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| Barnabas: Being a Better Friend Acts 4:36, 37 Barnabas, interpreted is The son of consolation or Encouragement I. A Friend Is One Who Sacrifices For For Others Acts 4:36-37 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. II. A Friend is One Who Sees The Best In Others Acts 9:26-27 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 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. A true friend sees the good in us that others can't. They encourage others by saying, "I believe in you." In the next episode of Barnabas' life we see that a true friend... III. A Friend Is One Who Is A Spiritual Influence On Others Acts 11:22-24 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. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Barnabas encourages the new believers in their faith, he was a strong spiritual example. IV. A Friend Is One Who Works For The Success Of Others Acts 11:25-26 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 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. As good friends we need to be overjoyed when our help and support plays a part in the success of another. V. A Friend Is One Who Is Slow To Judge Others Acts 15:36-39 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; Barnabas again sees potential in someone despite a past failure. Rather than labeling him a quitter, Barnabas gives him another chance and anymore who has read the Gospel of Mark in the Bible is glad that Barnabas was that kind of friend. Paul himself later decides that Barnabas was right about Mark. Paul wrote, II Timothy 4:11 ...Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. |
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| 3/12/2006 |
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