John 13:34-35 NIV “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”Barnabas; A godly INFLUENCER in a broken world

Acts 9:26-29 NIV “When he (SAUL/PAUL) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him ”The Barnabas INFLUENCE; Be a godly influence with our WORDS.

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Let our words about others be life-giving.

Acts 11:19-26 NIV Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 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. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

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The Barnabas INFLUENCE; Be a godly influence with OUR ACTIONS.

Let our actions be for the best of others

Acts 15:36-41 NIV Sometime later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

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The Barnabas INFLUENCE; Be a godly influence even WHEN WE DISAGREE

Let our disagreements be respectful and honorable.

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Acts 4:36-37 NIV Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

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Questions for Reflection:

1.) How can you use your words to be life-giving to those around you?

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2.) In what ways were you challenged to be a godly influence to someone with whom you may disagree?

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3.) How does the life of Barnabas encourage you to remain faithful behind the scenes?