Jesus, The Mission of the Church

[0:00] Thank you for tuning into this message by David Entry. Every true revival is a product of the strong preaching of God's word. May you receive a word from this message that will spark a revival in you.

[0:13] Everybody has something they are crazy about.

[0:34] So it's okay to be crazy about Jesus. Amen. One of the things you shouldn't do is don't let anybody's feeling or attitude and opinion and estimation intimidate you, intimidate you from expressing your passion for Jesus.

[0:58] Passion for Jesus is not common. If you have it, hold on to it. It gives you an upper hand in the things of God.

[1:11] And God cannot use certain people or people to a certain dimension without certain types of passion. A typical example is Apostle Paul.

[1:23] In Acts chapter 20 verse 24. Verse 20, 22. In Acts chapter 20, I'm going to 24. But maybe let's speak from 22. Where he was talking about that he's traveling and he said he goes bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that are before him.

[1:43] He said, I'm going to Jerusalem. I don't know what will happen to me. But if you are living, if you are traveling to Manchester or Birmingham, do you have to say I don't know what to before me.

[1:56] But what necessitated that statement? He said, the verse 23 said, except that every city I go to, the Holy Spirit is saying bones and afflictions are awaiting me.

[2:09] The Holy Spirit is testifying. This is not somebody who said, the spirit himself is testifying in every city. So like I say from Reading to, you say you're going to Scotland.

[2:24] All the cities you go to, everywhere you go to, you meet believers. The Holy Spirit will be using them to tell you this Scotland you are going in. What is waiting? He says, bones and affliction. Bones is not like stocks or chains.

[2:37] Chains. Chains. Give us a different translation. What version? Give us a new King James. New King James says, let's see if it. Chains and tribulations, problems, difficult moments are awaiting you.

[2:54] He said, I am going to Jerusalem. I'm bound in the spirit. I'm so determined, nothing can stop me. He said, I have set myself, I'm going to Jerusalem.

[3:06] And he said, I don't know the things that are before me. Except that the spirit is testifying that it testify in every city. That bond is a, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city.

[3:19] Now it doesn't mean that the Holy Spirit is saying in every city. Chains. He said, he is speaking in the cities that I go. I find myself on my way. Every city I get to the spirit is saying the same thing.

[3:30] He is testifying in every city. He is testifying in every city. Saying what chains and tribulations are awaiting me. Now this is where passion comes in. He said, nevertheless, none of these things move me.

[3:44] He is, listen to what he didn't say. He didn't say the Holy Spirit says I shouldn't go. His Holy God is just telling me that these things are going.

[3:55] The problems are waiting for you. Right? Yeah. He didn't say the Holy Spirit said I shouldn't go. He said the Holy Spirit is saying problems are waiting for you. Problems are waiting for you. But he says that none of these things move me.

[4:08] For God to use you to a certain dimension, there must be a nevertheless mentality. People may not like me, but nevertheless, I'll do what pleases God.

[4:21] I will lose friends, nevertheless. I might lose some money because I am saying I won't do dodgy deals. Nevertheless. Nevertheless. Nevertheless.

[4:32] He said, nevertheless, none of these things the Holy Spirit is indicating moves me. Wow. Can you imagine? The Holy Ghost is saying something. So, he said, none of these.

[4:43] What are these things? The tribulations. He didn't say problem is waiting for you. Tribulations. Chains. Not one channel. Chains. I'm going to Jerusalem.

[4:55] And the Holy Spirit says that chains. Not only chains. Tribulations. They are waiting for me. They are there waiting for me. He said. Yeah.

[5:06] They are waiting for me. He said, nevertheless, none of these chains or tribulations move me. Why? Are you mad? No, I'm not mad.

[5:17] I'm passionate. I'm not mad. I have a sense of purpose. I know what I live for. I know where I'm going. If you don't know where you are going. Anywhere you get. You get anywhere you think that's it.

[5:29] Can you imagine you meet a friend at the airport? And he said. If you've gone through security. He's also gone through security. And he sat down. He's gone to prayer. So, let's eat.

[5:40] And you are wondering. After having a chat. He said. Where are you going? He said. When you. If you don't know where you are going. You. Anywhere you get. You think that's it.

[5:56] Nevertheless. Can you imagine. God. When God was calling Paul. Or Saul. In Acts chapter 9. Verse 16. He said. I will show him how many things.

[6:07] He must suffer for my name. What kind of calling is this? I will show him. Listen. I'm just telling you.

[6:18] What is in your Bible. If you're a believer. Yes. I will show him. How many things. He must suffer for my name.

