Mr. Encouragement - Barnabas

                                               Acts 11:24

  I.  Barnabas performed while others pretended or intended.

      A.  Joses, later named Barnabas by the apostles, sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles to help support needy Christians.  Acts 4:34-37

      B.  Ananias and Sapphira sold their land also and pretended to give the apostles all the proceeds but actually kept part of the money.

      C.  Many of us intend to encourage others but never get around to it.

  II. Barnabas saw potential when others saw problems .

      A.  When John Mark had failed, Barnabas saw potential and wanted to give him another chance.  Acts15:36-41

      B.  Paul split away from Barnabas because Paul did not want to take John Mark.

      C.  Paul forgot that Barnabas had seen potential in Saul when others didn't.  Acts 9:19-26

      D.  Later Paul noted John Mark's great value.  II Timothy 4

III. Barnabas cared about others more than he cared about his own personal glory .

     A.  When the disciples were scattered, Barnabas preached in Antioch but went to get Saul to help
in the ministry.  Acts 11:19-26

     B.  In Antioch it was "Barnabas and Saul" but after Acts 13 it is "Paul and Barnabas".

     C.  Barnabas only wanted to encourage people and see the church grow no matter who was in the lead.

  IV. I can be an encourager if I follow Barnabas's example .