THE BARNABAS ANOINTING

Acts 11:23 – “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.”

“Thank you for being in my class, Wayne. Your obvious zeal for Christ impresses us all. I look forward with great anticipation for how God will use you for His purposes. The Kingdom of God awaits you.”

Acts 11:21 – “And the Hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.”

Acts 11:22 – “Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.”

Acts 11:23 (NLT) – “When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) – “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

 

1. BE WILLING TO BE CHANGED

Acts 4:36-37 – “And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Parakletos – one who comes alongside us, speaks up for us, helps us, encourages us

The shift inside of us: from me to Him, through Him to them.

“I was one way, and now I am completely different, and the thing that happened in between, was Him.” – Mary Magdalene (The Chosen)

 

2. BE WILLING TO BE THERE

Acts 9:26 – “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him and did not believe that he was a disciple.”

Acts 9:27 – “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the Name of the Lord.”

The Ministry of Being There

 

3. BE WILLING TO CALL FORTH DREAMS, DESTINIES, AND DIVINE PURPOSES

Acts 11:25 – “Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.”

Acts 11:26a – “And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people.”

Father God has a destiny for you – plans and purposes for your life. Don’t give up. Keep going forward.

 

4. BE WILLING TO HAVE OTHERS GROW BEYOND US

Acts 13:2 – “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”

Acts 15:35 – “Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord, with many others also.”

We want to see our children, grandchildren, and children in the Lord, grow beyond us.

We want to cheer them on in Jesus’ Name!

 

Discussion Questions:

1. Who has been a “Barnabas” in your life?

2. How did they encourage you and affirm you in the Lord?

3. Who is God calling you to come alongside and encourage in the Lord?

4. When will you start and what is your first step?

5. What is one of your greatest challenges when it comes to being a Barnabas in another person’s life?