WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.879 If you have your Bibles, I'd like for you to go with me to the book of Acts this morning. 00:00:03.040 --> 00:00:04.639 The book of Acts, chapter 4. 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:08.080 And in Acts chapter 4, we'll begin reading in verse number 36. 00:00:08.720 --> 00:00:10.640 Acts chapter 4, verse number 36. 00:00:10.800 --> 00:00:14.640 And we're going to read four passages of scripture here this morning in the book of Acts. 00:00:14.800 --> 00:00:19.199 And Acts chapter 4 and verse number 36. 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:21.039 And we'll read two verses here. 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:26.559 Acts chapter 4 and verse number 36. 00:00:31.679 --> 00:00:43.520 The Bible says, and Joseph, who had, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, which is being interpreted the son of consolation, a Levi, and of the country of Cyprus. 00:00:43.840 --> 00:00:48.640 Having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. 00:00:48.799 --> 00:00:50.719 Now go with me to chapter 9. 00:00:50.960 --> 00:00:51.920 Acts chapter 9. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:53.359 Look at verse number 26. 00:00:53.759 --> 00:00:56.240 It's a few pages over there, Acts chapter 9. 00:00:56.560 --> 00:01:10.000 Verse number 26, the Bible says, And when Saul, of course, would be later, Paul, and when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he essayed to join himself to the disciples, but they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. 00:01:10.400 --> 00:01:22.400 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 00:01:22.640 --> 00:01:25.840 Now go with me to the book of excuse me, uh, chapter eleven. 00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:28.239 Acts chapter eleven will be in verse number twenty-two. 00:01:28.480 --> 00:01:31.840 Acts chapter eleven, verse number twenty-two. 00:01:33.040 --> 00:01:51.200 The Bible says, Then tidings of these things came into the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem, and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch, who, when he came, he had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 00:01:51.439 --> 00:01:56.879 For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people was added unto the Lord. 00:01:56.959 --> 00:02:00.239 Then departed Barnabas to Tarshus for to seek Saul. 00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:11.520 And we had found him, he brought him unto Antioch, and it came to pass that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church and taught much people, and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:13.919 Now go with me to chapter fifteen. 00:02:14.240 --> 00:02:16.719 Chapter fifteen, look at verse number thirty-six. 00:02:17.280 --> 00:02:28.400 Acts chapter fifteen, verse number thirty-six, the Bible says, And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they do. 00:02:28.639 --> 00:02:32.560 And Barnabas determined to take with him John, whose surname was Mark. 00:02:32.800 --> 00:02:41.039 And Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from uh Pamphyla Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 00:02:41.280 --> 00:02:49.360 And the contention was so sharp between them, and they parted asunder one from the other, and so Barnabas took Mark and sailed unto Cyprus. 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:54.960 And Paul chose Silas and departed, being recommended by their brethren unto the grace of God. 00:02:55.120 --> 00:03:01.120 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. 00:03:01.520 --> 00:03:04.639 I think you've noticed that we're going to talk about a certain man today. 00:03:04.960 --> 00:03:07.280 And somebody tell me what that certain man's name is. 00:03:07.759 --> 00:03:08.879 Barnabas. 00:03:09.199 --> 00:03:18.639 As we talk about Barnabas, though, I want to speak to you tonight or tonight, this morning, on this thought, the ministry of encouragement. 00:03:19.439 --> 00:03:21.439 The ministry of encouragement. 00:03:21.919 --> 00:03:27.199 Barnabas is really one of the most remarkable men, men in the New Testament. 00:03:27.520 --> 00:03:33.039 Not because he was always out front, but because of the effect he had on everyone around him. 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:40.879 When most people think of great men in the book of Acts, people think of maybe Peter, that preacher who was at Pentecost. 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:45.439 Maybe they think of Paul, the fearless missionary to the Gentiles. 00:03:45.680 --> 00:03:53.199 Some may think of Stephen, that faithful martyr, or Philip the evangelist who carried the gospel into new places. 00:03:53.360 --> 00:04:04.960 But Barnabas is often passed over not because he was unimportant, but because he was the kind of man who did much of his greatest work without demanding attention for it. 00:04:05.280 --> 00:04:10.080 He was not always the one preaching the sermon, but he helped make great preachers possible. 00:04:10.319 --> 00:04:20.480 He was not always the one standing in the spotlight, but he was often the one standing beside the man in the spotlight, strengthening him, defending him, and helping him continue. 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:24.879 Barnabas was not the kind of man who needed center stage. 00:04:25.040 --> 00:04:29.680 He was content to serve wherever he could most help the cause of Christ. 00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:38.399 Yet when you read the book of Acts carefully, you begin to realize that his fingerprints are really on some of the most important developments in the early church. 00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:42.160 Barnabas was the kind of man who made others better. 00:04:42.480 --> 00:04:45.680 He had a gift that is rare really in any generation. 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:50.480 The ability to see potential where other people saw problems. 00:04:51.600 --> 00:04:59.920 The ability to offer hope where others offered hesitation, and the ability to invest in people when others had already written them off. 00:05:00.639 --> 00:05:09.600 He could strengthen weak hands, he could steady uncertain hearts, and he could help struggling believers grow into useful servants for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:09.920 --> 00:05:19.600 He knew how to come alongside people, not merely with words, but with genuine love and practical help and spiritual wisdom and steadfast loyalty. 