How to Be An Encourager | Be Like Barnabas

Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg Lori has a [music] great new book called Lori has a [music] great new book called Lori has a [music] great new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to What Every Growing Christian Needs to What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know that'll help. Let's say you're Know that'll help. Let's say you're Know that'll help. Let's say you're feeling lethargic and tired. You know, feeling lethargic and tired. You know, feeling lethargic and tired. You know, if you have [music] a diet of social if you have [music] a diet of social if you have [music] a diet of social media and you don't take time for the media and you don't take time for the media and you don't take time for the word of God, [music] this is going to word of God, [music] this is going to word of God, [music] this is going to have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at harvest.org. org. harvest.org. org. harvest.org. org. >> What do all these [music] people need? >> What do all these [music] people need? >> What do all these [music] people need? Young people, middle-aged people, older Young people, middle-aged people, older Young people, middle-aged people, older people, they all need a word of [music] people, they all need a word of [music] people, they all need a word of [music] encouragement. They need to know that encouragement. They need to know that encouragement. They need to know that their lives matter. People tend to their lives matter. People tend to their lives matter. People tend to listen to matters we talk about when listen to matters we talk about when listen to matters we talk about when what we talk about matters to them. what we talk about matters to them. what we talk about matters to them. Today, Pastor Greg [music] Lorie says Today, Pastor Greg [music] Lorie says Today, Pastor Greg [music] Lorie says encouragement is always welcome. encouragement is always welcome. encouragement is always welcome. >> There's nothing as refreshing as an >> There's nothing as refreshing as an >> There's nothing as refreshing as an encouraging [music] encouraging [music] encouraging [music] word or deed. It's like a fresh drink of word or deed. It's like a fresh drink of word or deed. It's like a fresh drink of water on a hot summer day. water on a hot summer day. water on a hot summer day. >> This is the day when the lost are found.

>> This is the day when the lost are found. >> This is the day when the lost are found. [music] [music] [music] This is the day the angels. the angels. [music] [music] [music] This is the day This is the day This is the day when when when [music] the gospel can be an [music] the gospel can be an [music] the gospel can be an uncomfortable message. It's a message of uncomfortable message. It's a message of uncomfortable message. It's a message of sin and its consequences. [music] sin and its consequences. [music] sin and its consequences. [music] But of course, the remedy found in the But of course, the remedy found in the But of course, the remedy found in the Lord's sacrifice. But that discussion Lord's sacrifice. But that discussion Lord's sacrifice. But that discussion can be so effective in an atmosphere of can be so effective in an atmosphere of can be so effective in an atmosphere of encouragement. [music] encouragement. [music] encouragement. [music] It's what their heart needs wrapped in It's what their heart needs wrapped in It's what their heart needs wrapped in what their heart wants. And today on a what their heart wants. And today on a what their heart wants. And today on a new beginning, Pastor Greg Lori points new beginning, Pastor Greg Lori points new beginning, Pastor Greg Lori points out how [music] to be an encourager in out how [music] to be an encourager in out how [music] to be an encourager in the tradition of Barnabas. As we study the tradition of Barnabas. As we study the tradition of Barnabas. As we study the book of Acts today, we'll see how the book of Acts today, we'll see how the book of Acts today, we'll see how [music] we can follow in his reassuring [music] we can follow in his reassuring [music] we can follow in his reassuring footsteps. footsteps. footsteps. Day [music] Day [music] Day [music] when life begins. when life begins. when life begins. [music] [music] [music] >> So, I heard about a group of frogs that >> So, I heard about a group of frogs that >> So, I heard about a group of frogs that were walking through the forest.

