August 25, 2019

Encouragement

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Acts 11:19-30, Psalm 67:1-7
Service Type:

Bible Text: Acts 11:19-30, Psalm 67:1-7 | Preacher: Andrew Love | Series: Acts | Introduction

Tremendous encouragements in this passage

We are prone to discouragement
We live in a fallen world and have a fallen body

The word of God is given for many reasons

To train
To edify and encourage
To save

The word of God shows that God is sovereign over all things

We are encouraged because the bible is a realistic book
We are encouraged when we look at people like Job
It talks about doubts and depression
It tells us of backsliders and those who walk away from God’s will

The bible is given to encourage those who love God

This passage is full of encouragements
Challenges too
A great many believe (v21)

Consider God’s work – information from Patrick Johnson of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s

Overview:

Encouragement in Evangelism
The Life that Encourages
The Teaching that Encourages

Encouragement in Evangelism

The death of Stephen must have shaken the church

Yet it was God’s catalyst for mission
It triggered the great diaspora
Phoenicia (Lebanon), Cyprus, Antioch (Syria)

Preaching only to Jews

But the gospel going forth
v19 – they preached the words to others
v20 – they preached to the Greeks: those who had adopted Greek (not Roman) culture

A new thing
A watershed moment
A bold new step inspired by the Holy Spirit

The majority of the disciples spoke only to the Jews

Those from Cyprus and Cyrene (an island of North Africa)

Antioch

The third biggest city of Rome
A big city
500’000 lived there (including 75’000 Jews)

The message – how would they adapt this to the local situation

They simply preached the Lord Jesus
They did not turn to new ways of thinking
Nameless people
Are we prepared to be used?

The Life that Encourages

Barnabas – v22 (cf chapter 4 & 9)

The Church wanted to verify what was happening
Why Barnabas?

He was a Cypriot
Surely the real reason – a trust worthy servant of God, one who loves the people of God

His character

Acts 4:36 – he stood out and he was generous

Challenge – are we like Barnabas?

A man of integrity and truth but of encouragement

Acts 9:26

One who would come alongside
Someone with spiritual perception

Challenge:

Are we like Barnabas?
Are we willing servants?

Example

v24 – He was a good man – explanation
v23 – he saw the grace of God

He could see the transforming work of God in their lives – explanation
He encouraged them to go on in the Lord

The Teaching that Encourages

You have begun in faith, the Holy Spirit and in Christ – continue in faith, the Holy Spirit and in Christ
The teaching at Aberystwyth was a great encouragement (Gal 2)

Explanation

Pray for ministries that edify the Church
Barnabas went to get Saul

He traveled 100 miles to Tarsus
He facilitates and encourages others
He brings Saul
Saul would learn from his encouragement

v24 – a great many people were added to the Lord

To edify and encourage
To evangelise

To be added to the Lord

Grace – G.R.A.C.E

Closing Remarks