[6:29] Sake. The scripture I was talking about. Acts chapter 20. Verse 24. Nevertheless. None of these things move me. Nor do I count my life. Dear to myself.

[6:40] Why? That I. Is there. Is there. That I may finish my race. With joy. Is that I don't want to finish it. Down. And I'm not happy.

[6:51] And all this. I'm not happy. I'm not happy. I'm not happy. It's baby talk. You are not serious in life. If you want to be. If you think life is about happiness. No.

[7:02] No. No. No. Life is about happiness. Life is about achievements. Accomplishments. The reason why certain people.

[7:14] Don't achieve anything. And certain people from certain backgrounds. Always remain. At a non achieving level. Is because. They just want happiness. None of these things move me.

[7:26] Nor do I count my life. Dear to. That I might finish. I might finish. My race. Everybody has got a race. Finish my race. Finish my race. With joy. Not only my race.

[7:38] And the ministry. Is there. And the ministry. Which I have received. From the Lord Jesus Christ. To testify the gospel. Of the grace of our Lord Jesus.

[7:49] I want to finish the ministry. And I want to finish my race. Because of that. I've determined that some things. Will not move me. Number two. I will not count my life dear to myself. Those who count their life dear to themselves.

[8:01] And those who are easily moved by everything. Everything. When the weather is. Slightly cold. You are moved. When someone. When someone passes a comment about you.

[8:15] That is not so nice. You are moved. As I was saying in first. I asked chapter nine. God said. I will show him. How many things he might suffer from my name. That is why in actually.

[8:26] Chapter 13. Verse 13. There is a gentleman called John Mark. John Mark. From Acts chapter 13. Verse 5 and 6. When they were sent off. They had. They went to Cilicia.

[8:37] And they had John Mark. They went to preach. They had John as their assistant. Did you see that? They. They. Now when they had. Arrived in Salamis.

[8:48] It sounds like a fruit. It says. Arrived in Salamis. They preached the word of God. In the synagogues of the Jews. They had. John.

[8:59] John. Minister. I think. King James used the word minister. Assistant. They had John. As their assistant. Someone who is to. Serve them.

[9:10] Help them. When. Pastor says. Oh do help. You've been given some responsibilities. You are an assistant. You are doing this. You're helping. Some of you.

[9:21] You don't take it. Don't realize that. That is how God is judging you. He is. He is watching you to determine your next phase. So. John. Mark.

[9:32] Assistant. Verse 13. When they go to Pamphylia. Assistant. John left. When Paul and his company. Loose from. Path.

[9:43] Perthos. To. Perga. In Pamphylia. And. Departed. Them. Retained. To. Jerusalem. He went back.

[9:56] He left. Someone. Who was supposed to stand with them. And. Work with them. He left and went. John. Mark. John. Mark.

[10:07] John. Mark left. And then he came back. For some reason. Because there was a situation. In the church. Of Antioch. Everybody who becomes a Christian.

[10:19] Needs. Kind of. All of us. Constantly need to be updated. With God's economy. And God's plan. About Christianity. Because.

[10:30] When you become a Christian. You are bringing your religious mindset. About Christianity. If. Your. Way of worshipping God. Is. To. Do it.

[10:41] Barefooted. When. When you become born again. Even when we are. Singing. You would like to remove your shoes. Because. That's how you've been. Nurtured. So. Yes.

[10:52] That's programming. So. So. The Jews. Who. Got Christianity first. They were. Infiltrating it. With. Judaism. They were.

[11:03] Infiltrating it. Invading it. With Judaism. God has to raise. For God. For Peter. To embrace. Christianity. Raw. Which. With certain elements.

[11:14] Which are contrary. To Judaism. In Acts chapter 10. God told Peter. Go to Cornelius house. And go and pray to him. Peter said no. He saw revelation. I can't eat this. God said what.

[11:25] God has cleansed. Don't call unclean. Three times. He saw the vision. And it was pulled. And then the people who. Cornelius sent. Go to him. And the Holy Spirit told him. There are some three men. Waiting for you.

[11:36] Go down and meet them. And go with them. And so he went to. So it's like the Holy Spirit. Set him up. If it was left to him alone. He wouldn't have gone. Because a Jew was never meant. To fraternize. Or socialize.

[11:47] With a Gentile. To go and eat in a Gentile's house. To go and sit with a Gentile. And eat. Ah! That's bad. A Jew shouldn't do that. Let alone a Jew who says. Now you are deep in God. And you are deep in God.