were walking through the forest. were walking through the forest. Why you're laughing already? I haven't Why you're laughing already? I haven't Why you're laughing already? I haven't even told the story yet. Anyway, a group even told the story yet. Anyway, a group even told the story yet. Anyway, a group of frogs are walking through the forest of frogs are walking through the forest of frogs are walking through the forest and two of the frogs fall into this pit. and two of the frogs fall into this pit. and two of the frogs fall into this pit. The other frogs look over the side and The other frogs look over the side and The other frogs look over the side and they yell to the frogs at the bottom of they yell to the frogs at the bottom of they yell to the frogs at the bottom of the pit, "You're as good as dead. You're the pit, "You're as good as dead. You're the pit, "You're as good as dead. You're never gonna get out of there. Well, the never gonna get out of there. Well, the never gonna get out of there. Well, the frogs didn't want to stay in the pit. frogs didn't want to stay in the pit. frogs didn't want to stay in the pit. And they started to jump and jump and And they started to jump and jump and And they started to jump and jump and jump. And the frogs up on the top said, jump. And the frogs up on the top said, jump. And the frogs up on the top said, "You're not going to make it. You're not "You're not going to make it. You're not "You're not going to make it. You're not going to get up here. You're never going going to get up here. You're never going going to get up here. You're never going to get out of that pit. You're going to to get out of that pit. You're going to to get out of that pit. You're going to die." And f one of the frogs got so die." And f one of the frogs got so die." And f one of the frogs got so discouraged, he just laid down and died. discouraged, he just laid down and died. discouraged, he just laid down and died. But the other frog would not give up. He But the other frog would not give up. He But the other frog would not give up. He kept jumping, jumping, jumping, jumping. kept jumping, jumping, jumping, jumping. kept jumping, jumping, jumping, jumping. Finally, he jumps out of the pit. The Finally, he jumps out of the pit. The Finally, he jumps out of the pit. The other frog said, "Didn't you hear us? We other frog said, "Didn't you hear us? We other frog said, "Didn't you hear us? We told you you couldn't get out of the told you you couldn't get out of the told you you couldn't get out of the pit." He said, "Sorry, I'm hard of pit." He said, "Sorry, I'm hard of pit." He said, "Sorry, I'm hard of hearing and I thought you were cheering hearing and I thought you were cheering hearing and I thought you were cheering for me. for me. for me. This is a true story." This is a true story." This is a true story." And then I stepped on the frog and And then I stepped on the frog and And then I stepped on the frog and killed him. No, I did not. So I That's killed him. No, I did not. So I That's killed him. No, I did not. So I That's sad, isn't it? It's all fake. Okay, I sad, isn't it? It's all fake. Okay, I sad, isn't it? It's all fake. Okay, I bring this up because we live in a time bring this up because we live in a time bring this up because we live in a time now where there's just so much now where there's just so much now where there's just so much discouragement.

discouragement. discouragement. So many people discouraging you and me So many people discouraging you and me So many people discouraging you and me each and every day. If you don't believe each and every day. If you don't believe each and every day. If you don't believe me, just go on social media and me, just go on social media and me, just go on social media and specifically on Twitter. All the trolls specifically on Twitter. All the trolls specifically on Twitter. All the trolls out there with their just their anger out there with their just their anger out there with their just their anger and hostility and attacks you. You'll and hostility and attacks you. You'll and hostility and attacks you. You'll never make it. You'll never succeed. You never make it. You'll never succeed. You never make it. You'll never succeed. You you'll never be the person you want to you'll never be the person you want to you'll never be the person you want to be. They bully you online and on and on be. They bully you online and on and on be. They bully you online and on and on it goes. And this is why so many people it goes. And this is why so many people it goes. And this is why so many people are affected in an adverse way. I think are affected in an adverse way. I think are affected in an adverse way. I think it's affecting the mental health of our it's affecting the mental health of our it's affecting the mental health of our nation, especially young people. nation, especially young people. nation, especially young people. Depression rates among 14 to 17 year Depression rates among 14 to 17 year Depression rates among 14 to 17 year olds has grown 60% from 2009 to 2017. olds has grown 60% from 2009 to 2017. olds has grown 60% from 2009 to 2017. That's really a lot. Suicide rates among That's really a lot. Suicide rates among That's really a lot. Suicide rates among young people have doubled in a decade. young people have doubled in a decade. young people have doubled in a decade. And 43% of millennials and Gen Z's are And 43% of millennials and Gen Z's are And 43% of millennials and Gen Z's are very concerned about their mental very concerned about their mental very concerned about their mental health. But it's not just young people health. But it's not just young people health. But it's not just young people that are facing this depression. It's that are facing this depression. It's that are facing this depression. It's affecting older people too. People who affecting older people too. People who affecting older people too. People who are getting on in years feel left out, are getting on in years feel left out, are getting on in years feel left out, forgotten, unappreciated.