00:05:20.079 --> 00:05:29.199 In a world where many people want prominence, Barnabas teaches us to value, to use the value of usefulness. 00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:36.480 In a day where many people want to be known, Barnabas shows us the beauty of helping others succeed. 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:38.560 He was not driven by ego. 00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:40.720 He was not controlled by jealousy. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:43.439 He was not consumed with making a name for himself. 00:05:44.399 --> 00:05:54.319 His burden was not, how can I get ahead, but rather how can I help the work of God go forward and how can I help the people of God grow stronger. 00:05:54.800 --> 00:05:58.480 His given name, we read in Acts chapter 4, his given name was Joseph. 00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:05.519 But the apostles surnamed him Barnabas, which means the son of consolation or the son of encouragement. 00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:07.839 What a testimony that is. 00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:15.120 Out of all the things that a man could be known for, Barnabas was known for being an encourager. 00:06:15.439 --> 00:06:21.920 His life so consistently strengthened others that encouragement became a part of his very identity. 00:06:22.160 --> 00:06:25.839 Imagine that, being known as an encourager. 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:41.120 His reputation, it wasn't built on brilliance alone, or on talent alone, or public prominence alone, but on the fact that people were helped, they were healed, they were strengthened and established because he came into their lives. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:47.199 Would to God that our churches had more barnabas today. 00:06:47.680 --> 00:06:58.079 We thank God for the gifted singers and the teachers and the faithful organizers and the diligent workers, and all of those are wonderful things to have in the church, and I'm thankful for them. 00:06:58.240 --> 00:07:00.959 But every church needs laborers in every area. 00:07:01.120 --> 00:07:10.079 But beyond all of that, the church desperately needs men and women whose very presence brings grace and strength and stability. 00:07:10.639 --> 00:07:19.519 We need believers who are known to help the fallen and to lift up the fallen, to receive the hesitant, to defend the misunderstood and invest in the unpolished. 00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:24.639 We need Christians who are more concerned with building people than with branding themselves. 00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:30.560 Barnabas reminds us that some of the greatest Christians are not always the loudest Christians. 00:07:30.879 --> 00:07:48.000 Some of the most valuable servants of God are not the ones who draw the most attention, but the ones who quietly pour into others, pray for others, stand by others, and help others and help shape lives that God will later use in mighty ways. 00:07:48.480 --> 00:07:55.839 Many people can impress a crowd for a moment, but barnabas type believers leave a mark on lives for years to come. 00:07:56.240 --> 00:08:04.160 The truth is a church may survive without flashy personalities, but it cannot truly thrive without Barnabas type believers. 00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:08.079 Churches move forward when there are people who know how to encourage. 00:08:08.319 --> 00:08:11.920 Families are strengthened when there is somebody who knows how to steady their hearts. 00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:24.560 Young believers keep going forward when somebody takes them, takes time to believe in them, and great works for God are often built on the unseen ministry of those who quietly hold up the hand of others. 00:08:24.959 --> 00:08:30.959 Barnabas is a reminder that encouragement is not a small ministry, it is a very powerful ministry. 00:08:31.439 --> 00:08:35.039 Helping people is not secondary work, it's kingdom work. 00:08:35.360 --> 00:08:38.080 Investing in others is not wasted effort. 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:41.600 It is one of the greatest contributions a believer can make. 00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:58.080 And when we study the life of Barnabas, when we look at him, we are reminded that God greatly uses those who are willing to strengthen others, to stand in the gap for others, and to spend their lives helping others become what God wants them to be. 00:08:58.639 --> 00:09:04.639 Today, as we look at the life of Barnabas, we are not merely studying an interesting Bible character, though he is. 00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:09.039 We are looking at the pattern of a Christian usefulness. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:16.960 We are looking at a man whose generosity, his graciousness, his discernment and encouragement made a lasting difference in the church. 00:09:17.120 --> 00:09:25.600 And as we do, may God challenge each and every one of us to ask this question Am I the kind of Christian who makes others stronger? 00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:28.399 See, I want to share with you several thoughts here this morning. 00:09:28.480 --> 00:09:32.000 Number one, Barnabas was compassionate. 00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:35.039 Barnabas was compassionate. 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:37.120 Barnabas had a heart for people. 00:09:37.279 --> 00:09:40.480 He was not cold or detached or self-absorbed. 00:09:40.639 --> 00:09:44.799 He noticed needs, he felt burdens, and he responded in a helpful way. 00:09:45.039 --> 00:09:51.360 Can I tell you this morning that real Christianity always moves us toward people, not away from them? 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:58.480 Barnabas was the kind of man who did not just see what was wrong, he looked for a well, a way to help make it right. 00:09:59.200 --> 00:10:02.559 I want to share with you that he cared for the need of others. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:08.000 Barnabas cared for the needs of others in uh chapter 4, verses 36 and 37. 00:10:08.080 --> 00:10:13.120 The Bible says that he sold his land and he brought the money and he laid it at the apostles' feet. 00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:15.279 Listen, this was not done for attention. 00:10:15.440 --> 00:10:19.360 This was not done for everyone to look at him and to say, Look what I have done. