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Christian Life Church
August 31, 2025 at 8:30am & 10:30am
Barnabas was from the Tribe of Levi, which means he had a godly heritage. He was influential, trusted, and viewed as a leader of the early church. He is mentioned at least 25 times in the Book of Acts. Barnabas’ life set the tone and temperament for Christian interaction.
Locations & Times
Christian Life Church Columbia
2700 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Sunday 8:00 AM
THE BOOK OF ACTS AUGUST 31, 2025
BECOMING A BARNABAS
SCRIPTURE
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement”. He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. (Barnabas) sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32-37 (NIV/NLT)
BARNABAS’ BIO
Barnabas was from the Tribe of Levi, which means he had a godly heritage. He was influential, trusted, and viewed as a leader of the early church.
He is mentioned at least 25 times in the Book of Acts. Barnabas’ life set the tone and temperament for Christian interaction.
ENCOURAGE & EXHORT
Encouragement settles the heart with hope, reassurance, and comfort. Exhortation stirs the heart with a call to action.
Throughout Barnabas’ life, we see him doing both!
BECOMING A BARNABAS
Only some have the spiritual of encouragement, but we are all called to encourage!
1/ Barnabas was generous with his people.
(Barnabas) sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:37
A generous person gives on many levels (money, time, heart, home, lives).
2/ Barnabas believed in his people.
When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. Acts 9:26-27
Remember the Michelangelo Phenomenon.
A king & a clown lives in every man. Whichever you speak to will grow.
3/ Barnabas genuinely cared for his people.
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Acts 11:22-23
Praise Physical Touch
Presence Presents
Prayer Pen & Paper
4/ Barnabas was spiritual with his people.
While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith… Acts 11:24
5/ Barnabas was consistent with his people.
So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church… Acts 11:26
Dependability is necessary. But it requires thick skin & a tender heart.
6/ Barnabas taught his people.
So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. Acts 11:26
7/ Barnabas was trusted by his people.
(After a prophecy about a coming famine) … The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:27-30
“It’s better to be trusted than to be loved.” Pastor Chitty
8/ Barnabas motivated his people.
(Barnabas) urged them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43
9/ Barnabas faced tough times with his people.
(The Jewish leaders) stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas… Acts 13:50
Sometimes encouragement means being silent.
10/ Barnabas was respected by his people.
The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul… Acts 15:12
11/ Barnabas stood with his people.
(Barnabas & Saul’s) disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Acts 15:39
12/ Barnabas wasn’t perfect with his people.
The other Jews joined (Peter) in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. Galatians 2:13
Even our failures and repentance can encourage others.
As wonderful as Barnabas was, there is a Greater Barnabas!
BECOMING A BARNABAS
SCRIPTURE
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement”. He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. (Barnabas) sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32-37 (NIV/NLT)
BARNABAS’ BIO
Barnabas was from the Tribe of Levi, which means he had a godly heritage. He was influential, trusted, and viewed as a leader of the early church.
He is mentioned at least 25 times in the Book of Acts. Barnabas’ life set the tone and temperament for Christian interaction.
ENCOURAGE & EXHORT
Encouragement settles the heart with hope, reassurance, and comfort. Exhortation stirs the heart with a call to action.
Throughout Barnabas’ life, we see him doing both!
BECOMING A BARNABAS
Only some have the spiritual of encouragement, but we are all called to encourage!
1/ Barnabas was generous with his people.
(Barnabas) sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:37
A generous person gives on many levels (money, time, heart, home, lives).
2/ Barnabas believed in his people.
When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. Acts 9:26-27
Remember the Michelangelo Phenomenon.
A king & a clown lives in every man. Whichever you speak to will grow.
3/ Barnabas genuinely cared for his people.
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Acts 11:22-23
Praise Physical Touch
Presence Presents
Prayer Pen & Paper
4/ Barnabas was spiritual with his people.
While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith… Acts 11:24
5/ Barnabas was consistent with his people.
So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church… Acts 11:26
Dependability is necessary. But it requires thick skin & a tender heart.
6/ Barnabas taught his people.
So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. Acts 11:26
7/ Barnabas was trusted by his people.
(After a prophecy about a coming famine) … The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:27-30
“It’s better to be trusted than to be loved.” Pastor Chitty
8/ Barnabas motivated his people.
(Barnabas) urged them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43
9/ Barnabas faced tough times with his people.
(The Jewish leaders) stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas… Acts 13:50
Sometimes encouragement means being silent.
10/ Barnabas was respected by his people.
The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul… Acts 15:12
11/ Barnabas stood with his people.
(Barnabas & Saul’s) disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Acts 15:39
12/ Barnabas wasn’t perfect with his people.
The other Jews joined (Peter) in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. Galatians 2:13
Even our failures and repentance can encourage others.
As wonderful as Barnabas was, there is a Greater Barnabas!