Word from our Pastor

Be An Encourager

Everyone, from time to time needs a word of encouragement. A good example of an encourager in the Bible is Barnabas. His real name was Joseph but was nick named Barnabas because of his desire to always encourage people. He was a Levite who lived in Cyprus and was highly respected by Christian leaders. He was instrumental in bringing the newly converted Saul of Tarsus to Antioch and convincing the apostles in Jerusalem to accept him as a true follower of Jesus.  

Acts 11:19-26 gives us some insight into the encouragement that Barnabas was to the early persecuted church. "Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to  no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.  


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Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.  Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, be brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." 

If it wasn't for Barnabas, Saul/Paul may never have been accepted by the apostles.  And the Church would have suffered a great loss. Is there someone you know who could use a word of encouragement from you?

1 Samuel 30:6 tells us that David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. You may need to encourage yourself in the Lord by remembering all that the Lord has already done for you. 

What a mighty God we serve!! 

Be blessed and encouraged in the Lord.    

                                                                                        - Pastor TJ Kroll