Signs cam point to a reality beyond us. God ordains signs of hope in famine to forge fellowship among believers that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Famine can reveal disciples that are resolute in their desire to relieve suffering in famine pointing to the eternal work of the Spirit.
Sermon Scripture: Acts 11:25-30
Point #1: Disciples that receive the teachings of Jesus shine brightest in the dark conditions of famine. Verse 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Prophetic Confession #1: Lord Jesus, thank you for your teachings that grant us the boldness to display hope in the midst of difficulty.
Point #2: Disciples must be determined and discerning of the grace gifts given to us in famine. Verse 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined
Prophetic Confession #2: Everlasting Father, thank you for granting us the grace to discern and the determination to remain resolute in the face of famine.
Point #3: Christians are called to be signs of hope that relieve suffering in famine. Sharing in crises points to an alternative source. Verse 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Prophetic Confession #3: Holy Spirit, thank you that you have designed us as your disciples to be signs that our present-day crisis has not caught you off guard and you have a plan even if we don’t.
