Encouraging Faith

Faith is a decision - we can encourage those who have made it

Are you encouraging faith?

Are you being encouraged in your faith? Xx

Heb 10:24-25 (ESV)

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Encouraging Faith

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Read Act 11:19-24

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Act 11:19 (ESV) Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

Jewish believers…

Encouraging Faith

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Act 11:20 (ESV) But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

These are those who had lived outside the district Jewish culture.

Encouraging Faith

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Act 11:21 (ESV) And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

God blessed this outreach.

Encouraging Faith

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Act 11:22 (ESV) The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Barnabas’s qualifications included his encouraging heart and his common background of being from Cyprus

Act 4:36 (ESV)

36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,

Encouraging Faith

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Act 11:23 (ESV) 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,

Barnabas observed the heart change of these in Antioch and acknowledged that it was ONLY by gods grace but this could happen. Men’s hearts don’t change unless God is involved!

His character came out as he encouraged them…

Encouraging Faith

The focus of his encouragement was to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.

What does it look like?

Encouraging Faith

Act 13:43 (ESV)

43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Encouraging Faith

Act 14:22 (ESV)

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Encouraging Faith

Joh 8:31-32 (ESV)

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Encouraging Faith

Joh 15:4 (ESV)

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

Encouraging Faith

Heb 10:19-26 (ESV)

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

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Act 11:24 (ESV) for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

How was Barnabas’ faith beneficial in this process?

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Encouraging Faith