Gateway Church
Viral: How the Gospel Spread Then and Now
Pastor Lance Ainsworth Acts 11:19-26 November 20th and 23rd, 2025 Accountability, Encouragement, and Instruction
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Thursday 6:45 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM
Sunday 11:30 AM
Introduction
Acts 11:19-26 ESV
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
God is on the side of those who preach Jesus.
Acts 11:22-26“Three parts of discipleship: Accountability, Encouragement, and Instruction” – Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida, B&H Publishing 2017.
Acts 11:22-26“Three parts of discipleship: Accountability, Encouragement, and Instruction” – Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida, B&H Publishing 2017.
22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
Accountability: Spiritual maturity comes through spiritual community.
Accountability: Spiritual maturity comes through spiritual community.
23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful (dwell) to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Encouragement: Let your presence strengthen others, not burden them.
25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
Instruction: Biblical truth doesn’t just inform, it transforms.
Instruction: Biblical truth doesn’t just inform, it transforms.
Viral: How the Gospel Spread Then and Now.
Pastor Lance Ainsworth
Acts 11:19-26
November 20th and 23rd, 2025
Accountability, Encouragement, and Instruction.
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: What is your favorite Thanksgiving food item?
Read Aloud: Acts 11:19-16
1. v.20-21 “But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” Have you asked God to help you with a ‘hand’ to preach Jesus? What holds you back from sharing your faith in Jesus?
2. v.22-26 “22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful (dwell) to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”
Who in your life is holding you accountable? Is it working? Why or why not?
Are you a voice of encouragement or discouragement? How does encouragement to remain in Jesus change us?
What Biblical instruction have you applied to your life recently?
Pastor Lance Ainsworth
Acts 11:19-26
November 20th and 23rd, 2025
Accountability, Encouragement, and Instruction.
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: What is your favorite Thanksgiving food item?
Read Aloud: Acts 11:19-16
1. v.20-21 “But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” Have you asked God to help you with a ‘hand’ to preach Jesus? What holds you back from sharing your faith in Jesus?
2. v.22-26 “22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful (dwell) to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”
Who in your life is holding you accountable? Is it working? Why or why not?
Are you a voice of encouragement or discouragement? How does encouragement to remain in Jesus change us?
What Biblical instruction have you applied to your life recently?