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:22.960 No, this was to help meet the need of God's people. 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:26.960 He saw a burden and he chose to do something about it. 00:10:27.440 --> 00:10:33.519 Barnabas did not just speak comforting words, though he did, he put action behind his concern. 00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:36.000 Many people feel sorry for others, and we should. 00:10:36.080 --> 00:10:41.200 We should feel sorry for people, but it not but sometimes we're never moved beyond feelings. 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:42.639 Barnabas was different. 00:10:42.799 --> 00:10:45.519 His compassion, it had hands and it had feet. 00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:49.600 There is a great difference between being moved and being useful. 00:10:50.320 --> 00:10:56.240 Many are emotionally stirred, but Barnabas became practically involved. 00:10:56.799 --> 00:11:02.080 Compassion is not merely feeling a burden, it is bearing a burden. 00:11:02.320 --> 00:11:05.519 Sometimes we say, Well, I hate that they're going through that. 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:09.279 But Barnabas would ask, What can I do to help? 00:11:09.600 --> 00:11:12.960 He reminds us that Christianity is not abstract. 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:18.159 It reaches into our wallets and our schedules and our burdens in our daily lives. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:20.960 You think of the good Samaritan story. 00:11:21.200 --> 00:11:23.759 The priest and the Levite and the parable, what'd they do? 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:25.840 They passed by the man, didn't they? 00:11:26.080 --> 00:11:32.639 But the Samaritan stopped, he stooped, he treated, he lifted, he carried, and he paid. 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:35.440 Barnabas had that kind of spirit. 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:38.480 He was not content just to notice a wound. 00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:40.639 He wanted to help heal it. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:43.679 But also he comforted the people of God. 00:11:44.159 --> 00:11:46.799 His very name became linked with consolation. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:53.679 Barnabas was the kind of man who knew how to come alongside the hurting, the struggling, or uncertain believers. 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:56.720 He knew how to strengthen hearts and to steady lives. 00:11:56.879 --> 00:12:00.240 And some people walk into a room and they create tension, don't they? 00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:02.720 But others walk into a room and they bring peace. 00:12:02.799 --> 00:12:04.480 And that's what Barnabas was. 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:09.840 Barnabas was a peacemaker, he was a burden lifter, he was a strength giver. 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:13.759 There are believers who always seem to add weight to the room. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:21.039 They criticize, they analyze, they discourage, but Barnabas made people feel helped. 00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:24.399 He was not shallow or flattering, but he was strengthening. 00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:31.039 He did not just make people feel better, he helped them keep going spiritually. 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:35.759 Can I tell you that the ministry of encouragement is often underestimated? 00:12:36.320 --> 00:12:50.879 We celebrate the dramatic and we overlook the steady, yet many believers stay faithful because somewhere along the way, a barnabas spoke a word needed, showed a needed kindness, or stood by them in the dark hour. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:54.799 Listen, ladies and gentlemen, we need more barnabas today. 00:12:55.120 --> 00:12:59.120 You know, a crutch is not flashy, but when someone is injured, it's precious, isn't it? 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:01.519 Encouragers are like that. 00:13:01.679 --> 00:13:05.039 They help keep people moving until strength returns. 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:08.480 But he also encouraged spiritual growth. 00:13:08.720 --> 00:13:11.039 In chapter 11, verse number 23, we read it. 00:13:11.120 --> 00:13:21.279 It says that when Barnabas came to Antioch and saw the grace of God, the Bible says he was glad and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:24.639 That's one of the greatest marks of a godly encouragement. 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:28.480 It is not merely emotional uplift, it is a spiritual strengthening. 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:33.120 Listen, Barnabas just not, he didn't just tell them, oh, you're doing great, you're doing a wonderful job. 00:13:33.200 --> 00:13:34.480 He didn't just pat them on the back. 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:36.799 No, he urged them to stay with God. 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:44.000 He wanted them to be steadfast, he wanted them to be rooted, he wanted them to be faithful, and his encouragement had direction. 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:47.120 He was helping them continue with the Lord. 00:13:47.679 --> 00:13:51.679 A lot of what passes for encouragement today is just emotional soothing. 00:13:52.080 --> 00:13:54.080 Well, everything will be alright. 00:13:55.039 --> 00:13:56.399 Everything will be okay. 00:13:56.639 --> 00:14:00.480 But can I tell you that biblical encouragement points people to Christ? 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:05.279 It points them back to obedience, it points them back to steadfastness. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:10.320 And Barnabas was not trying to merely make people feel better, though I'm sure he did. 00:14:10.960 --> 00:14:13.840 He was trying to help them do better and to stay faithful. 00:14:14.159 --> 00:14:17.039 Imagine Barnabas say, Listen, I know you're going through a storm. 00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:18.879 I know you're going through a trial. 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:24.080 I know you're going through a difficult circumstance right now, but be keep your eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:28.639 And you know what I love that we have the full word of God today, and we can point him back. 00:14:28.720 --> 00:14:31.360 I love what the Bible says in Hebrews chapter 12 and verse number two. 00:14:31.759 --> 00:14:35.679 Looking under Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:37.279 Can I encourage you this morning? 