November 18, 2007

 Also named Joses [or Joseph] (Acts 4:36)  A Jew from the tribe of Levi  Likely an unmarried man (1 Cor. 9:3-6)  From the island of Cyprus  Located about  47 miles south of Turkey  60 miles west of Syria  200 miles north of Egypt

 Acts 4:32-33 (NKJV):  Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

 Acts 4:34-37 (NKJV):  Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,  and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.  And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,  having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

 What do Barnabas’ actions as recorded in Acts 4:36-37 tell us about Barnabas’ character?  Barnabas loved [“agape”-ed] his brothers and sisters  Barnabas gave

 Why do you think GOD wants us to give?  Among many other reasons, GOD wants us to give because HE gave, He gives, and He will continue to give … and He wants us to be like Him  Our giving teaches us sacrifice, by which we can better appreciate His sacrifice – “His only begotten Son”

 Saul of Tarsus – Acts 9:20-30  John Mark – Acts 15:36-41

 What did Ananias think when Jesus instructed him to go find Saul of Tarsus? (Acts 9:10-16)  “You want me to do what now, Lord?!?”  How do you think the disciples at Damascus felt when Saul of Tarsus entered the door?  “Um…Pass the Pepto-Bismol!”

 Barnabas took a “life-and-death” risk befriending and defending Saul. How is GOD a risk-taker?  He gave angels and humans free will – the ability to choose, and reject Him  Despite the heartbreak, suffering, and devastation that would follow upon our disobedience, GOD chose to have children  “GOD lets others into His story, and He lets their choices shape it profoundly” – John Eldredge

 Merriam-Webster defines “encourage” as  To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope  To attempt to persuade  To spur on

 “The best athlete is the one who makes his teammates better.” -- Someone other than Tim Harris

 Acts 11:21-23  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.  Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.  When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

 The world…brethren…people… need encouragement!  Some people have the gift of being good encouragers (Kerry Lashlee, James Morgan)  Others “have to work” to be an encourager  But being an encourager is something everyone can do  The key to being a good encourager is love!

 GOD expects us to edify one another  Romans 14:19; 15:1-2  1 Corinthians 8:1; 10:23-24; 14:26  2 Corinthians 12:19  Ephesians 4:11-16,29  1 Thessalonians 5:11

 Acts 11:24  For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.  What a wonderful tribute to Barnabas from the Holy Spirit!  Isn’t this what we want to be said of each of us?

 Sold his property and donated proceeds (Acts 4:36-37)  Witnessed Saul’s preaching (9:27)  Was sent by the church in Jerusalem to Antioch to witness what GOD had done (11:19-23)  Taught many people with Saul in Antioch (11:26)  “Mentored” John Mark (12:25; 15:36-41)

 Galatians 2

 Barnabas was clearly a man who loved the LORD  He loved his brethren  He made an impact everywhere he went  He gave us a good example of how we should see what people can be  BE A BARNABAS!!!