Join Pastor Allen Bonnell as he examines the formation and characteristics of the New Testament church in Antioch from Acts chapter 11, in a message titled "A Clear Picture of an Early Church." This church, born outside of Jerusalem and the Jewish context, becomes the blueprint for the mission-focused, grace-filled body of Christ.

Pastor Allen highlights three marks of a healthy New Testament church:

-- They Pass It On: Scattered by persecution after Stephen's martyrdom, ordinary disciples preached the Gospel to Hellenists (Greeks/Pagans) in the decadent city of Antioch, demonstrating that evangelism is the responsibility of every believer.

-- They Come Alongside: The Jerusalem church sent Barnabas—the "Son of Encouragement"—who found a place where grace abounds and exhorted them to remain faithful. This illustrates the necessary parakaleo—coming alongside one another to speak truth (rebuke) and offer mercy (encouragement).

-- They Bring Others: After a year of intense discipleship by Barnabas and Paul, "they were first called Christians," a term initially derogatory but embraced as a badge of honor, signifying they were "soldiers of Christ." This church was diverse in ethnicity and socioeconomic status, reflecting that the Gospel is for all people.

The sermon concludes by emphasizing a fourth mark: Giving Graciously. The Antioch church immediately demonstrated generosity by raising relief for the brothers in Judea, modeling sacrificial giving—for "God so loved the world, He gave."