Scripture References: Acts 11:19-30; Acts 13:1-3; Joel 2:28-29; 1 Corinthians 14:3

Intro: Welcome. Speaker Steve Whitmer explores the vital link between prophecy and the mission of God, drawing insights from the dynamic early church plant in Antioch as recorded in the book of Acts. Prophecy isn't peripheral; it's integral to discerning and participating in God's purposes.

Key Points:

1. Antioch's Beginnings (Acts 11:19-26): A diverse, thriving church birthed unexpectedly from persecution. Believers scattered from Jerusalem shared Jesus not just with Jews but also Gentiles in Antioch. God's hand was evident, leading to massive growth. Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem, affirmed the work, and brought Saul (Paul) to join the teaching team. Antioch is where believers were first called "Christians."
2. Prophecy Guiding Action (Acts 11:27-30): Prophets from Jerusalem visited Antioch. Agabus prophesied a widespread famine. Response: Guided by this prophetic word, the largely Gentile Antioch church proactively raised funds for their Jewish brothers and sisters in Judea, demonstrating unity and practical compassion. Prophecy helped direct their specific mission focus (caring for the poor).
3. Prophecy Launching Mission (Acts 13:1-3): The Antioch church, now with its own prophets and teachers, was worshiping and fasting. The Holy Spirit spoke: "Set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work..." Response: The church commissioned and sent them, launching the first major apostolic mission to the Gentiles. World mission flowed out of worship and prophetic direction.
4. The Role of Prophecy:
   • A sign of the Spirit-filled community (Joel 2/Acts 2).
   • A Spirit-inspired declaration meant to encourage, strengthen, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3).
   • Helps discern God's specific will and focus for mission and ministry.
5. Healthy Prophetic Ministry: Works within community/team (not lone rangers), fosters accountability, avoids "superstar" mentality, reflects God's value for family life in the church.
6. Worship Fuels Mission: Mission isn't the ultimate goal; worship is. Mission flows from our delight in God (Piper). Prophecy helps us join God's activity out of joyful worship, not driven obligation.

Conclusion: The Antioch church exemplifies a Spirit-filled, Word-grounded community that welcomed prophetic input, functioned as a team, and became a launchpad for God's mission to the nations. Prophecy was key to discerning how they should live out God's purposes. We, too, are called to be a prophetic people, listening for the Spirit's guidance in worship and community.

Call to Action: Let's desire to be an "Antioch kind of church." Be saturated in the Spirit and the Word. Eagerly desire and make room for prophecy. Foster team/family life. Let passionate worship overflow into mission. Listen together for the Holy Spirit's direction for engaging God's purposes here in Visalia and beyond.

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