A Beachhead for the Gospel
- Ken Ramey
- Jun 28, 2009
- Series: Acts
Acts 11:19-30
A 'beachhead' is a military position that serves as a landing point and staging area for preparing a larger, coordinated attack or invasion. When implemented, it is critical to the successful launch of a war. In Acts 11, Luke provides a description of the church in Antioch, which was the most strategic church of the three that are described throughout the Book of Acts. The church at Antioch is considered the first great 'missions' church in that it was the first to proactively reach out to the Gentiles.
From the example of the church in Antioch, we discover five foundations of a great church that can serve as a strategic beachhead to advance the gospel in its community and around the world. A missions-minded church will have:
1. Aggressive Outreach - Is Gutsy in Evangelism (vv. 19-21)
2. Supportive Leaders - God Men in Charge (vv. 22-26a)
3. Intensive Instruction - Grounded in the Word (v. 26b)
4. Distinctive Members - Growing More Like Christ (v. 26c)
5. Responsive Giving - Generous to Meet Needs (vv. 27-30)
A beachhead has been established at the church at Antioch so that the gospel can be advanced throughout the world. These verses provide a comparison for our church so that we may examine ourselves and improve in order that we may more effectively impact our community here in Montgomery, Texas. It is by God's grace that we shall be able to do that.