[11:58] And you are deep in God. And you are deep in God. And you are deep in God. And you are deep in God. And you are deep in God. And now you are deep in God through Jesus. So but he went. He didn't know. He saw vision.

[12:09] He saw vision. And the Holy Spirit said. Don't call unclean. What God has cleansed. Then after the vision. He was thinking about. What these things meant. Then the Holy Spirit said. Three men are waiting for you downstairs.

[12:21] Yes. The Holy Spirit. Arise. Go. He said Peter. While Peter was thinking of this. The Spirit told him. Behold. Three men are seeking you. Go. And when he went.

[12:32] He met them. He meant to. Cornelius has sent us to come and call you. And come to his house. So the Holy Spirit said. Go with them. So he went with them. When they got there. He met Cornelius. Cornelius has called all his relatives.

[12:43] And loved ones. They are waiting. And Peter is coming. Because a whole angel came from heaven. And told him. Go and call Peter. And do you know why he said. Go and call Peter. For him to come and tell you.

[12:54] Words. Words. Angel. Why don't you tell me the words. Angel. Why? He said. There are certain covenant. Salvation words. That are committed to men.

[13:05] If you can't listen to men. You'll miss God. Because God will use men to reach out to you. So he said. Go and call Peter. Then Peter comes. He starts speaking. He starts speaking.

[13:16] He starts speaking. This is so interesting. He began. Before he even started speaking. He said. You call me. I'm come. I'm not here. What is it? And.

[13:27] The guy. I always call him. Cornelius. In verse 33. From 30. Acts chapter 10. He said. I was fasting. And an angel told me. Go and bring Peter. And so I've called you.

[13:38] That's why I've called you. Peter said in verse 34. Of a truth. I now realize. That God is no respecter of persons. That in every nation. He said. Anyone who would fear God. Is accepted by him.

[13:49] He said. In every nation. In every nation. Every nation. Doesn't matter. Your nation. Doesn't matter. You don't need visa. To be accepted by him. We are. All you have to do.

[14:02] Is to fear him. So Peter said. Oh wow. So. Then. Peter started to tell them. The story about Jesus. Of Nazareth. He said.

[14:13] Jesus Christ. Of Nazareth. I said. How God. Verse 37. Anointed. Jesus Christ. Of Nazareth. With the Holy Ghost. And power. Who went about doing good.

[14:24] And he told them. About Jesus. And he said. Jesus was crucified. They killed him. But I was saying. God raised him again. From the dead. And then. He. He appeared to the people.

[14:35] Verse 40. Jesus Christ appeared. After resurrection. He appeared to the people. But not to everybody. He only. Watch this. If I was. I was. I was. I was.

[14:46] I was. I was. I was. I was. I was. I was. Did you see. Did you see. Did you see. Did you see. Did you see.

[14:57] Did you see. Did you see. Did you see. Did you see. Did you see. Did you see. Did you see. into your heart.

[15:23] All I can do is from my mouth to your ears. The rest, it's God's job to take it from your ears into your heart. No preacher can get into your heart.

[15:35] It's God who can take the words a preacher speak from your ears into your heart. And then now the responsibility is just to say, you can't deny that there's something different about these things I'm hearing.

[15:47] There's something different. So Peter, God says that, Peter says that. God showed him openly. I like the word openly. God showed him openly to the people.

[15:58] Then he said, but not to all the people. He showed him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses who have been chosen before. So when Jesus resurrected, the people who saw him were already pre-selected by God.

[16:12] Okay, this one will see him. You will see him. Do you see him? You will see him. For what? He says that the people who see him are supposed to be witnesses. Witnesses, that is where preaching starts from. They are supposed to be witnesses.

[16:25] So they go, don't forget these words. They go, a witness is supposed to go and testify. The message of the church is a testimony of Jesus.

[16:38] A church who doesn't testify about Jesus has lost its mission. A lot of other things, other organizations can do.

[16:49] No organization has been saddled or has been given the responsibility of testifying about Jesus by the church. But unfortunately, unfortunately, churches in our times, many churches have abandoned that soul and unique responsibility from heaven and are doing other things that people think is nice.

[17:09] And so I've lost their relevance. No wonder I've started losing disciples. To people who God has pre-appointed to see him, so they will be to witnesses.

[17:23] He showed them to witnesses. Witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with him when he rose from the dead. And the Bible says that.

[17:36] So look at the verse. Verse 41. Ah, 42. Ooh. Ooh. And he commanded us to preach to the people. And to, you see that word again, testify.

[17:47] And to testify that it is Jesus who was ordained by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. That's the one. Abraham, everybody spoke about Jesus. There's a man coming.

