Intro

They early church was scattered because of persecution. The early disciples carried the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, and then to Phoenicia and Syria. In Antioch of Syria the church family became multi-ethnic, intercultural, and multilingual, and one can’t help but think of the parallels with the Willingdon church family in Metro Vancouver, working in 10 languages and comprised of members from more than 70 countries.

Ethnic diversity is wonderful, but there is something even more amazing about the church in Antioch. “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (11:25).  The word “Christ” means “Anointed One” in Greek.  The word “Christian” literally means “belonging to Christ” or “little anointed one.” If we are “little anointed ones” who follow Jesus, what should mark our lives?

Questions for Reflection:

• In your everyday life, how is Jesus inviting you to join him in his mission?
• Is Jesus inviting you to join a team or group on mission to a neighborhood, an interest group, a generation, or an ethnic group?