00:14:37.360 --> 00:14:38.799 Let me be an encouragement to you, okay? 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:39.679 Here we go. 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:44.159 Whatever you're going through, look to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:48.320 Whatever's going on in your life, look to Jesus. 00:14:48.559 --> 00:14:51.039 So many times we want to put people on a pedestal. 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:53.759 And it's hard to do something, it's hard not to do sometimes. 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:56.240 But you know who we can put on a pedestal? 00:14:56.559 --> 00:14:57.039 Christ. 00:14:57.279 --> 00:14:59.840 Because He'll never leave us, He'll never forsake us. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:04.480 He's always there for us, He'll never stop loving us, He'll never stop being unfaithful. 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:06.399 His mercies are new every morning. 00:15:06.559 --> 00:15:08.559 Look to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:13.120 Can I tell you the best encouragement you can give someone is not always everything will work out. 00:15:13.279 --> 00:15:15.600 Sometimes it's stay with God. 00:15:15.919 --> 00:15:20.320 Keep praying, keep obeying, cleave unto the Lord. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:24.320 Barnabas teaches us that true compassion is not weak or shallow. 00:15:24.559 --> 00:15:28.399 It gives, it comforts, and it strengthens others in their walk with God. 00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:30.879 Number two, I want to share with you this. 00:15:32.080 --> 00:15:34.159 Barnabas was courageous. 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:36.720 Barnabas was courageous. 00:15:36.960 --> 00:15:40.240 Listen, encouragement is not weakness. 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:43.600 Encouragement is not weakness. 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:46.480 It takes courage to strengthen others. 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:49.360 There's a lot of introverts, aren't there? 00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:50.639 I'm going to be honest. 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:55.120 For an introvert, it's going to take a lot of courage to help somebody and to encourage somebody. 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:57.919 Now for extroverts, they have no problem. 00:15:58.080 --> 00:16:01.759 But it takes strength, it takes courage to help somebody. 00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:11.039 It takes bravery to stand where others are hesitant, to step forward and when others step back and to believe in what God can do when everybody else is doubtful. 00:16:11.200 --> 00:16:18.879 Listen, Barnabas was not care uh was not courageous in a loud, reckless, or self-promoting way, but in a steady, discerning, godly way. 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:25.120 He had that kind of courage that it helps people and it protects people and it and invests in people when others are unsure. 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:29.360 I want you to notice that he stood with Saul when others doubted him. 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:32.960 He stood with Saul, of course, who would become Paul when others doubted him. 00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:36.960 In Acts chapter 9, of course, we see the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:40.000 And the Lord Jesus says, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:49.759 And I believe that was the moment that when Saul, of course, Paul, would give his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and he would become, I believe, in my opinion, the greatest Christian to ever live. 00:16:49.840 --> 00:16:51.600 He would write over half the New Testament. 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:53.679 But what did uh Barnabas do? 00:16:53.919 --> 00:16:56.320 He encouraged Saul, he helped Saul. 00:16:56.399 --> 00:17:00.960 He saw the disciples that were afraid of him, that did not believe that he was truly one of them. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:05.200 And of course, they had every right to do so because he was persecuting the church. 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:08.160 He had just had Stephen Stone, he watched Stephen be martyred. 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:13.039 Of course, they had every right to be nervous, had every right to be kind of scared of him, but what did Barnabas do? 00:17:13.119 --> 00:17:16.240 He stepped in and he said, No, I've seen God's grace in his life. 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:19.680 I've seen the fruit of him giving his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:25.440 And when others doubted him, Barnabas stood with Saul and he encouraged him. 00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:27.599 Barnabas took him in. 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:32.079 What a powerful, what a powerful example of encouragement. 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:35.039 Barnabas stepped in when others stepped back. 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:36.960 He listened to Saul's testimony. 00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:43.920 He believed the evidence of grace and he brought him to the apostles and he says, No, this guy, God has changed his life. 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:45.519 God has done a great work. 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:48.079 He stood with Saul when others doubted him. 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:52.160 Anybody can stand with a proven man, can't they? 00:17:52.880 --> 00:17:55.839 But it takes courage to stand with a newly changed man. 00:17:56.799 --> 00:18:02.480 Anybody can applaud a polished Christian, but it takes courage to receive a raw convert. 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:08.079 Barnabas saw beyond Saul's history and to his potential in the hands of God. 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:11.200 Everybody enjoys the fruit of a tree, don't they? 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:15.039 But somebody had to protect a sapling when it was small and fragile. 