Are you an encourager or a discourager?

All Christians should be an encourager. We must not follow the way of the world. As did the Pharisees and Sadducees and be hypocrites.  If we become like them we are not better than they were. We are the same. We must succeed. Let us not do it timidly, or halfheartedly, or carelessly.  Let us do it in obedience, in confidence, without fear. We have already won the victory, (with Jesus) why should we be upset depressed and angry when we do his will in our lives. As representatives of God, we should follow the lead of Jesus Christ who was our example. Do you remember WWJD- What would Jesus do apply this in every situation. Jesus always delt with people with compassion, comfort, understanding, and was an encourager.  This is the first example we should follow. Let us explore another encourager in the Bible.

The disciple Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was born on the isle of Cyprus and was a Jew of the tribe of Levi (priestly class). Nothing else is known about his early life. He first appears to us in Acts 4:36. There are 28 verses that he appears in, most of them are in Acts.

Acts 4:36 And Joses, (Joseph) who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Barnabas = which means the son of consolation or son of encouragement.  

Consolation= the comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment. Attempt to comfort someone who is in sorrow.

Nothing more encouraging and comforting than knowing you have a friend that will help you to cope with your loss or sorrow. Barnabas was this type of friend.

Acts 4:37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Nothing more encouraging and beautiful than receiving a gift for God ministry to grow his kingdom. Amen! I am not saying we all need to run out and sell all we have and give it to the church. But every good gift comes from the father above.

God inspired Barnabas to give of his wealth for the cause of the work of the Lord. Barnabas supported the Church when he “sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles” These is the first things mention of Barnabas in the New Testament.

During Jesus’ public ministry, Joseph / Barnabas became His fervent follower and might have been one of the seventy-two disciples whom Jesus sent out on a mission.

Are you a fervent follower of Jesus?

Fervent = Passionate intensity.  Do you have fervent love the Lord Jesus Christ?

Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. They were sent out two by two, for their safety, and another witness. But they were not alone, they had the Holy Spirit with them. Jesus said I am with you always even to the ends of the earth.  You know he also said a three-fold cord is not easily broken.                                                                                                                                         

Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

After Pentecost, as the Church in Jerusalem began to grow, the Apostles changed Joseph’s name to Barnabas, His name change might have occurred because Barnabas supported the Church when he “sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles” Acts 4:37.

Apostle Paul had undergone his conversion to the Christian faith and spent three years fasting and praying in Arabia, he traveled to Jerusalem to consult with the Apostles. The Apostles and the Christian community were at first hesitant to receive him, for they were aware of the persecutions he had issued against the Church. Barnabas, however, “brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how on the way he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus”.

Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Then the church at Jerusalem decided to send him on a mission’s trip. Maybe the reason they chose him was given to us in verse 24.

Acts 11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

We all need to be a good man, and women full of the Holy Spirit and of faith! We need to be faithful, not faithless. Amen! We will think of others first and do for others with no hesitation. Look what Barnabas does…  The first person that Barnabas thinks about is Saul/ Paul.

Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

What a wonderful thought to help his brother in Christ. Saul/Paul must have been encouraged by him as he brought him with him to Antioch. They both Barnabas and Saul/Paul set a Goal and did not waver from it. Both of them seized an Opportunity.  Both of them had Quality work not quantity. It led them both to be in Leadership positions. They both had Achievement in their lives. Both of them had Success in their lives. Saul / Paul the author of thirteen wonderful books of the New Testament. Barnabas was the son of consolation or son of encouragement. He went on many missions and aided in many converts and aided in planting churches. All for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. If they were discouragers none of this would have happened. Think about that.

Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

These are the results of being led by God & Holy Spirit and being an encourager to others. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. For they were true followers of Jesus teachings. The Church grew it says they taught much (many) people. This is what we are to do. Amen! Together Barnabas & Paul taught many the word of God.

Let us all be an encourager not a discourager!

Let us all try to teach many about Jesus!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.