Sunday’s Message
Acts 11:19-12:24
“Barnabas encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” Acts 11:23
New Year Resolution 1 – Encourage Others in their Faith
Pastor’s Reflections
As Antioch became the new hub of growth for Christianity, the leaders in Jerusalem felt it necessary to make sure that the faith being spread was authentic. They sent Barnabas for quality control.
But Luke indicates that the influence of Barnabus was way more significant than that. His power was as an encourager. (Barnabus is actually his nickname, meaning “son of encouragement”. Joseph is his given name.)
Other Christians do not just need accountability, they need the encouragement of other Christians.
Luke indicates that the results of his arrival in Antioch were far reaching. Verse 24 says, “and a great number of people were brought to the Lord”. There had been a new wave of believers come into the church, but it seems that second new wave of believer came in because of Barnabus’ work of encouraging, bringing joy, stimulating friendships, loving people.
Do not underestimate the power that an encouraging word from you to a young believer can have.
Here’s a very powerful action that you can take: Each Sunday look for young couples, young parents, young singles, and approach them. Introduce yourself. And take a moment to find something very, very simple to say to encourage them.
That word of encouragement may be more powerful that day than anything they heard in the sanctuary.
Take part in the ministry of encouragement.
Thank you for your suggestion to be an encourager. This is an area in which I am gifted and I have a tendancy to under estimate and under appreciate the value of it. It is good to be reminded that God has gifted me this way and I am seving him when I encourage. For me it is such a simple thing to do. It is great how he makes serving him so easy.
ReplyDeleteI take this to heart, because someone approached me in the church the first couple times I was in service and I think because of those people, that I have kept coming back and call it my home. I will encourage others as others encouraged me.
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