Being A Person Of The Bible

A minister was walking down the street when he noticed a small boy sitting on the curb, looking very sad. He walked over and asked, “What’s the matter, son?”

The boy looked up and said, “I don’t have any friends. Nobody will play with me.”

The minister, always wanting to help, knelt down and said, “Don’t worry, I’m your friend. I’ll always be here for you.”

The boy’s face lit up. “Really? That’s so nice of you! What should we do?”

The minister thought for a moment and said, “Well, how about we go get some ice cream? That’ll make you feel better.”

The boy’s eyes grew wide. “Wow, that sounds amazing! But wait—won’t people think you’re being a little too generous?”

The minister smiled and said, “No, I’m just doing a good deed for you, because as a minister, I’m always trying to help others.”

The boy paused, then said, “You sure you don’t just want an excuse to have ice cream yourself?”

The minister replied. “Well, maybe a little bit of both!”

Historical/Cultural Context -

Luke was a physician and a travel companion of the apostle Paul. He wrote the book of Acts. The earliest possible date of Acts is immediately after the events that Luke recorded in, which would have been c. A.D. 62. Acts is addressed to “Theophilus,” about whom nothing more is known. Luke’s broader audience consisted primarily of Gentile Christians like Theophilus who had already “been taught” about Jesus.

Biblical Text -

Acts 11:19–30 NKJV

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. 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, he 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. And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

-[Prayer]-

Life Principle - Share The Gospel Wherever You Are, Acting On The Word Of God & Be A Biblical Person.

Life Point- Wherever You End Up, Make Sure To Share The Gospel.

Exegetical -

Acts 11:19–21 NLT

Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

Homiletical -

So while Peter goes back to Judea the other Apostles and the brethren who are there had heard of the Gentiles having the word of God preached to them and they were angry with Peter.

Why?

Because Jesus was the Jewish Messiah and the Jews were very xenophobic, they were raised to be all about the Jewish race and religion. They saw the Gentiles as filthy mongrels who deserved nothing from God.

But what they didn’t understand yet was that they didn’t deserve anything from God either.

So Peter tells them what happened with the sheet and his visit to Cornelius and then they, probably reluctantly, accepted Peter’s testimony about the gift of God being opened to the Gentiles as well.

So while all this is going on, those Jews that had been scattered during the time of the start of the Christian Persecution are preaching Jesus wherever they go, but only to the Jews.

These believers were probably scattered by the persecutions that Saul had lead. These guys were scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch of Syria.

However, some of the believers that ended up in Cyprus and Cyrene couldn’t contain the message to the Jews only but to the Gentiles in those places. Low and behold the Gentiles began to believe and come to Jesus. Because God was with them we are told a large number believed.

Let’s take a moment and think about how this applies to us today.

I am about to blow your mind. Your job is not to build an institution what we would call a church. If I am called to do that, I can do that all day long by preaching heresy. But that isn’t what we are called to do.

We are called to Kingdom Builders. Those that share the Gospel and see people changed thereby. Once people start coming to Christ then the local church will grow.

If we don’t share the Gospel with those around me, as these believers did, then I can guarantee you that this church won’t grow. Any church that has strayed from making the Gospel’s proclamation no longer a priority will fail.

Also, it is to your best interest to share the Gospel. Paul wrote that WOE is me IF I don’t share the Gospel! There is spiritual blessing and reward for sharing the Gospel both in this life and the life to come.

1 Corinthians 9:16 NKJV

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

Who should the Gospel be shared with? everyone! When you share the Gospel say a quick prayer for God to be with you, and you know what? He will be with you.

Illustration -

A young man went on vacation at the beach. Instead of just soaking up the sun, he started conversations with fellow beachgoers about faith, and before he knew it, had gathered a small group for an impromptu beach Bible study. Letting faith lead us can turn our everyday outings into meaningful moments sharing the Gospel!

Be Radical and share Jesus!

Life Point - Be A Good Person

Exegetical -

Acts 11:22–26 NLT

When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

Homiletical -

The church hears what is going on in this area, about what is happening with Gentiles, and they send Barnabas to Antioch to investigate. He gets there sees what is going on and tells them to stay to the Gospel.

He was encouraged and filled with praise at the spread of the Gospel.

Then we are given a description of Barnabas that I hope could be said about everyone who calls on the name of Christ. It says he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith.

Let’s look at that description:

A good man involves these characteristics

Integrity - they will not compromise their integrity no matter how inconvenient it is at the moment.