[17:58] He's the only one who is qualified to be the judge of anybody who is alive or dead. You might get away from the police. You can do some dodgy things and get away.

[18:10] But not with God. One day you stand before Jesus. He's there. There's only one person appointed by God to be there. And Peter said, it is this Jesus who resurrected from the dead.

[18:22] Because how do you know he's the one God has appointed to be the judge? By raising him from the dead. So when God raised him from the dead, he was making a statement that this is the one who will judge everybody.

[18:35] Yeah. In Acts chapter 17, verse 30 and 31. Truly, these times of ignorance, God winked. He overlooked. God is behaving like he hasn't seen the things that you are doing.

[18:49] The things you are saying. Sometimes in the time of ignorance, God wink. But now. But now. Commands all men there is not gender.

[18:59] It's human beings. Humanity. All mankind. Commands all human beings. Commands all human beings. Where? Only in Reading? No.

[19:09] Only in London? Only in America? No. Everywhere. All human beings everywhere. To do what? To do what? To do what? To do what? Say that word well.

[19:20] Say it louder. Perfect. Because we will come to that later. Commands everyone to repent. Look at the next verse. And look at the next verse.

[19:31] Because he has appointed a day under which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man. You see the M is capital. Talking about Jesus. By the man whom he has ordained.

[19:41] He has given assurance of this to all by raising him from. So when he raised him from the dead, he said this is what I'm telling you. I'm going to judge everybody by this man. Amen. Amen. So it is Peter said it is he who God has appointed to be the judge of the living and the dead.

[20:00] The one who raised from the dead, who rose from the dead. Acts chapter 10 verse. Verse 43. I like it. To him all the prophets. Every time I read the New Testament and I come across this phrase.

[20:13] All the prophets, all the prophets and Moses. It sounds so sweet. I will explain why. It's part of what I'm about to preach today. So to him all the prophets witness that through his name, whoever believes in him will receive.

[20:29] This is serious. Watch this. Can I teach this? To Jesus. To Jesus. To Jesus. All the prophets including Moses.

[20:40] Habakkuk. Zephaniah. Jonah. Micah. Daniel. Zachariah. Amos. Elijah. Elijah. Elijah. Name them. David. Name them. If you are a prophet.

[20:52] There was one message. In the Old Testament. They were all testifying about Jesus Christ. And what was their message? They were saying that this man who is coming. Through his name. Whoever believes in him.

[21:04] Will receive. Will receive. What do you receive? You know. Removal of sin. So there are human beings who can stand before God. And they are sinless. Thank you.

[21:17] How did you become sin? There is no amount of brush. That will wash you from sins. Yes. Brush cannot change your skin color. It doesn't matter how much you bath.

[21:28] You cannot change your hair texture or hair color. But. It says that. Those who believe in him. Will receive. Remission.

[21:41] Remission. Remission. As I have sent the remittance. Something that has been. Released. Removed. Remission. Remission of sins.

[21:53] Remission. That's why you can never receive. Forgiveness of sins. Outside of Jesus. But it's clear. Peter told them. That. All the prophets.

[22:03] Were talking about Jesus. That he is the one. That. Anyone. In his name. Anyone who believes in him. Will receive. Remission of sins. Why do you have to go and use different means you don't know.

[22:16] This is clear. The prophets have said. Is there. Is there. Is there. Do you know what. When he. Bible says that whilst he was speaking. The Holy Ghost. The Peter. Turned aside. Oh.

[22:27] Verse 44. Verse 44. Whilst he yet spoke these words. The Holy Spirit. Fell. On all those. Who heard. Can I ask you a question.

[22:38] Who told you. Who you listen to. Doesn't matter. Yes. Yes. Look at the text. Who did the Holy Spirit fall on. Those who are listening to Peter.

[22:50] If you are not listening to Peter. He will fall on you. It is in your Bible. Whilst Peter. Was still speaking. These words.

[23:01] The Holy Spirit. Fell upon all those. Who heard. The word. All those who heard. The word. King James. King James. King James says that. Whilst Peter yet spoke these words.

[23:13] I like it. While Peter yet spoke these words. They are funny. Funny. Funny. Expression. The Holy Ghost. Fell on all them. Which heard. The word. As I was speaking.

[23:25] The Spirit of God. Is falling on some people. I don't know. Why many people. Are wasting their time. In church. You go to church. And you don't see anything.

[23:35] From the Bible. It is not church. It is socializing. You can get that in the pub. Why do you go to church?

