Be a Great Encourager - Shine out Faithfully and Serve Willingly

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”
(Acts 11:22-24)
  Passage: Acts 13:1-4

        As the early church began to expand beyond Jerusalem, primarily because of the persecution that came after the martyrdom of Stephen, one of cities that had the greatest reception of the gospel was Antioch. Not only did many people become believers, but for the first time, the majority of them were Greeks, or non-Jews. When the church in Jerusalem heard about that, they thought they ought to send someone to check it out and they chose Barnabas. Why? For one thing, he shined out faithfully in his life and they knew he would be a good encourager to those who had trusted in Jesus.
       A second reason they chose Barnabas, was that he was willingly to serve. Barnabas had already given Christ his “yes”. He was ready and willing to go and serve,  wherever God opened the door and he was not hindered in some way. Barnabas is a living testimony for us in how to be living testimonies of encouragement. Shine out for Jesus in the way you live and have a servant’s heart for Him.  

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)