barnabas encouraged this new church, seeing God’s grace at work. Like him, we should celebrate when the gospel brings together people from different backgrounds.
Dying to your people means expanding your idea of family. At church, we are brothers and sisters in Christ, even if we don’t share the same culture, language, or traditions. When we lay aside our preferences and embrace others, we reflect the unity of the gospel. How might God be calling you to cross a cultural boundary today?
COMMA Questions
- Context: How did the persecution in Jerusalem lead to the spread of the gospel?
- Observation: What do you notice about the actions of the believers from Cyprus and Cyrene?
- Meaning: What does it mean that the disciples were called Christians for the first time in Antioch?
- Main Idea: How does this passage show that the gospel breaks down cultural divisions?
- Application: In what ways can you embrace and celebrate the diversity of God’s people in your own life?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the example of the church in Antioch. Help me to die to my own preferences and embrace the beauty of Your diverse family. Give me courage to cross cultural boundaries and share Your love with people who are different from me. May my church be a reflection of the unity You desire. Amen.
Devotional 2: Die to Your Place
Acts 13:1-3 (NIV)
"Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
Devotional Thought
The church in Antioch was full of diversity, not only in ethnicity but also in leadership. These leaders were from different backgrounds, yet they worked together in unity. When the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul to leave Antioch and go on a mission, the church responded with prayer and fasting. They were willing to send out two of their best leaders for the sake of the gospel.
Dying to your place means being willing to go where God sends you. It might mean leaving a comfortable environment to serve others, like Barnabas and Saul did. Or it could mean letting go of the idea that a church exists only for your personal comfort. A cross-cultural church is not about building personal kingdoms; it’s about sending people out to expand God’s kingdom.
Is God calling you to step out of your comfort zone? Maybe it’s serving in a different ministry or reaching out to someone from a different background. When we die to our place, we experience the joy of participating in God’s mission.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Father, thank You for calling us to be part of Your mission. Give me a heart that is willing to go where You lead. Help me to let go of comfort and security, trusting that Your plan is always good. May I be ready to serve, whether in my community or around the world. Amen.
"Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
Devotional Thought
The church in Antioch was full of diversity, not only in ethnicity but also in leadership. These leaders were from different backgrounds, yet they worked together in unity. When the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul to leave Antioch and go on a mission, the church responded with prayer and fasting. They were willing to send out two of their best leaders for the sake of the gospel.
Dying to your place means being willing to go where God sends you. It might mean leaving a comfortable environment to serve others, like Barnabas and Saul did. Or it could mean letting go of the idea that a church exists only for your personal comfort. A cross-cultural church is not about building personal kingdoms; it’s about sending people out to expand God’s kingdom.
Is God calling you to step out of your comfort zone? Maybe it’s serving in a different ministry or reaching out to someone from a different background. When we die to our place, we experience the joy of participating in God’s mission.
COMMA Questions
- Context: How does the cultural diversity of the Antioch church reflect God’s heart for all people?
- Observation: What role did prayer and fasting play in the decision to send Barnabas and Saul?
- Meaning: Why was it significant that the church sent out its leaders instead of keeping them?
- Main Idea: How can you be attentive to the Spirit’s leading in your own life?
- Application: What is one way you can participate in God’s mission, even if it requires sacrifice?
Prayer
Father, thank You for calling us to be part of Your mission. Give me a heart that is willing to go where You lead. Help me to let go of comfort and security, trusting that Your plan is always good. May I be ready to serve, whether in my community or around the world. Amen.
Devotional 3: Die to Your Power
Acts 14:21-23 (NIV)
"They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust."
Devotional Thought
Paul and Barnabas didn’t just plant churches; they established leadership in those churches by appointing elders. They entrusted these new believers to God’s care. This act of appointing leaders shows us what it means to die to our power. Instead of holding onto control, Paul and Barnabas gave authority to others.
Dying to your power means recognizing that leadership is not about personal influence or recognition. It’s about serving others and trusting God with the results. In a cross-cultural church, this means making space for diverse voices and empowering others to lead. True gospel leadership is not about building a personal kingdom but expanding God’s.
Where in your life are you tempted to hold onto power? Whether it’s at church, work, or home, ask God to help you lead with humility and a servant’s heart. The kingdom of God grows when we die to our power and trust in His.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Lord, help me to die to my desire for control. Teach me to lead with humility and to trust You with the people and tasks You have entrusted to me. May I follow the example of Paul and Barnabas, seeking to serve and build others up for Your glory. Amen.
"They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust."
Devotional Thought
Paul and Barnabas didn’t just plant churches; they established leadership in those churches by appointing elders. They entrusted these new believers to God’s care. This act of appointing leaders shows us what it means to die to our power. Instead of holding onto control, Paul and Barnabas gave authority to others.
Dying to your power means recognizing that leadership is not about personal influence or recognition. It’s about serving others and trusting God with the results. In a cross-cultural church, this means making space for diverse voices and empowering others to lead. True gospel leadership is not about building a personal kingdom but expanding God’s.
Where in your life are you tempted to hold onto power? Whether it’s at church, work, or home, ask God to help you lead with humility and a servant’s heart. The kingdom of God grows when we die to our power and trust in His.
COMMA Questions
- Context: Why was it important for Paul and Barnabas to appoint elders in the churches?
- Observation: How did the hardships Paul and Barnabas faced shape their leadership?
- Meaning: What does it mean to commit others to the Lord in prayer?
- Main Idea: How can leaders in the church today reflect the humility and trust seen in this passage?
- Application: Where is God calling you to release control and trust Him more?
Prayer
Lord, help me to die to my desire for control. Teach me to lead with humility and to trust You with the people and tasks You have entrusted to me. May I follow the example of Paul and Barnabas, seeking to serve and build others up for Your glory. Amen.
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