[23:48] Is it not socializing? Is it? No. You can get that in the pub. Is it for friendship? You can get that in the pub. Yeah. But for the word of God. Which the Holy Ghost is waiting for.

[24:00] Before it falls on people. You can get it anyway. By church. And it must be delivered. By certain people. Who God sends. So. Now this happens.

[24:11] Peter. They didn't plan it. Then there are some people. Called Judaizers. They are born again. Now look at the next verse. And all those who came with Peter. The day of the circumcision.

[24:22] Means that. The Jews. The original Jews. Circumcision. Yeah. That's how you become a Jew. When you are born. You have to be circumcised. Then you are now. So Jews call those who are not Jews.

[24:35] Or who are not practicing Judaism. Who are not Jews. You are uncircumcised. That's why David said to Goliath. Who is this uncircumcised Phyllisian? Who is defying the armies of God? 1 Samuel chapter 17.

[24:46] I think verse 36 or 37. Who is this uncircumcised Phyllisian? That means. You don't have a covenant with God. Yes. You don't have a covenant with God. So. The Jews used to call the Gentiles.

[24:59] The uncircumcised. The uncircumcised. And so the Jews were called. Day of the circumcision. But. Not all Jews. They didn't like Jesus. Some of them became born again.

[25:09] And they were following Peter. So. Day of the circumcision. Which believed. You see. They are not believers. Were astonished. As many as came with Peter. Why?

[25:20] Because. On the Gentiles also. Was poured the gift of the Holy Spirit. Because Gentiles are not supposed to be entitled. To the things of God. How can Gentiles receive it? Ha! So when.

[25:31] By the time Peter got back to Jerusalem. In. Acts chapter 11. Bible says that. Some of the Judaizers. Or some of the circumcision. Were very upset with him.

[25:42] How can you go to a Gentiles. House. And go. Look at chapter 11. Verse 1. Verse 2. Okay. When Peter was come up to Jerusalem. Day that were of the. You see. Did you see this circumcision people?

[25:54] Contended with him. Give us new kenyans. That's easier to understand. Yes. When Peter came to Jerusalem. Those of the circumcision. Contended with him. Do you have NIV? Or new living translation.

[26:05] That will even make it even nicer. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem. The circumcised believers. Criticizing. Why? What was that criticism? Look at the next verse. NIV.

[26:15] Stay on NIV. And said. You went into the house of. Uncircumcised men. And you also went to eat. Mike. Going into the house is wrong.

[26:28] And then now you go and eat with them. So. Peter ate jackpock. Peter went to eat.

[26:45] Eat. You ate. So I told you. When you look at verse 10. You see he ate. But when you look at verse 11. He went to eat first. Before he preached. Or maybe after they preached.

[26:57] One way or the other. He just. He went to eat some nice food. Crispy aromatic duck. They criticize him.

[27:08] That you went to. Uncircumcised men. You don't understand. They are circumcised. They don't have a relationship with God. They don't have covenant with God. We are the covenant people. And we are not supposed to interact with them.

[27:19] And mingle with them. How come now you have crossed over. And now you have gone there. Which is wrong. And now you went to eat with them. Peter. You are supposed to know better. Peter. You should know better. Peter. You should know better.

[27:29] What is this? What is that? You should know better. And Peter said. Please. Please. Don't get me wrong. It is not me. It is not me. He said I was fasting. I was praying. And then. Peter began to explain the whole thing. And he told them. That you know.

[27:40] It was in my fault. I was just there. And the Holy Ghost told me. To go. Someone had a revelation. And after he said it. The Bible said. They all concluded. Wow. Of a truth. God has also granted.

[27:52] Verse 18. God has also granted repentance. To the Gentiles. When they heard this. They had no further objections. And praise God.

[28:03] Saying. So then God has granted. Even the Gentiles. See. Repentance. That is where your story in Jesus starts. That word repentance.

[28:15] That is where your story in Jesus. It is not church attendance. It is repentance. There are two different things. Some people come to church. But they do not repent. So it says.

[28:27] They said. God has granted repentance. To the Gentiles. Also. And they praise God. God you are amazing. God you are amazing. But some of these. Judaizers. And some of these Jews.

[28:38] And they still brought. Their old religious mindset. Into Christianity. So in chapter 15. Verse 1. Some Jews. Came from Jerusalem.

[28:49] To Antioch. Where the move of God. Was happening. Some men came down. From Judea. To Antioch. And were teaching. Their brothers. Brothers means. They are all now in church. Teaching them.

