God’s Generals
Tuesday, March 12, 2024Key Verse
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ” (Acts 13:1).
Text — Acts 13:1-2
Message
Some countries of the world have old and new capitals, the United States of America moved from New York to Washington D.C., Nigeria in Africa moved from Lagos to Abuja. Jerusalem was the headquarters of the New Testament early Church. The twelve apostles endured persecution there yet often sent moral and spiritual help to the brethren in diaspora.
The church in Antioch was raised up by those Christians who fled Jerusalem during the fierce persecution. They were anointed believers who kept preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere (Acts 8:1-4, 11:19-21). Through unity and manifestation of diverse gifts by the believers, that church grew in numerical strength. Our text today mentions some of its key leaders who can be described as God’s generals. They include prophets and teachers such as: Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul. From them the gospel spread to all Asia. They were able to hear the Holy Spirit speak to them to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work of missions. Pray for spiritual maturity and Holy Spirit daily guidance for His servants.
Quote
Anointed believers who kept preaching
Challenge
Pray to be among God’s generals.
Prayer for today
Lord, make me a vibrant preacher, in Jesus’ name.
About Author - Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
