Encouragement
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