[29:00] Unless you are circumcised. Hey. Hey. Hey. Can you imagine. This whole man. 38 year old man. Is in church. He said. To be saved. You have to be circumcised.

[29:11] Can you imagine. Is that fair? They said. Unless you are circumcised. According to the custom. Custom taught by Moses. You cannot be saved. You see.

[29:21] They are now infiltrating. Because. Jesus. That's not part. Of the basis for salvation. The sole basis for salvation. Is that. Whoever believes in him.

[29:31] Receives remission of sins. So in every nation. Anyone who believes in him. Receives remission of sins. But these people said. Believing in him.

[29:42] Is not enough. See religion. You see religion. You see what religion can do. And they were well meaning people. They were not like bad people. But that's what they knew.

[29:52] And so they were bringing it. Into Christianity. Every religion you ever practice. Whether you practice. Christianism. Or Shintoism. Or Buddhism. Or anything. When you become born again.

[30:04] You are likely to bring elements of it. In your mindset. Because that's how you've been programmed. Your religious mindset. Will infiltrate. Your Christian approach.

[30:17] Your religious. So then. Every one of us. Requires constant teaching. From God's word. Not only your religious mindset. But your social norms.

[30:28] National philosophy. Traditional norms. Traditional mindset. And ideologies. You will come to church with it. If you don't respect women. You come to church.

[30:39] It will begin to show. If you grew up with someone. As someone who was raised. Never to respect women. Or never to respect men. Or never to respect people.

[30:49] Or never to respect other races. You will come to church. And Asher will give you a. He said. No. I don't see people like this. It's not because you are a bad person. But you are a sick person.

[31:01] Because of your mindset. But in the Bible. The Bible says in the church. There is no Greek or Jew. There is no male. No female.

[31:14] There is no slave. Or free. It's there. Christ is. Colossians chapter 3 verse 11. Oh. I like it. Colossians 3 verse 11.

[31:27] Here. There. That's talking about in church. Here. Tell someone here. Yeah. In church. Yeah. There is no Greek or Jew. Circumcised or.

[31:37] Now you know what circumcised means. Yeah. Circumcised or uncircumcised. Barbarian. Scythian. Slave. Or free. But Christ is all.

[31:47] And in all. That's all that matters. Christ. That's why I like that song. Yeah. Christ is my firm foundation. The rock on which I stand.

[31:58] Well. So. These. Judaizers went and they said. If you are not circumcised. You are not saved. Paul said. Excuse me. Where is this coming from? And there was a big argument between them.

[32:11] So now they said. You know what. Let's settle this. Let's all. Let's go to Jerusalem. To where the apostles are. And let's go and make the decision. Let's ask them to. So they went to Jerusalem. They had a big conference in Jerusalem.

[32:22] And they came to a conclusion that. We do not have to force the Gentiles to be circumcised. So. In. In Acts chapter 15. Verse. 19.

[32:33] I think. Verse 19. It is my judgment. Therefore. That we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles. Who are turning to God. Let's make it difficult. Let's not make it difficult for them.

[32:43] Because we couldn't even keep those laws. Why are we putting it on them? That's Peter talking. He said. We all know how God made me go to a Gentiles house. To go and preach to them. And God accepted them.

[32:55] So. Why are we making things cumbersome for them? Why are we putting on the Gentiles? What we know. Our fathers could not even. Is there. Look at the verses before. I think. Is it 12? Verse 12.

[33:05] The whole assembly became silent. As they listened to Barnabas and Paul. Telling them about the miraculous signs. And oneness which God has done amongst the Gentiles. Through them. Let's go on.

[33:15] When they finished. James spoke. Brothers. Listen to me. Someone has described to us. How God at first showed. His concern. By taking from the Gentiles.

[33:25] A people for himself. Is it verse 10 I'm looking for? Verse 10 is the one I'm looking for. Okay. Look at it. Verse 10. Now therefore. Why do you test God? By putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples.

[33:37] Which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear. So let's not do that. So they give instances where God has accepted Gentiles. Without them having to keep laws.

[33:49] By just believing in Jesus. That's the national of it. So they said. Let us choose some of our men. From verse 19. Let us choose some of our men. Two of them to accompany Paul and Barnabas.

[34:02] To travel back. So therefore. I judge that we should not trouble those from amongst the Gentiles. Who are turning to God. Verse 20. Verse 20. But that we write to them to abstain from pollution.

[34:15] From idols. From sexual immorality. Is it that? From things strangled and from blood. Now the next verse. For Moses has had throughout many generations.

