[Acts 11, Proverbs 18]

H – Acts 11:23, “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,…….”

E – Building Bridges!

After Peter’s witness to the Gentiles he returned to Jerusalem. When he entered the Jews had a bone to pick with him, “You’ve been with the uncircumcised – unclean – unholy and even ate with them, you unholy backslider.” (I’m dramatizing in my own words 10:3). They were not happy until Peter explained what took place in Acts 10 and concluded with these words, “who was I to stand in God’s way?” (11:17).

Now a report had been sent of another group being added to the mix of outreached; The Hellenist, which were non-Jew Greeks. So, the “mother church” in Jerusalem wanted to validate these claims and they sent Barnabas to validate and examine the new outreach. Was this real? They probably sent Barnabas because he was different. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and active in his faith. He was known as the “Son of Encouragement”. If anyone could help build a bridge between two cultures and ethnicities, it was Barnabas. And that he does. 

Once Barnabas arrives to Antioch it doesn’t take long for him to figure out that it was indeed real. Antioch had been evangelized and he saw the evidence of God’s great grace. Notice what takes place. 

He encouraged and exhorted them to 1) remain faithful to the Lord, 2) persevere with purpose given through the Gospel. 

But, it goes even deeper. Barnabas doesn’t leave them. He doesn’t say congratulations, good luck, we’re rooting for you, just do what everyone else is doing and you will figure it out. No! He sent for Saul (Paul) to come to Antioch and for a whole year they discipled (taught) these believers. 

A -Don’t Stand in God’s Way, Live With Purpose, Share The Gospel, Be an Encourager, Build Gospel Bridges, Disciple Believers (Especially new believers), Send The Discipled Out to Make More Disciples. 

R – Lord God, Thank you for saving me and giving me purpose. Help me Lord not to squander my purpose away. Lord, use me to be an encouragement to others, a bridge builder in the community, and have Gospel impact where you have placed me. I pray I would be able to see the evidence of your great Grace in this community. 

In Jesus Name!