Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

4 July 2025

Reading From Acts 13:1-25

“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”—Acts 13:1-3

The Book of Acts provides many insights as to how the early church functioned. Antioch is where the believers were first called Christians. In this local church we see that the Holy Spirit flowed in vibrant prophetic and teaching ministries. There was not just one prophet or one teacher in the congregation, but several who ministered in these ways.

God is sovereign in how He chooses who, when, where and how His servants operate in His special giftings. For our part, we are taught to seek the will of the Giver of the gifts and to eagerly desire the greater gifts such as prophecy.

To prophesy is to hear from God and then speak His timely Word with authority. Prophetic messages should always be in perfect alignment with what the Lord has already revealed in His written record the Holy Bible, for He will never contradict Himself.

“Lord, pour out Your Spirit upon us in abundance. May we seek Your will and direction in our lives and for our communities and our nations. Let everything we think, say and do be for Your glory and honor in Jesus’ mighty Name I pray, Amen.”

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ²⁸ And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets,third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?³⁰ Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues^[d]? Do all interpret? ³¹ Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.—I Corinthians 12:27-31