Now in the church (assembly) at Antioch there were prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God) and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger [Black], Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
3 Then after fasting and praying, they put their hands on them and sent them away.
4 So then, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from [that port] they sailed away to Cyprus.
5 When they arrived at Salamis, they preached the Word of God [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John [Mark] as an attendant to assist them (Acts 13:1-5 AMP).
Notice the giftings within the early church, this is Saul’s/Paul’s First Missionary Journey, The Holy Spirit is speaking, they’re worshipping, fasting and praying, because The Bridegroom is no longer with them (in the flesh). There’s a separation, sanctification for ‘the work’ for which Barnabas and Saul have been ‘called.’ Hands were laid on them and The Holy Spirit ‘sent’ them away, out and they went! Like Philip with the Ethiopian Eunuch, they preached, gave them ‘The Word,’ Jesus, concerning the attainment of Salvation (Yeshua in Hebrew) in ‘the kingdom of God,’ although some Jews and many Gentiles do accept the message, but the synagogue leaders drive Paul and Barnabas out of town, according to Acts 13:42-51. Are you seeing a pattern here?
The ONLY Way we become true children of Abraham is to be born-again by the Holy Spirit of God. The Son has come to dwell, tabernacle in our hearts and minds. We must have a reverential fear and an intimate, experiential knowing of God! Unto us The Son has been given, the message of this Good News/Gospel of Salvation, so that we can give this love away to others. You and I are set aside for His Glory, equipped, commissioned and sent, to bring His Kingdom of Righteousness, Shalom/Peace and Joy in The Holy Spirit to ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes & Tongues! The Bible tells us that God Is Love and He so Loved the world that He gave His ONE & Only Begotten Son, Jesus, so in this 2nd month of February 2024, affectionately known as the month of Love, the shortest month of the year, let us go forth with Holy Spirit Joy, be the salt of the Earth and let your Light shine out and into the world, because His Love is not only to be received, but to be given away, so GO and fulfill ‘the works’ you have been created to DO! If you or someone you know would like to have a prayer gathering in or around New Mexico, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Shalom,
Mark Tross
NM Prayer Connect Coordinator