forgotten, unappreciated. forgotten, unappreciated. Uh they're seeking hope, wanting their Uh they're seeking hope, wanting their Uh they're seeking hope, wanting their lives to matter because they're dealing lives to matter because they're dealing lives to matter because they're dealing with struggles. Uh maybe their health is with struggles. Uh maybe their health is with struggles. Uh maybe their health is failing. Maybe they've lost a mate or failing. Maybe they've lost a mate or failing. Maybe they've lost a mate or they're struggling with some kind of an they're struggling with some kind of an they're struggling with some kind of an illness. Suicide is up among older folks illness. Suicide is up among older folks illness. Suicide is up among older folks as well. Men who are 65 or older are the as well. Men who are 65 or older are the as well. Men who are 65 or older are the highest risk of suicide today. Adults 85 highest risk of suicide today. Adults 85 highest risk of suicide today. Adults 85 and older are the second most likely age and older are the second most likely age and older are the second most likely age group to die from suicide. So what do group to die from suicide. So what do group to die from suicide. So what do all these people need? Young people, all these people need? Young people, all these people need? Young people, middle-aged people, older people, they middle-aged people, older people, they middle-aged people, older people, they all need a word of encouragement. They all need a word of encouragement. They all need a word of encouragement. They need to know that their lives matter. need to know that their lives matter. need to know that their lives matter. Uh, I can still remember discouraging Uh, I can still remember discouraging Uh, I can still remember discouraging things that were said to me as a kid things that were said to me as a kid things that were said to me as a kid when I was in high school. Uh, I didn't when I was in high school. Uh, I didn't when I was in high school. Uh, I didn't get very good grades, I have to tell get very good grades, I have to tell get very good grades, I have to tell you. And, um, and so one teacher wrote you. And, um, and so one teacher wrote you. And, um, and so one teacher wrote this little commentary on my report card this little commentary on my report card this little commentary on my report card right next to D, C, D, F, etc. Uh, Greg right next to D, C, D, F, etc. Uh, Greg right next to D, C, D, F, etc. Uh, Greg Lorie spends too much time sitting in Lorie spends too much time sitting in Lorie spends too much time sitting in the classroom staring at the window, the classroom staring at the window, the classroom staring at the window, daydreaming and drawing cartoons. And daydreaming and drawing cartoons. And daydreaming and drawing cartoons. And then she offered this encouraging word.

then she offered this encouraging word. then she offered this encouraging word. He will never amount to anything. He will never amount to anything. He will never amount to anything. Thank you for those encouraging words. Thank you for those encouraging words. Thank you for those encouraging words. When I was in elementary school, I When I was in elementary school, I When I was in elementary school, I became a little bit of a troublemaker. became a little bit of a troublemaker. became a little bit of a troublemaker. Uh I was sent to military school for a Uh I was sent to military school for a Uh I was sent to military school for a few years and boy, I tell you what, they few years and boy, I tell you what, they few years and boy, I tell you what, they they got me in shape. I mean, I was a they got me in shape. I mean, I was a they got me in shape. I mean, I was a good boy because you'd get into big good boy because you'd get into big good boy because you'd get into big trouble, including being swatted with a trouble, including being swatted with a trouble, including being swatted with a giant wooden paddle if you got out of giant wooden paddle if you got out of giant wooden paddle if you got out of line. I was on the honor roll. I was a line. I was on the honor roll. I was a line. I was on the honor roll. I was a good cadet. marching around in my little good cadet. marching around in my little good cadet. marching around in my little uniform. But then when I got out of uniform. But then when I got out of uniform. But then when I got out of military school and went into the public military school and went into the public military school and went into the public school system of California and realized school system of California and realized school system of California and realized how much I could get away with, I went how much I could get away with, I went how much I could get away with, I went from honor role student cadet to from honor role student cadet to from honor role student cadet to juvenile delinquent. And it was so bad juvenile delinquent. And it was so bad juvenile delinquent. And it was so bad that one teacher in a classroom next to that one teacher in a classroom next to that one teacher in a classroom next to mine, hearing of the constant harassment mine, hearing of the constant harassment mine, hearing of the constant harassment I dealt toward my teacher, said to her I dealt toward my teacher, said to her I dealt toward my teacher, said to her class, "I'd like to take Greg Lori and class, "I'd like to take Greg Lori and class, "I'd like to take Greg Lori and bury him up to his neck in the sand in bury him up to his neck in the sand in bury him up to his neck in the sand in the blazing sun and watch the ants eat the blazing sun and watch the ants eat the blazing sun and watch the ants eat him alive." The kids told me this after him alive." The kids told me this after him alive." The kids told me this after the class, and I actually thought that the class, and I actually thought that the class, and I actually thought that was kind of cool. I don't know what was was kind of cool. I don't know what was was kind of cool. I don't know what was really, she said that about me, but you really, she said that about me, but you really, she said that about me, but you know, encouragement really matters. So I know, encouragement really matters. So I know, encouragement really matters. So I want to talk about a guy in the book of want to talk about a guy in the book of want to talk about a guy in the book of acts that uh was known for encouraging acts that uh was known for encouraging acts that uh was known for encouraging others. Actually his given name was others. Actually his given name was others. Actually his given name was Joseph but he was given a nickname and Joseph but he was given a nickname and Joseph but he was given a nickname and his nickname was Barnabas which means

