When the early Christians scattered following the persecution of Stephen, they traveled “as far as Phoenician, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only” (Acts 11:19). That is until some men from Cyprus and Cyrene who in “Antioch spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord.” (Acts 11:20-21). When the church in Jerusalem heard, they sent Barnabas to minister to this new congregation most likely made up of Jews and Gentiles. “Who when he came and had seen the Grace of God was glad. (He) exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” (Acts 11:23). Then, he went to Tarsus to get Paul. Returning, they both taught the church in Antioch, where the disciples were first called “Christians”.
Antioch was a very corrupt society, filled with the worship of “pleasure”. The city was known for its lascivious living, brothels, and indulgent “pleasures”. People were very concerned with themselves, each believing their own pleasure more important than that of anyone else. Even in whatever good they might do; it was all about self-exaltation and self-indulgent pleasures. It was amid such a society that the church grew and flourished. No wonder, Barnabas felt overjoyed for the Grace of God to bring salvation to such a place. Therefore, he exhorted the people “that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord”. For in such a place very similar to the one we live today, it does require purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord.
PURPOSE OF HEART
So, what constitutes a purpose of heart? The English Standard Version says, “steadfast purpose”. The Berean literal translation “resolute purpose of heart.” They were encouraged to remain steadfast, resolute, and determined. This is indeed an action on the part of the people. It is not just simply floating along wherever the current might cause one to drift. Particularly in such a society that draws one’s heart to believe that self is most important. Much like the society we live in today. We are taught that from the crib we are to instill into our children the need for self-love, self-fulfillment, and self-gratification above all else. Oh, and if we fail to do so, no worries the schools and society with teach them the same. Surrounded by indulgent pleasures from the foods we eat, the shows we watch and the games we play, this concept is ground into our hearts.
To stand firm on the gospel message, one must establish a purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord. For in Him we are taught to die to self, that He might live in us and through us. Our being is in fact, nonexistent nothingness without Him. WE ARE DEAD Spiritually until He enters to give us life.
Ephesians 2:1-10
You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Cleave unto the Lord
Therefore, it does take resolve of heart to cleave unto the Lord when our very own human hearts desire self above all else. Yet, the truth is there is no amount of human pleasures that would ever satisfy the longing of our hearts; because we were made to find our true joy in a relationship with God our creator. Only in Christ can we find a true abiding steadfast joy that the world cannot understand. Still, we find ourselves constantly pulled away from Him unless with purpose of heart we cleave unto the Lord.
Just how do we do that? By spending time each day with Him in His word and in fellowship of prayer. This world and all its “sparkling lights” and glitter tries to draw us away from that intimate time with Him. However, we must with purpose of heart cleave unto the Lord. Only therein will we find the joy, hope, love, and faith needed to rise above all the clamor of this world.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
PREVIOUSLY
The Great Pleasure of His Will-a Poem
The Message Expands to the Gentile Nation. How?
Do You Feel the Urgency to Spread the Truth?
One Transformed Life that Changed the World
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Is there a Faith that Cannot Save?
But for God, the Sorrows that Abound- a poem
How can Relentless Persecution Really Bring About Good?
One of the Greatest Sermons Ever
7 Characteristics of Stephen Everyone Should Know
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
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