[34:29] Those who preach him every city. Being read in a synagogue and all that. That's all. What about it? But so they chose in verse 22. They chose notable men. Men of great respect. Two men.

[34:40] Very respectable men. Then it pleased the apostles and the elders with the whole church. To send chosen men of their company to Antioch. With Paul and Barnabas.

[34:51] Namely Judas. Who was also named Bathabas. And Silas. A leading. Silas. Leading men among the prairie. So they sent.

[35:02] So Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas come. So Paul and Barnabas. Okay. They came with a problem. So they chose Judas.

[35:16] And Silas. Now not Judas. The one who betrayed Jesus. This Judas was a prophet. Wow. How many of you know there's not only one David in the UK? There are quite a few.

[35:31] That's why. So there's not only one Judas in the Bible. Jude or Judas or Judah. They are all the same. No. So this Judas is not the one who betrayed Jesus.

[35:43] This Judas according to verse 32. He's a prophet. He was a prophet. Yes. Verse 32. Look at verse 32. Now Judas and Silas themselves being what? Prophet.

[35:53] Yes. So they chose Judas and Silas to accompany Paul and Barnabas. Four of them to go to Antioch and go and send the letter the apostles have written about how they should conduct written life.

[36:11] To go. So Paul and Barnabas went. And they broke the news to the churches. And the churches were happy. They were all doing well. And then after they finished their mission in verse 32 and 33.

[36:26] Judas and Silas stayed there a little bit. Afterwards, Judas said, I'm going back to Jerusalem. Yeah, but he should go. They just sent him. But Silas said, no, I want to stay further.

[36:38] It's in your Bible. However, it seemed good for Silas to remain there. So Silas stayed. Then Paul said to Barnabas.

[36:51] Let's go and strengthen the believers. In the places where we have preached the word of the Lord. And let's see how they are doing.

[37:03] So it was Paul's idea. Then Barnabas was determined. Look at the Bible. The Bible said Barnabas was determined to go with.

[37:15] To go with. John Mark. Do you remember John Mark? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Who was John Mark? That's it. That's them. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Barnabas was determined.

[37:28] This is it there. Barnabas was determined to take with them John Mark. But Paul said, no. Paul said, no.

[37:40] No. No. No. There's a problem now. Yeah. The problem was the determination of Barnabas. Against Paul's expectation.

[37:54] Look at what Paul said. Paul insisted. Barnabas was determined. Paul was insisting. There's going to be a problem. Paul insisted that they should not take with them one who had departed.

[38:08] You remember? The people who leave. Yeah. He said, those who departed from them in Pamphylia. And had gone with them.

[38:21] And had not gone with them to them. When we are going to work. And the going became tough. You remember Acts chapter 13 verse 13. He left them when they got to Perga in Pamphylia.

[38:31] He left them and went back to Jerusalem. And Paul felt you betrayed us. But after many years. Now things were looking good. Barnabas or John Mark managed to be back.

[38:45] And so now Barnabas said, let's get him back on the track as we go. Paul said, no. Now, Barnabas is an encourager. He never gives up on people.

[38:57] Some of you do not know how to still forgive people and help them. Some of us, one of your biggest problems is you are very unforgiving.

[39:09] You don't look like God. You say you are a child of God, but I doubt it. Because what kind of child is this that doesn't look like his father? So I know you say you are a child of God.

[39:23] But this your unforgiving, arrogant spirit is pointing to whose son you are. Am I preaching something?

[39:34] Do you know Barnabas? Barnabas was nicknamed in Acts chapter 4 verse 36. He was nicknamed by the apostles, the son of encouragement.

[39:45] It doesn't matter how low you are. You meet Barnabas. It doesn't matter how much mistakes you've done. You meet Barnabas and you feel you can still run the race. Barnabas is a good man.

[39:57] Yeah. Son, he was translated son of encouragement. That's the name Barnabas. Barnabas was not his original name. It was a nickname the apostles gave him. Can you imagine?

[40:08] His actual name was Joseph. Which is the same as Joseph. He was a good man. And was also nick, was also named by the apostles.

[40:19] And was also named Barnabas by the apostles. Which is translated son of encouragement. Listen, it came from Cyprus. Yeah. Very good guy. So even the one who never stays with them, he believes that we can still give him a chance.

[40:35] We can still. And every one of us should have that in our hearts. Give people a chance. They run away from the choir. They say, I want to come back. Give them a chance. Let's receive people.

[40:46] When people leave us, then they come back. Let's receive them. There must be some Barnabas amongst us. Who shouldn't make people feel bad for leaving? Even though we haven't forgotten.