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:19.920 Barnabas was protecting what would later become a mighty tree in the work of God. 00:18:20.480 --> 00:18:22.799 And you think of the impact of that decision. 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:27.440 What if Barnabas had never stood with Saul? 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:30.480 You don't know what would have happened. 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:41.039 But because he did, God used that situation, and then God would use Paul to do some of the greatest work in the history of the world. 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:43.279 But what else? 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:45.759 He also stepped into difficult places. 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.519 Barnabas was courageous. 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:51.599 He stood with Saul when others doubted him, but he stepped into difficult places. 00:18:51.920 --> 00:19:01.440 When the truth of the church at Jerusalem, they had heard what God was doing among the Gentiles and Antioch, and they sent Barnabas there, and we read that in Acts chapter 11, verse number 22. 00:19:01.839 --> 00:19:03.599 This was no small task. 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:09.599 This was new territory, this was new people and a growing work that likely raised many questions. 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:17.119 There were cultural differences and spiritual questions and all the uncertainty that comes when God begins working in unexpected ways. 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:19.759 But Barnabas was willing to go. 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:23.359 Listen, courageous believers do not run from need. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:25.359 They do not avoid difficulty. 00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:27.759 They do not wait around for easy assignments. 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:29.200 Barnabas went there. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:34.160 Barnabas went where the work was unfolding and where help was needed. 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:38.640 He did not need guarantees or comfort or convenience. 00:19:38.880 --> 00:19:44.000 It was enough for him to know that there was a need and that God was at work. 00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:49.119 There are some Christians who are only available for convenient service. 00:19:51.359 --> 00:19:55.759 They were willing if the load is right, if the path is easy and the outcome is certain. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:59.119 But Barnabas was available for costly service. 00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:01.839 He did not ask, well, will this be easy? 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:04.079 Will this be a walk in the park? 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:07.920 No, he asked, in effect, is this where I'm needed? 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:10.319 Is this where God wants me to be? 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:13.599 And that is the kind of courage that we still need today. 00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:26.720 Listen, the work of God often requires people who will step up into uncertain situations, into difficult ministries, into troubled churches, into struggling families, and in needy places with the simple faith in the Lord. 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:30.400 And we need to ask ourselves, God, is this what you want me to do? 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:38.079 Because if this is what you want me to do, I will step up by faith and I will be courageous and I will do what God wants me to do. 00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:47.440 The brave Christian is not always the one doing the most visible thing, but often the one who is simply willing to go where others are reluctant to go. 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:51.839 But he also believed God could use unlikely people. 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:55.359 You know why Barnabas was such an encourager? 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:58.400 Because he believed God could use unlikely people. 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:05.039 Barnabas repeatedly showed the ability to see grace at work in people others might have written off. 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:06.880 He saw it in Saul. 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:08.720 Later he saw it in John Mark. 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:10.079 We read in chapter 15. 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:12.960 Barnabas had spiritual eyesight. 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:19.759 He looked beyond what someone was at that moment and saw what God can make of them by his grace. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.599 That takes courage. 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:25.200 Because investing in unfinished people is always risky, isn't it? 00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:28.160 You have no idea what's going to happen. 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:30.720 You have no idea how their life's going to turn out. 00:21:31.119 --> 00:21:35.839 But it takes courage to step up and to be an encouragement to someone like that. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:44.319 They may fail, they may disappoint, they may be slow to grow, they may not become what you hoped as quickly as you hoped. 00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:49.920 Yet Barnabas understood that all of us are trophies of God's grace and progress. 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:55.279 None of us started, none of us started finished. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:59.839 And by the way, you never finish a Christian life until you finally see Jesus face to face. 00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:06.720 None of us began as the final version of what God intended us to become. 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:09.920 We're all still works of God's grace. 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:14.799 But great encouragers are not blind to flaws, they are just not ruled by them. 