The church leaders in Jerusalem heard that the Lord was working in Antioch, Turkey.  Did they doubt?  So they chose a trusted man to go and check it out… they sent Barnabas.
  Question: Where is the Lord sending you?

(NASB) Acts 11:23 “Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;”

  Destination of Barnabas
          Arrived – at Antioch
          Witnessed grace of God at work
  Question: What do you “see” in the church you attend?
  Question: Are there works without God at the center, or is the grace of God at work?

          Barnabas rejoiced at what he observed.
  Question: Over what do you rejoice?  Over the various programs in your church?
  Question: Or over God at work in the lives of those who come to worship?

          Barnabas encouraged believers to keep resolute hearts.
          Encouraged believers to remain true to the Lord.
  Question: Are you an encourager?  How do you encourage believers to remain true to the living God of the Bible?

(NASB) Acts 11:24 “for he (Barnabas) was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.  And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.”

Description of Barnabas
          Barnabas was a good man with an excellent reputation.
          He was full of the Holy Spirit ~ he had a close relationship with God and it was evident in his life.  Does your faith show for others to see? Do people see God in/through you?
          Barnabas was full of faith in words and actions showing his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
  Question:  On what is your reputation built?  Is it “good works” or being yielded, submitting to God?

Whenever we yield to God, it will be revealed in every area of our lives.

Development of the Antioch church
          Considerable numbers were brought to the Lord
  Question: Toward what end are you working?  Are you working for yourself to look good? Or are you working for God to look good?

~ Take it to heart ~

  We should ask ourselves pointed questions.  Then answer them.
  When God reveals our need to ask forgiveness or reveals a change is needed in our lives; that is God’s grace at work.  
Asking pointed questions are important in order to grow as God’s children… He wants you and me to mature, to grow up in Christ, no matter our age today.

Categories: The Acts of the Holy Spirit