[41:00] Did you understand what I'm preaching? If Barnabas leaves, abandons John Mark, he has betrayed his true identity. God, Barnabas was an encourager.

[41:13] So it doesn't matter what you have done. He still believes that, listen, there's greatness in you. So that's why he was determined. Let's go with him. But Paul, remember, Paul has been told, bones and afflictions.

[41:32] When they call Paul, they say, I will show him how many things he might suffer for my name. And so, Pamphylia, suffering having started, and John Mark left. Paul knows there's suffering ahead.

[41:45] The times ahead, I don't need someone who will leave. I don't need someone who will leave. So now, Paul had to also stay his grounds.

[41:58] Because he knows what is ahead. And he knows this guy, he will run away. So what happened? Barnabas took John Mark.

[42:10] Where does Barnabas come from? What happened? He took Barnabas and went home. He went to Cyprus.

[42:26] And he went to groom the guy. Many years later, when Paul was in prison, when he was now about to die. When he was now about to die. And the hard times were over now.

[42:39] In 2 Timothy chapter 4, verse 11, he says that, look at that, look at that. Paul, this is Paul. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with me. Why?

[42:50] Because he's a useful person. So you see Barnabas. Barnabas could see that this guy is useful. Barnabas could see that this guy, it's just that he can't stand tough times.

[43:04] Yeah, he doesn't like hard times. And Paul said, bonds and afflictions await me, but none of these things move me. You don't want somebody who will always be crying. Every little thing.

[43:15] No, I don't want you in my day. But when you have finished that season, and you are coming to die, bring this guy, because he can stabilize the work. So, Barnabas took John Mark.

[43:28] Go. They went to Cyprus. And what happened? And Paul took Silas. Is there in your Bible? Paul chose Silas.

[43:40] Who was Silas? A prophet who came from Jerusalem to come and solve a problem in Antioch. But he chose to stay. You see those who remain? Ah! He decided to stay.

[43:53] Paul said, I can go with people who stay. Because there was problems ahead. No, no. This is chapter 15. Just in chapter 16. Look at verse 18. Verse 18.

[44:04] I'm just on chapter 16. Only one chapter later. Look at verse 18. And verse 17. They went and cast a demon out of a girl. Yes. They cast. This girl followed Paul and cried out.

[44:17] And asked and cried out. These are the men who are telling us good news from the world. And then verse 18 says that. The next verse. And the next verse says, And this she did for many days.

[44:28] That's a girl. She had spirit inside her. They cast the demon out of the girl. Look at verse 19. But when his master saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul.

[44:40] They seized. It would have been Paul and John Mark. And John Mark would have gone. Yeah. He would have said, No, guys. I'm not part of this thing. They seized and dragged them into the marketplace to the authority.

[44:58] Look at what happened to them. The next verse. And they brought them to the magistrate and said, These men are Jews exceedingly troubling our city. Verse 21. And they teach customs which are not lawful for us.

[45:11] Be Romans to receive or observe. Look at that. 22. Then the multitude rose up together against them. And the magistrate tore off their clothes and commanded that they be beaten with rods.

[45:24] Not canes. Rodes. Yeah. You see the problems ahead. Silas thought, I'm happy to go with Paul. But that's what was ahead. Yes.

[45:34] Ministry can be very challenging. Yeah. They beat them. But, And Bible says they threw them in prison. Verse 30 to 25.

[45:45] But at midnight, Paul and Silas, They prayed and they sang praises. If it was John Mark, He wouldn't sing praises. You'd be crying all night.

[45:56] Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama. But, They prayed and sang praises to the extent that heaven invaded the prison and shook their place.

[46:07] Without praises, This couldn't happen. And I guarantee John Mark wouldn't have sung praises. And they would have still stayed in prison until they died. Wow. Yeah. But Paul needed somebody who was not afraid of suffering.

[46:20] Afraid of suffering. I don't know who I'm talking to. The life that doesn't come with sacrifices and pain, It's not a life that can secure glory.

[46:34] No. Yeah. Even if you want to do your PhD, The reason why a lot of people are not doing it is because they are not ready for the pain and the sacrifice. Your pain is what will determine your qualification for your gain.

[46:49] Yeah. Thank you for listening to this message by David Entry. We pray you have been revived towards God. You can connect with David Entry on all relevant social media platforms, Including Instagram and LinkedIn.

[47:04] You can also hear more messages from David Entry on all relevant streaming platforms And the Harris Church app. Don't forget to like and share the message. We'll be blessed. Thank you. Thank you.

[47:20] Thank you.