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To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

"When [Barnabas] arrived and saw the evidence of God's grace, he was overjoyed and encouraged everyone to remain fully committed to the Lord." Acts 11:23 I wonder what part of Barnabas' story means the most to you? I wonder what part of his story you would like to leave out? I wonder if there is any part of this story that helps you live out your own story more faithfully.... If you want to read more about Barnabas these are the places you can find him in scripture. Acts 4;36, Acts 9:27, Acts 11, Acts 12:25, Acts 13, Acts 14, Acts 15, 1 Corinthians 9:6, Galations 2 and Colossians 4:10.

A Final Word For Those Who Are Suffering 1. Humble = 2. Timing - “It’s easy to bow, but hard to wait” 3. He Cares 4. Devil Prowling (def: to quietly sneak up to you so as to pounce) 5. Eternity - What is the last 10 years of your life compared to the first ten million? If I could summarize this scripture with one word it would be ____________

Points from the Text • Don’t be surprised by the down curve • If you’re going to suffer, suffer for the right reason • God’s judgment for His people is not punitive but purifying So What? To be insulted for Christ is to be ___________, socially __________, or to lose __________. Eight ways to “bear the name of Christ” (that might get you “insulted”) 1. Tell people you are a Christian 2. Pray before your meals 3. Invite someone to church 4. Honor the “emperor” (while voicing disagreement) 5. Share stories of God’s provision in your life 6. Go to church on Sundays, religiously 7. Share about what Jesus did on the cross and what it means 8. Befriend the person that no one wants to befriend

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

I. The ___________ of Jesus (v. 18-20) 1. _______________ to authority 2. __________________ for righteousness II. The ___________________ of His suffering (v. 21-23) III. The ____________________ of His suffering (v. 24-25)

SIX Descriptions of Who You Are (as a believer) 1. 2. 3. 4. A people for His own __________ 5. 6. People who have received _______. ONE Purpose statement: to ________ the excellencies of Him Ideas to consider: • What you do is determined by who you are • If you believe in God it’s because God chose you first • You are all priests! (It is the role of a priest to represent God) • The church is not just a museum of saints but a hospital for sinners.

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

Have you ever needed a pep talk when you found yourself struggling? From a friend, a coach, a boss? That is what the Apostle Peter was doing in his letter to the early Christians. From 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NIV), 1. Rejoice in spite of life’s realities. (v.6) 2. Proven faith brings praise to God. (v.7) 3. Love + “Believe In” = Faith (v.8) “Believe In” = Trust 4. End result of faith journey is salvation. (v.9) We are in trouble if our faith is dependent on us. Thankfully our faith is in the source of our faith, that being Jesus Christ. Application: Where are you with Jesus? Curious? Ask questions and learn more. Ready? Consider baptism. Committed? How can you trust more?

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

At the end of Holy Week God gives us the greatest gift ever. With gratefulness, The best gift we can give to God is repping Him in this world. How? From 1 Peter 2:11-12, 1. Get into mission shape. (v. 11) 2. Do good, do more good, and even more good, for others to see. (v. 12) Application: Go experience a short-term mission first-hand. For example, the CLC Eye Screening in Richmond.

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

God’s Game Plan 1. Jesus doesn’t say not me but you, but rather __ through ___. God’s Plan A is people through the power of His Spirit. You are called to wait upon His Spirit. 2. We think _____ but Jesus thinks ___. Jesus was not just thinking of reaching more individuals but more people groups. You are called to care passionately about extending God’s glory to the ends of the earth.

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

Many of us are like the prophet Jonah and don’t care about global missions. Yet we should care, because it is God’s purpose for his people. From the story of Jonah, the reluctant missionary: 1. Reluctance is the norm. (Chapter 1) 2. Ever so often we need a devine correction. (Chapter 2) 3. Believe it or not, the gospel has power. (Chapter 3) 4. Respect the Creator not the creation. (Chapter 4) Our God-given identity IS to be missionaries. Follow up: 1. Join a home group that is studying the Missions Curriculum, especially created for this sermon series. 2. Develop a heart for missions by going on a short term mission, like the Richmond Eye Screening July 17-20, 2017.

“Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love]. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something [special] when [in fact] he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself. 4 But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior], and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another. 5 For every person will have to bear [with patience] his own load [of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible].” Galatians 6:2-5 AMP

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

He gave himself to: Service Acts 20:17-19 He served Jesus his Lord. He served with humility . He served through the pain. He gave himself to the: Gospel Acts 20:20-21 The Gospel needs to be believed. The Gospel needs to be shared. The Gospel needs to be showed. He gave: Himself Acts 20:22-24 He gave up his loves. He gave up his longings. He gave up his life. He gave till it: Hurt Acts 20:25-38 He hurt over those who would leave. He hurt over those would stumble. He hurt over those who wouldn’t listen . A Prayer of Surrender Loving Father, I surrender to you today with all my heart and soul. Please come into my heart in a deeper way. I say, "Yes" to you today. I open all the secret places of my heart to you and say, "come on in." Jesus, you are the Lord of my whole life. I believe in You and commit you You as my Lord and Savior. I hold nothing back. Holy Spir

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.