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:18.799 They can see weakness without giving up on a person. 00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:23.440 They can acknowledge immaturity without disregarding someone's future. 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:29.519 They believe the grace of God can change a life or develop a servant and restore usefulness. 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:34.480 A sculptor can look at a rough block of marble and see a figure nobody else sees. 00:22:34.880 --> 00:22:36.720 Others see only a rock. 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:39.039 The sculptor sees possibility. 00:22:39.279 --> 00:22:41.920 Barnabas had that kind of spiritual vision. 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:47.920 He teaches us that courage is not only seen in confronting enemies or facing danger, and that does take courage. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:54.640 But sometimes courage is seen in believing in people, standing beside them and giving God room to work in their lives. 00:22:55.119 --> 00:23:05.920 Barnabas was courageous because he was willing to risk, he was willing to go, and he was willing to believe that God's grace could do what others thought was impossible. 00:23:07.119 --> 00:23:10.960 Number three, Barnabas was committed. 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:13.200 Barnabas was committed. 00:23:13.440 --> 00:23:17.200 Barnabas was not a shallow passing influence. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:24.160 He was not the kind of man who appeared for a moment, he made an oppression, and then he disappeared when things got difficult. 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:26.799 He was not a fair weather servant. 00:23:27.039 --> 00:23:29.039 He stayed with the work of God. 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:32.720 He was steady, he was dependable, and he invested. 00:23:32.880 --> 00:23:40.000 Listen, churches and ministries are helped greatly by people who are not just gifted, but are grounded and committed. 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:45.759 In every generation, there are people who are enthusiastic at the beginning, but they're absent by the middle. 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:48.160 They're stirred easily, but they do not stay long. 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.759 And Barnabas was different. 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:51.119 He had steadying power. 00:23:51.279 --> 00:23:53.599 He was not just excited about the work of God. 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:55.440 No, he was committed to it. 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:58.079 He did not merely admire ministry from a distance. 00:23:58.160 --> 00:24:02.480 No, he gave himself to it in a consistent and faithful way. 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:04.160 You know, I was reading a statistic. 00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:06.240 This is not in my notes, but I want to read this to you. 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:07.920 Let me see if I can find it. 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:09.279 I want to read this to you. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:14.480 Talking about being faithful and staying where God has called somebody. 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:17.680 I don't ever do anything like this, but I want to read this to you. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:18.640 Watch this. 00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:21.839 Let me find it. 00:24:21.920 --> 00:24:22.640 Here we go. 00:24:22.880 --> 00:24:24.160 I'm almost there. 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:27.279 Give me just a second. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:27.920 Watch this. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.960 Listen to this. 00:24:29.359 --> 00:24:32.559 The average pastor stays at a church for two years. 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:36.319 The average youth pastor lasts about six months. 00:24:37.680 --> 00:24:46.160 And we wonder why strong churches and a healthy culture are instable. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:50.480 You can't build depth with temporary leadership. 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:53.359 You can't disciple people when everyone is passing through. 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:58.480 Nothing meaningful grows in six months and nothing lasting is built in two years. 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:02.160 We need people that are going to stay. 00:25:02.640 --> 00:25:05.200 People that are committed to the work of God. 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:08.480 Barnabas was committed, but who was he committed to? 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:10.559 Well, he was committed to the church. 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:13.920 Barnabas was deeply connected to the people of God. 00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:19.599 He did not live like a spiritual freelancer drifting in and out without accountability, attachment, or investment. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:24.559 No, he worked with and through and for the strengthening body of Christ. 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:28.240 He understood that the church was not a side issue in the plan of God. 00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:29.759 No, it mattered deeply. 00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:33.359 Of course, it mattered so much that the Lord Jesus Christ died for the church. 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:34.400 We know that. 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:39.759 But his gift in Acts chapter 4 was given through the apostles for ministry to the church. 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:42.880 His labor in Antioch strengthened a local assembly. 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:48.079 And repeatedly, Barnabas is seen serving in ways that built up the people of God. 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:50.400 He was not detached from the church. 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:51.920 He was devoted to it. 00:25:52.079 --> 00:25:53.200 He was grounded in it. 