How can we ensure "the hand of the Lord" is with our ministry? The Key Verse Acts 11:21: “The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” Setting the Scene at Antioch • Persecution scattered believers (Acts 11:19). • Some preached “the Lord Jesus” to Greeks as well as Jews (v. 20). • God’s active favor—His “hand”—produced conversion. What “the Hand of the Lord” Signifies • Power to save (Exodus 13:3). • Guidance and blessing (Nehemiah 2:8). • Discipline when resisted (1 Samuel 5:6). Here it means enabling power and evident approval. Conditions That Attract His Hand 1. Christ-centered proclamation – They “proclaimed the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20). – God magnifies His Son (John 12:32). 2. Reliance on the Holy Spirit – Barnabas was “full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24). – “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). 3. Bold obedience in mission – They crossed cultural lines to reach Gentiles (Acts 11:20). – The Lord confirms obedient preaching (Mark 16:20). 4. Devoted hearts – “The eyes of the LORD roam… to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). – Holiness keeps channels open (Isaiah 59:1-2). 5. Unified, encouraging fellowship – Barnabas “encouraged them all to remain true… with heartfelt devotion” (Acts 11:23). – Unity draws blessing (Psalm 133:1-3). 6. Continual dependence on Scripture – Paul and Barnabas taught in Antioch “for an entire year” (Acts 11:26). – God watches over His word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12). Ministry Checklist: How to Walk in These Conditions • Preach Jesus plainly and exclusively. • Bathe all planning and labor in fervent prayer. • Guard personal and corporate holiness; repent quickly. • Cultivate a culture of encouragement, not rivalry. • Measure success by faithfulness to Scripture, not numbers. • Step out in faith to reach overlooked people and places. • Give God public credit for every advance; shun self-promotion. Promised Outcomes When His Hand Is With Us • Conversion: “a great number believed” (Acts 11:21). • Growth: “considerable numbers were added to the Lord” (v. 24). • Multiplication of leaders: Antioch became a sending church (Acts 13:2-3). • Supernatural confirmation: “the Lord worked through them, confirming His word” (Mark 16:20). • Enduring fruit that remains (John 15:16). Closing Thoughts When a ministry exalts Christ, relies on the Spirit, walks in holiness, and obeys the Great Commission, the Lord Himself places His hand upon it. Align with these biblical conditions and watch Him do again what He did in Antioch—turn many hearts to the Lord. |
    |