Loading... Please wait...
- Home
- USBs
- Church Services
- 2010
- July 17, 2010 - Church at Worship
July 17, 2010 - Church at Worship
$12.00
SKU:
1007-17c
Weight:
1.00 Ounces
Product Description
Sermon: "Part 1: Barnabas, Son of Encouragement" by Bernard Taylor
Pastoral Welcome: Shirley Ponder
Child Dedication: Cameron Rose Lee - Calvin Thomsen
Baptism: Michael Allen Wilson, Matthew Avery Wilson - Sigve Tonstad
Theodora P. Cumming - Marvin Ponder
Children’s Feature: Caitlin McCulloch
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32–37, TNIV Virgil and Karen Nielsen
Note: Baptisms and child dedications are in the extras section of the DVD
INTRODUCTION TO THE SERMON
Leaders are often dependent upon their associates and assistants to a greater extent than they readily acknowledge; conversely, it is always dangerous to underestimate the power of one. It is for this reason I enjoy biographies, but am fascinated by any subplots that highlight the importance of other individuals, especially those otherwise not acknowledge.
In the book of Acts the role of Barnabas is one such example. When first introduced he is simply a counterpoise or a counterbalance to the story of Ananias and Sapphira that follows. On the one hand, he illustrates the communalism that characterized the early Christian church where all shared and none were in need. In his case he had property that he sold, and simply laid the money at the feet of the apostles. And once done, it became the high water mark. Ananias and Sapphira took up the challenge, aiming for the same commendation, but at a discounted rate. On the other hand, he is the son of encouragement, and his role as recounted through the end of chapter 15 illustrates this.
He next appears in Luke’s account in connection with the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus and his subsequent return to Jerusalem to meet the believers and the apostles. As it turns out, it was even harder than Saul had ever imagined. Nobody would speak to him; in fact people shunned him, unconvinced of the rumors of his conversion that they had heard. Finally, Barnabas steps forward and introduces Saul to the congregation and its leaders, detailing the events to that point in the life of Saul. This in turn opens the way for Saul to begin to preach. What if Barnabas had not been a son of encouragement?
Are you a son or daughter of encouragement? Yours is an important role. Are you a supporter of others, especially those in leadership in these difficult times? As will unfold in the sermon, to carry this out to its full extent calls upon all of one’s finest qualities.
Bernard Taylor
Scholar in Residence
Scholar in Residence
MEDITATIONS
Yet do I fear thy nature,
It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness
To catch the nearest way.
– Lady Macbeth to her husband; Shakespeare, Macbeth
No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian. – Ellen White, Ministry of Healing, 470