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:56.240 He was willing to give his life for it and to it. 00:25:56.480 --> 00:26:04.319 Today, many want ministry without accountability, influence without submission, and service without rootedness. 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:11.039 They want the platform without the responsibility, the opportunity without the oversight, and the usefulness without the commitment. 00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:13.839 And Barnabas shows us a better way. 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:18.559 He was committed to the church because Christ is committed to the church. 00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:20.559 Can I say this this morning? 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:22.000 I almost said what Pastor said. 00:26:22.160 --> 00:26:24.400 Can I go on record and say, oh boy. 00:26:26.400 --> 00:26:28.240 Can I tell you this this morning? 00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:29.680 You know this. 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:33.039 But this church is God's church. 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:35.759 And God is committed to this church. 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:38.559 And he's committed to his church around the world. 00:26:38.799 --> 00:26:43.359 So if God's committed to his church, then we probably should be committed to his church as well. 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:50.960 God uses believers who love his people enough to stay involved, stay invested, and stay faithful. 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:58.799 And it's listen, the church is still God's ordained place for fellowship, for growth, for service and spiritual strengthening. 00:26:58.960 --> 00:27:02.240 Barnabas understood that and he gave himself to it. 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:05.119 He was committed to the church. 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:08.799 But he was also committed to discipleship. 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:13.920 When Barnabas saw the work of Antioch, he recognized that more teaching was needed. 00:27:14.079 --> 00:27:18.240 So he went to Tarsus to seek Saul in Acts chapter 11, verses 25 and 26. 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:20.720 That says a great deal about Barnabas. 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:26.240 He saw a growing work, but he also saw that the people needed to be taught and be established. 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:27.759 Right now I have the opportunity. 00:27:27.920 --> 00:27:31.599 This last Sunday, I started uh discipleship with a man named Scott Higgins. 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:33.839 Scott Higgins was baptized several weeks ago. 00:27:33.920 --> 00:27:35.119 Uh he is attending our church. 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:45.359 He was in the new members' class a few weeks ago, and I have started discipleship with him on uh this last Sunday, and we're going to be doing it on Sunday mornings during connection hour because he needs to be taught. 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:47.039 He needs to be established. 00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:50.880 Listen, he did not need to be the only teacher in the room, Barnabas, that is. 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:53.039 He did not need to have control over the ministry. 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:58.160 He was willing to bring other people, other gifted men to the work for the good of the people. 00:27:58.319 --> 00:28:02.000 Listen, that's rare maturity because smaller men want to hoard ministry. 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:05.839 They want bigger hearted men want to share ministry if it helps the work of God. 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:09.839 Barnabas understood that believers needed more than excitement. 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:11.279 They needed to be grounded. 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:12.319 They needed doctrine. 00:28:12.400 --> 00:28:13.599 They needed discipleship. 00:28:13.680 --> 00:28:17.119 They needed someone to help them grow into usefulness and stability. 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:23.359 He was never content with people making a profession if they were never helped forward in their faith. 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:32.000 For a whole year, we read it in chapter 15, or excuse me, chapter 11, Barnabas and Saul assembled themselves with the church and taught much people. 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:34.640 In fact, they were there for a year, the Bible says. 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:38.079 And that's when the Bible says they were first called Christians in Antioch. 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:40.160 This is important. 00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:46.640 Barnabas was invested in long-term growth, not quick impressions. 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:56.000 He was willing to give time, to give effort and consistency to slow the work of God, or excuse me, to slow the work of building lives. 00:28:56.880 --> 00:29:02.880 Can I tell you that real ministry is not just gathering crowds, it is building Christians. 00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:08.000 Can I tell you that every single person in this room can have the ministry of building up other Christians? 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:16.240 It's not just for the pastor, it's not just for the evangelist, it's not just for the missionary, it's for every single Christian. 00:29:16.559 --> 00:29:19.680 You can build up other Christians. 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:25.200 A lot of people, we want a ministry that is visible, dramatic, and immediate. 00:29:25.680 --> 00:29:30.400 But discipleship is it's often quiet, patient, and repetitive. 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:36.720 It requires teaching and correcting and encouraging and staying with people as they grow. 00:29:37.279 --> 00:29:40.240 Barnabas was committed to that type of work. 00:29:41.039 --> 00:29:43.519 But he was also committed to the work of God. 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:46.559 Barnabas labored on missionary journeys. 00:29:46.799 --> 00:29:50.720 He endured hardships, oppositions, travel, and conflict. 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:53.440 He did not just show up for the easy days of ministry. 