DCLM Higher Everyday 5 March 2024 — He Was A Good Man
Topic: He Was A Good Man
Text: Acts 11:19-20
19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Key Verse: “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24).
Message
Barnabas means, “the son of consolation.” He lived according to his name. When persecution scattered believers out of Jerusalem they went preaching everywhere. New churches were established in faraway countries. They needed mentors to strengthen the brethren and Barnabas was sent to Antioch by the elders in Jerusalem. He was sociable without corruption. He was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. He taught the converts to be steadfast in faith. He also mentored Saul (Paul), then a new convert, and brought him from Tarsus to Antioch. They grew spiritually and multiplied in membership because of Barnabas. Isn’t that marvelous?
Every member of the church is expected to be like Barnabas – “a good man.” Timothy was also a ‘good youth’ hence he was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:2-3). Just imagine, believers in two cities recommended young Timothy to be a companion of an apostle despite the ethnic difference of his father –a Greek. He developed under Apostle Paul to become the Bishop of the church in Ephesus. You can be another Banabas.
Quote: Barnabas was sent to Antioch
Challenge: Can your church recommend you for service?
Prayer for today: Lord, let men and heaven find me worthy.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