Empathy - Is concerned about others well-being. In other words, not selfish.

Kindness - They treat others with respect.

Humility - Not only humble but are open to growth

Generosity - They share their time and resources with others.

Courage - They stand up for what is right, even when no one else will do so.

Patience - They also remain calm in the face of adversity.

Fairness - They avoid prejudice and try to be fair in their judgements and dealings with others.

Full of the Holy Spirit

We know that there is no one righteous, not one. So to be a good person we must be filled with the Holy Spirit. He embodies all that is good because Holy Spirit is God. We are even commanded to be full of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:17 and following tells us what the will of the Lord is:

Ephesians 5:17–21 NKJV

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Without salvation and the work of Holy Spirit in your life, you cannot even come close to being a Good Person. It is through the power of God that you become this way.

Galatians 5:22–26 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Next we are told that Barnabas is strong in faith.

Meaning that he believed in Jesus to the uttermost. He had full confidence in Jesus and completely trusted and relied upon him.

Are you that full of faith? Are you Full of the Holy Spirit? Can you be called a good person like Barnabas was?

So after Barnabas is done taking a look around and seeing the crowds of people, he says to himself, you know what? I need help here. So he goes to Find Saul in the city of Tarsus. He brings Saul back and they both stay in Antioch a year, teaching the people and preaching the Gospel.

Why?

Because new converts need discipleship. People ask me all the time “Pastor why do we see people come into the church and just as quickly, after a time, leave the church?” One of the main reasons is no one is willing to put into the new converts discipleship.

Well what does that look like?

T.I.M.E - It means to take away some of your busy life to do life with that new convert to invest in them. As Paul said, Follow me as I follow Jesus. That is discipleship in its simplest form.

Illustration -

A dad was teaching his son how to be a good man. He said, 'Son, it’s not just about doing good deeds, it’s about your attitude!' Later that day, when they saw a lady drop her groceries, the son ran over to help, smiling the entire time. The dad chuckled, saying, 'Well, I guess you learned it the fun way!' Goodness often shines brightest in simple actions with joy.

Life Point - Act On The Word Of God

Exegetical -

Acts 11:27–30 NLT

During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.

Homiletical -

So while Barnabas and Saul are teaching the people some prophets with a word from God come down from Jerusalem. One guy stands up and predicts a great famine that would the entire Roman world. We are told it was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.

Did the believers when they had a for sure word from God stand around and do nothing?

No, seeing as what was going to happen they decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, giving what they could afford. They sent Barnabas and Saul to the elders of the church in Jerusalem to deliver the relief.

Let’s take a minute and talk about Biblical prophets. I believe there was New Testament prophets to guide the church and that people today can get a Word from God. However, I want you to notice something

A prophet in the Bible is not speaking generally they speak specifically.

A true prophet in the Bible never “missed the mark” If they gave a false prophecy they were stoned to death. So every prophecy from God’s true prophets came true.

Today we have the Bible and the Bible is the main way that God speaks to us. As a matter of fact we judge all so-called prophets and prophecy against scripture and if it doesn’t line up we don’t put any credence behind it.

There are a lot of people who want to know God’s will for their life. If you want to know His will then break out the Bible and study it. In the Bible you will find life and you will find it more abundantly.

If you act on the Word of God you will find that you will be blessed because of it.

What does this mean?

We are to walk circumspectly and in the fear of God:

If we are to walk circumspectly we must

Live Carefully - be deliberate and thoughtful with your thoughts and actions

Stay Alert - Be careful with moral, Spiritual and practical problems that arise in your walk

Be discerning - avoid being impulsive or reckless instead study what God’s Word says about everything.

To walk in the Fear of God means:

Have Reverence for God - Recognize the bigness and the awe that is our God and our savior. This is something that is lacking in Christianity today. Let’s vow to bring it back.

Be Obedient - align your life with God’s Word in all actions and deeds.

Humility - Acknowledge your dependence on God, staying mindful of your place in His creation

This means to live with mindfulness and respect, guided by a heart committed to God’s ways.

Illustration -

We are not to treat God’s Word like a menu at a restaurant. You don’t pick and choose verses that sound appealing, like selecting only your favorite dishes. Because sooner or later you need to realize that the nourishing meals come from eating a balanced diet of Scripture. Walking out God’s Word means embracing all of it, even the difficult lessons, because they are essential for our spiritual growth, just like a well-rounded meal.

Life Principle– Share The Gospel Wherever You Are, Acting On The Word Of God & Be A Biblical Person.

Call to Action – altar call….