How will Paul react? Remember the situation? In the previous post, we learned that in Acts chapters 13-14, Barnabas the Encourager and Paul embark on the first missionary trip of the early church, and they take John Mark with them. But mid-trip, John leaves them to return to Jerusalem, where his mother lives. Time passes, and PaulContinue reading “Giving people another chance with gracious, truthful love – Encourage one another, Part 5”
Tag Archives: barnabas
It’s good to ask for help – Encourage one another, Part 4
It may be part pride, part arrogance, part determination, but I do not like to ask for help. I can tell myself that I can figure out whatever problem I’m encountering. Actually, I can tell myself that I should figure it out. I don’t want to come across as needy or weak or incapable. So I bristle at theContinue reading “It’s good to ask for help – Encourage one another, Part 4”
How to have hope over fear – Encourage one another, Part 3
Saul has just made a decision to turn his life around 180 degrees. He met Jesus, and everything would now change. He used to persecute Christians, and now he was preaching about Jesus. But that all happened far away from the church’s home base in Jerusalem. No surprise, then, what we read in Acts 9, verse 26, “When [Saul]Continue reading “How to have hope over fear – Encourage one another, Part 3”
One man’s example of sacrificial generosity – Encourage one another, Part 2
One of the most famous encouragers in the Bible is Barnabas. But Barnabas is not his real name. Turn to Acts 4:36-37. In Acts 4:36, we learn that Barnabas’ actual name is Joseph, but he is called by the nickname “Barnabas” because he is known for being an encourager. “Barnabas” means “son of encouragement.” ThoughContinue reading “One man’s example of sacrificial generosity – Encourage one another, Part 2”
How to have victory over darkness – Acts 13, Part 3
Do you ever sense the battle of light versus dark, good versus evil? Do sense that there might be a spiritual war going on? Do you ever feel defeated? It is possible to have victory over darkness. In our study through Acts we’ve see that battle numerous times. In chapter 8 Philip faced off againstContinue reading “How to have victory over darkness – Acts 13, Part 3”
God designed you for mission – Acts 11:19-30, Part 4
What were you created to do? Do you know? What gifts, abilities and aptitudes do you have? Are you using them for a mission in the world? In this post we learn about how God wants all to be on mission, and how he has equipped us for mission! In the previous post, we learnedContinue reading “God designed you for mission – Acts 11:19-30, Part 4”
Two inspiring stories to encourage us during the loneliness of quarantine – Acts 11:19-30, Part 3
For most of us, quarantine is turning two months old, and I wonder if it is getting to you. The daily news reports about the number of infections and deaths can weigh heavy on us. Are you feeling it? You might not be jumping for joy like the guy in the picture. As we continueContinue reading “Two inspiring stories to encourage us during the loneliness of quarantine – Acts 11:19-30, Part 3”
How you are vital to the mission of Jesus in our world today – Acts 9:1-31, Part 5
So often history follows the leaders, but we also need a People’s History of the Church, where we learn from the stories of the common people. There are thousands and millions of supporting actors whose faithfulness and sacrifice in small ways provides a foundation for the advancement of the Kingdom. Many people like you andContinue reading “How you are vital to the mission of Jesus in our world today – Acts 9:1-31, Part 5”
How to encourage others in tough times – Acts 9:1-31, Part 4
Do you have a nickname? I love nicknames. I don’t believe I’ve ever had one that stuck, though. Sometimes nicknames meander through a progression, like the nickname Michael Scott gives Daryl Philbin on the TV show, The Office: “Michael refers to him as “Mittah Rogers”—a nickname which began as “Regis” (as Darryl’s last name isContinue reading “How to encourage others in tough times – Acts 9:1-31, Part 4”
How the earliest Christians eradicated poverty – Acts 5-6:7, Part 2
Wouldn’t it be amazing if no one was poor? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone had enough? The first Christians found a way to get there! Let’s look at what they did, and perhaps we can make strides to eradicating poverty in our communities. To do that we need to move on to the secondContinue reading “How the earliest Christians eradicated poverty – Acts 5-6:7, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 