his nickname was Barnabas which means his nickname was Barnabas which means the son of encouragement or another way the son of encouragement or another way the son of encouragement or another way to translate it he was known basically to translate it he was known basically to translate it he was known basically as Mr. encouragement. as Mr. encouragement. as Mr. encouragement. Mr. encouragement. I love that. And he Mr. encouragement. I love that. And he Mr. encouragement. I love that. And he steps in at a critical time in the life steps in at a critical time in the life steps in at a critical time in the life of the Apostle Paul. Before he was the of the Apostle Paul. Before he was the of the Apostle Paul. Before he was the Apostle Paul when he was still Saul, the Apostle Paul when he was still Saul, the Apostle Paul when he was still Saul, the notorious Christian killer, the man who notorious Christian killer, the man who notorious Christian killer, the man who hunted down followers of Jesus Christ, hunted down followers of Jesus Christ, hunted down followers of Jesus Christ, the man who met Christ on the road to the man who met Christ on the road to the man who met Christ on the road to Damascus. The problem was a lot of Damascus. The problem was a lot of Damascus. The problem was a lot of people weren't buying it. They weren't people weren't buying it. They weren't people weren't buying it. They weren't believing that Saul was actually now a believing that Saul was actually now a believing that Saul was actually now a Christian. Enter Barnabas. Enter Mr. Christian. Enter Barnabas. Enter Mr. Christian. Enter Barnabas. Enter Mr. Encouragement. Barnabas says, "Oh, Encouragement. Barnabas says, "Oh, Encouragement. Barnabas says, "Oh, you're a believer for sure. I've talked you're a believer for sure. I've talked you're a believer for sure. I've talked to you. I know your conversion is real." to you. I know your conversion is real." to you. I know your conversion is real." That brings me to point number one. An That brings me to point number one. An That brings me to point number one. An encourager sees the potential in others encourager sees the potential in others encourager sees the potential in others and cheers them on. An encourager sees and cheers them on. An encourager sees and cheers them on. An encourager sees the potential in others and cheers them the potential in others and cheers them the potential in others and cheers them on. So Barnabas, Mr. Encouragement, on. So Barnabas, Mr. Encouragement, on. So Barnabas, Mr. Encouragement, takes Saul of Tarsus under his wing and takes Saul of Tarsus under his wing and takes Saul of Tarsus under his wing and encourages him. And he even says, "Let's encourages him. And he even says, "Let's encourages him. And he even says, "Let's go on the road together. Let's go share go on the road together. Let's go share go on the road together. Let's go share the gospel together." So Barnabas is the gospel together." So Barnabas is the gospel together." So Barnabas is helping Saul. He's discipling Saul. He's helping Saul. He's discipling Saul. He's helping Saul. He's discipling Saul. He's teaching Saul later to become Paul. He teaching Saul later to become Paul. He teaching Saul later to become Paul. He sees the potential. Acts chapter 9 verse sees the potential. Acts chapter 9 verse sees the potential. Acts chapter 9 verse 26. Go back a few verses, chapters. When

