“Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:25-26).
Antioch was the site of the first Gentile (non-Jewish) church. When reports of this church made it back to Jerusalem, the leaders sent Barnabas to investigate. Barnabas was definitely the right man for the job, “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord” (Acts 11:24).
When Barnabas completed his 300-mile journey and arrived in Antioch, “he saw the grace of God and was glad” (Acts 11:23a). Barnabas observed firsthand how the unmerited favor of God’s Holy Spirit was saving these pagans and changing their lives. God was also using the harsh persecution against His church to spread the Gospel to more and more people.
Barnabas preached encouragement to the church and “exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (Acts 11:23b). He understood the difficulties they were facing and knew that to remain true to Jesus they must cling to Him, for the greatest weapon against the enemy’s onslaught is to embrace the cross (Matthew 16:24).
That message is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Just as Barnabas taught the new Christians in Antioch so many years ago, we need to cling to Jesus despite what life throws at us. When you’re tempted to sin, a loved one dies, you’re financially ruined, someone offends you deeply, life doesn’t go the way you thought it should, you want to give up all hope — whatever we’re facing, the cross of Christ is our refuge. Some of you may have even felt like you’ve done something so sinful that Jesus could never forgive you. Well, reject those lies and let the truth set you free. Regardless of the situation, remain faithful to Jesus. Cling to Him, for His grace is sufficient!
Josh
Posted in A Word from the Pastor