Expressions of Faith. Listen
2 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.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:2-3
This is the beginning of Saul’s missionary career.
It’s significant that in verse 1 Saul and Barnabas are two of five named as “prophets and teachers.”
Why did the church in Syrian Antioch choose that pair?
That’s a trick question.
The Holy Spirit spoke to the church and named Saul and Barnabas to be set apart.
The church was worshiping and fasting when the Holy Spirit spoke.
At some point in the service, the worshippers took time to listen.
Today’s American churches put a lot of time and effort into the worship service.
More often than not, there’s little to no time allocated for listening.
Singing, background music during prayer, and preaching all provide auditory input.
Worship leaders considered silence what television and radio call dead air.
Prophets and teachers were abundant in the Syrian Antioch church.
It would have been easy, maybe even natural, for a worship service to emphasize human auditory input.
What if the church in Syrian Antioch had not heard the Holy Spirit’s words?
The book of Acts might have ended at Chapter 12.
Take time today to listen for what the Holy Spirit is saying to you.
The next Expressions of Faith is Rejected
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