26. Go back a few verses, chapters. When 26. Go back a few verses, chapters. When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were meet with the believers, but they were meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him, and they did not all afraid of him, and they did not all afraid of him, and they did not believe that he had truly become a believe that he had truly become a believe that he had truly become a believer. Then Barnabas brought him to believer. Then Barnabas brought him to believer. Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them Saul had seen the apostles and told them Saul had seen the apostles and told them Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus, and the Lord on the road to Damascus, and the Lord on the road to Damascus, and the Lord had spoken to Saul and he told the Lord had spoken to Saul and he told the Lord had spoken to Saul and he told them that Saul had preached boldly in them that Saul had preached boldly in them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. I love that. So, the name of Jesus. I love that. So, the name of Jesus. I love that. So, Barnabas takes his credibility, and he Barnabas takes his credibility, and he Barnabas takes his credibility, and he had a lot of it. He was loved by had a lot of it. He was loved by had a lot of it. He was loved by everybody and he put it on the line for everybody and he put it on the line for everybody and he put it on the line for the newly converted Saul and said, the newly converted Saul and said, the newly converted Saul and said, "Listen, I'm vouching for this guy. He's "Listen, I'm vouching for this guy. He's "Listen, I'm vouching for this guy. He's a real Christian." And that's something a real Christian." And that's something a real Christian." And that's something that we all need in life. We need a that we all need in life. We need a that we all need in life. We need a Barnabas Barnabas Barnabas or you need to be a Barnabas. Let me say or you need to be a Barnabas. Let me say or you need to be a Barnabas. Let me say that again. We all need a Barnabas or an that again. We all need a Barnabas or an that again. We all need a Barnabas or an encourager or we need to be a Barnabas encourager or we need to be a Barnabas encourager or we need to be a Barnabas encouraging encouraging encouraging others. others. others. and your words matter and your and your words matter and your and your words matter and your encouragement matters. And let's review encouragement matters. And let's review encouragement matters. And let's review the great commission. Jesus speaking, the great commission. Jesus speaking, the great commission. Jesus speaking, "Go into all the world and make "Go into all the world and make "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, son, and the in the name of the father, son, and the in the name of the father, son, and the holy spirit, teaching them to observe holy spirit, teaching them to observe holy spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.

all things that I have commanded you. all things that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you even to the end of And lo, I am with you even to the end of And lo, I am with you even to the end of the age." It's given to every Christian. the age." It's given to every Christian. the age." It's given to every Christian. It's given to you. It's given to me. And It's given to you. It's given to me. And It's given to you. It's given to me. And it's interesting because in that it's interesting because in that it's interesting because in that statement, lo, I am with you even to the statement, lo, I am with you even to the statement, lo, I am with you even to the end of the age. Contextually in the end of the age. Contextually in the end of the age. Contextually in the original language, it's implying that original language, it's implying that original language, it's implying that Jesus will be with us in a special way Jesus will be with us in a special way Jesus will be with us in a special way when we're fulfilling the great when we're fulfilling the great when we're fulfilling the great commission. That's not to say he won't commission. That's not to say he won't commission. That's not to say he won't be with us all the time because he said, be with us all the time because he said, be with us all the time because he said, "I'll never leave you or forsake you." "I'll never leave you or forsake you." "I'll never leave you or forsake you." But it is to say, Jesus speaking, "I But it is to say, Jesus speaking, "I But it is to say, Jesus speaking, "I will be with you when you do this. I will be with you when you do this. I will be with you when you do this. I will open doors for you. I will put will open doors for you. I will put will open doors for you. I will put words in your mouth. I will direct you words in your mouth. I will direct you words in your mouth. I will direct you to the right people. I'll be with you. to the right people. I'll be with you. to the right people. I'll be with you. So your job, your mission, should you So your job, your mission, should you So your job, your mission, should you decide to accept it, decide to accept it, decide to accept it, is to go and make disciples, teaching is to go and make disciples, teaching is to go and make disciples, teaching them to observe all things that I have them to observe all things that I have them to observe all things that I have commanded you. So Barnabas did this for commanded you. So Barnabas did this for commanded you. So Barnabas did this for the newly converted Saul. And God wants the newly converted Saul. And God wants the newly converted Saul. And God wants you to do this for somebody else because you to do this for somebody else because you to do this for somebody else because there are people that need your help there are people that need your help there are people that need your help right now. people that are hurting, right now. people that are hurting, right now. people that are hurting, people that have fallen spiritually.