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:58.000 No, he was there when the path was demanding and when the work required sacrifice. 00:29:58.240 --> 00:30:02.480 Even when discouragement arose in chapter 15, him and Paul went at it. 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:05.279 Barnabas didn't quit serving God. 00:30:05.519 --> 00:30:12.720 Listen, can I tell you today that if even if you have a disagreement with somebody, you don't have to stop serving God? 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:14.960 Let me say that again. 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:18.640 Just because you have a disagreement with somebody doesn't mean you have to stop serving God. 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:22.480 I've seen a lot of people, they get mad at somebody in the church and they leave. 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:26.160 Is the church about you or is it about the work of the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:30:28.319 --> 00:30:30.240 Barnabas was committed. 00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:33.519 Number four, will we finish here this morning? 00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:36.799 Barnabas was a builder of others. 00:30:38.079 --> 00:30:39.759 Barnabas was a builder of others. 00:30:39.839 --> 00:30:42.319 Perhaps this is Barnabas' greatest legacy. 00:30:43.599 --> 00:30:48.559 He was not merely just a worker, but he was a builder of lives. 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:54.319 He helped disciple people, he helped encourage people. 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:59.279 He did not just accomplish tasks, he helped shape people. 00:30:59.599 --> 00:31:02.559 He did not merely fill a role, he invested in souls. 00:31:03.119 --> 00:31:05.920 Some people use people to get a job done, then move on. 00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:08.319 But Barnabas developed people. 00:31:08.720 --> 00:31:10.000 He saw individuals. 00:31:10.400 --> 00:31:17.599 Not just for what they could do in the moment, but for what they could become by the grace of God. 00:31:19.119 --> 00:31:24.720 Barnabas understood that one of the greatest ways to serve God is to help other people become what God wants them to be. 00:31:25.839 --> 00:31:33.039 He was a builder of confidence, a builder of consistency, and a builder of future usefulness. 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:40.559 Barnabas did not dominate the spotlight. 00:31:40.880 --> 00:31:42.480 He could have easily. 00:31:43.839 --> 00:31:46.000 He did not dominate the spotlight. 00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:48.960 He left a tremendous mark. 00:31:49.359 --> 00:31:53.359 He teaches us that a believer does not have to be famous to be fruitful. 00:31:54.319 --> 00:32:02.079 You do not have to be the main preacher or the most visible leader or the most celebrated servant to have profound spiritual impact. 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:06.319 Barnabas changed lives because he strengthened others. 00:32:06.640 --> 00:32:13.839 He lifted burdens, he opened doors, he steadied young believers, he saw grace in rough places, he invested in people when others hesitated. 00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:16.960 He believed that God can make something out of someone. 00:32:17.599 --> 00:32:21.759 And because he did, Saul became more fully received. 00:32:22.079 --> 00:32:24.240 Antioch became more deeply grounded. 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:26.559 John Mark was not abandoned to failure. 00:32:26.720 --> 00:32:30.880 The kingdom of God moved forward because one man chose to be an encourager. 00:32:31.440 --> 00:32:37.200 We live in a time when many people know how to criticize, but few know how to strengthen. 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:42.160 Many know how to expose weakness, but few know how to cultivate growth. 00:32:42.480 --> 00:32:45.200 Many know how to talk, but few know how to invest. 00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:48.640 The church still needs Barnabases. 00:32:49.759 --> 00:32:53.920 Every single person, every single person in this room can be a Barnabas. 00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:58.559 It needs believers who will need who will see a need and help. 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:09.599 It needs believers who will see a failure and end with wisdom and grace and help restore him. 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:14.960 It needs believers who are more interested in building people than broadcasting themselves. 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:19.440 So the question is not merely, do I know who Barnabas was? 00:33:20.160 --> 00:33:23.759 The question is, am I anything like Barnabas? 00:33:24.960 --> 00:33:27.279 Am I compassionate enough to help? 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:29.759 Am I courageous enough to stand with others? 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:32.079 Am I committed enough to stay with the work? 00:33:32.240 --> 00:33:39.359 Am I invested enough to build lives that maybe one day, that may one day outgrow my own influences? 00:33:40.079 --> 00:33:46.799 A Barnabas may never be the loudest name in the room, but heaven knows his value. 00:33:48.400 --> 00:33:50.160 The ministry of encouragement. 00:33:51.440 --> 00:33:56.079 Every single one of us in this room can have that ministry. 00:33:57.680 --> 00:34:01.599 I pray that God helps me to better that ministry in my lives. 00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:04.799 I just don't want to feel bad for people. 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:06.319 I want to encourage them. 00:34:06.960 --> 00:34:07.920 I want to help them. 00:34:08.079 --> 00:34:12.079 I want to strengthen them, and I want to ultimately point them to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:21.519 I want Calvary Baptist Church to be a church that when people walk through those doors, they walk out of those doors and they say, Man, I was encouraged today. 00:34:22.480 --> 00:34:23.679 Somebody encouraged. 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:26.239 The ministry of encouragement. 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:28.320 Let's be a Barnabas. 00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:31.440 Let's help others point them to Christ. 00:34:31.920 --> 00:34:33.360 Father, we thank you for your word.