people that have fallen spiritually. people that have fallen spiritually. James 5:19 says, "Brothers, if any of James 5:19 says, "Brothers, if any of James 5:19 says, "Brothers, if any of you should wander from the truth and you should wander from the truth and you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember someone should bring him back, remember someone should bring him back, remember that whoever turns a sinner from the that whoever turns a sinner from the that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from error of his way will save him from error of his way will save him from death and cover [music] a multitude of death and cover [music] a multitude of death and cover [music] a multitude of sins." I love that. sins." I love that. sins." I love that. [music] [music] [music] >> Pastor Greg Lori will have the second >> Pastor Greg Lori will have the second >> Pastor Greg Lori will have the second half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. You know, I've heard [music] people You know, I've heard [music] people You know, I've heard [music] people describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the Bible actually come to life. [music] Hey Bible actually come to life. [music] Hey Bible actually come to life. [music] Hey everybody, Greg Lori and I've been to everybody, Greg Lori and I've been to everybody, Greg Lori and I've been to Israel many times and I've led a lot of Israel many times and I've led a lot of Israel many times and I've led a lot of tours [music] and I have to say that's tours [music] and I have to say that's tours [music] and I have to say that's absolutely true. Listen, when you're absolutely true. Listen, when you're absolutely true. Listen, when you're walking [music] on the same stones that walking [music] on the same stones that walking [music] on the same stones that Jesus himself walked on, well, that's Jesus himself walked on, well, that's Jesus himself walked on, well, that's something [music] that's enriching to something [music] that's enriching to something [music] that's enriching to your faith. It's not just a travel your faith. It's not just a travel your faith. It's not just a travel experience. [music] It actually experience. [music] It actually experience. [music] It actually energizes and enhances your study of the energizes and enhances your study of the energizes and enhances your study of the Bible. Think of it this [music] way. Bible. Think of it this [music] way. Bible. Think of it this [music] way. It's a vacation with a purpose. And It's a vacation with a purpose. And It's a vacation with a purpose. And we're going to be taking a [music] tour we're going to be taking a [music] tour we're going to be taking a [music] tour of Israel April 6 to 15, 2027.

of Israel April 6 to 15, 2027. of Israel April 6 to 15, 2027. You can find out [music] more at You can find out [music] more at You can find out [music] more at israel.harvest.org. israel.harvest.org. israel.harvest.org. Step right into [music] biblical Step right into [music] biblical Step right into [music] biblical history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land April 6th through 15th, the Holy Land April 6th through 15th, the Holy Land April 6th through 15th, 2027. [music] 2027. [music] 2027. [music] Get details at israel.harvest.org. Well, we're getting some good counsel on Well, we're getting some good counsel on the importance of encouragement today. the importance of encouragement today. the importance of encouragement today. Pastor Gray continues his study based in Pastor Gray continues his study based in Pastor Gray continues his study based in Acts chapter 11. You know, sometimes Acts chapter 11. You know, sometimes Acts chapter 11. You know, sometimes what people need is just a friend. You what people need is just a friend. You what people need is just a friend. You don't have to know all the answers. They don't have to know all the answers. They don't have to know all the answers. They think we think, "Oh, I have to be a think we think, "Oh, I have to be a think we think, "Oh, I have to be a theologian." No, you don't. You can get theologian." No, you don't. You can get theologian." No, you don't. You can get on the job training. You can learn what on the job training. You can learn what on the job training. You can learn what you need to learn as you need it, but you need to learn as you need it, but you need to learn as you need it, but you can get in there and just engage in you can get in there and just engage in you can get in there and just engage in what I like to describe as a ministry of what I like to describe as a ministry of what I like to describe as a ministry of presence. Just being there. Let's say presence. Just being there. Let's say presence. Just being there. Let's say someone's in a hospital room and they're someone's in a hospital room and they're someone's in a hospital room and they're in pain and they're in need. Sometimes in pain and they're in need. Sometimes in pain and they're in need. Sometimes just being there. You don't need a just being there. You don't need a just being there. You don't need a sermon. Everything isn't a sermon. You sermon. Everything isn't a sermon. You sermon. Everything isn't a sermon. You might be surprised to hear me say that might be surprised to hear me say that might be surprised to hear me say that because I'm a preacher, right? But because I'm a preacher, right? But because I'm a preacher, right? But there's a time to sermonize. And then there's a time to sermonize. And then there's a time to sermonize. And then there's a time to just empathize and there's a time to just empathize and there's a time to just empathize and just care and offer the appropriate just care and offer the appropriate just care and offer the appropriate scriptures at the right time. And here's scriptures at the right time. And here's scriptures at the right time. And here's another thing to think about. Whatever another thing to think about. Whatever another thing to think about. Whatever you're going through in life is you're going through in life is you're going through in life is preparing you for something else. And he preparing you for something else. And he preparing you for something else. And he can take the pain of your life and use can take the pain of your life and use can take the pain of your life and use it. Look, I wouldn't wish my childhood it. Look, I wouldn't wish my childhood it. Look, I wouldn't wish my childhood on anyone, but now I use it as a tool to

on anyone, but now I use it as a tool to on anyone, but now I use it as a tool to help other people because they'll tell help other people because they'll tell help other people because they'll tell me about their upbringing and I'll say, me about their upbringing and I'll say, me about their upbringing and I'll say, "Well, here was my upbringing and here's "Well, here was my upbringing and here's "Well, here was my upbringing and here's what God did for me and he can do this what God did for me and he can do this what God did for me and he can do this for you." And having my son go to be for you." And having my son go to be for you." And having my son go to be with the Lord in 2008. If I could bring with the Lord in 2008. If I could bring with the Lord in 2008. If I could bring him back, I would do it in a moment. But him back, I would do it in a moment. But him back, I would do it in a moment. But I realize that this happened. I don't I realize that this happened. I don't I realize that this happened. I don't know why it happened, but I will not know why it happened, but I will not know why it happened, but I will not waste my pain. And I use it as a tool waste my pain. And I use it as a tool waste my pain. And I use it as a tool now to help other people who have heard now to help other people who have heard now to help other people who have heard the devastating news that their child the devastating news that their child the devastating news that their child has died or their spouse has died or a has died or their spouse has died or a has died or their spouse has died or a loved one has died. And so I know that I loved one has died. And so I know that I loved one has died. And so I know that I can come and just help them through can come and just help them through can come and just help them through that. I don't really have that much to that. I don't really have that much to that. I don't really have that much to say, but if I can in some way, shape, or say, but if I can in some way, shape, or say, but if I can in some way, shape, or form help them through that difficult form help them through that difficult form help them through that difficult time, that's what I want to do. We all time, that's what I want to do. We all time, that's what I want to do. We all want to be that encourager because there want to be that encourager because there want to be that encourager because there is nothing as refreshing as an is nothing as refreshing as an is nothing as refreshing as an encouraging word or deed. It's like a encouraging word or deed. It's like a encouraging word or deed. It's like a fresh drink of water on a hot summer fresh drink of water on a hot summer fresh drink of water on a hot summer day. Proverbs 25:25 says, "Good news day. Proverbs 25:25 says, "Good news day. Proverbs 25:25 says, "Good news from far away is like cold water to the from far away is like cold water to the from far away is like cold water to the thirsty." I think encouragement may be thirsty." I think encouragement may be thirsty." I think encouragement may be the greatest need in our world today.

the greatest need in our world today. the greatest need in our world today. That brings me to my second point. If That brings me to my second point. If That brings me to my second point. If you want to be an encourager, you will you want to be an encourager, you will you want to be an encourager, you will help other Christians grow in their help other Christians grow in their help other Christians grow in their faith. If you want to be an encourager, faith. If you want to be an encourager, faith. If you want to be an encourager, you will help other Christians grow in you will help other Christians grow in you will help other Christians grow in their faith. So, Barnabas and Paul their faith. So, Barnabas and Paul their faith. So, Barnabas and Paul wanted a missionary journey together. wanted a missionary journey together. wanted a missionary journey together. And it became pretty clear that Paul had And it became pretty clear that Paul had And it became pretty clear that Paul had a great gift to preach, even greater a great gift to preach, even greater a great gift to preach, even greater than Barnabas's gift. So, Barnabas sort than Barnabas's gift. So, Barnabas sort than Barnabas's gift. So, Barnabas sort of stepped aside and let Paul do what he of stepped aside and let Paul do what he of stepped aside and let Paul do what he did. He was doing his job well. Now, did. He was doing his job well. Now, did. He was doing his job well. Now, they did have a conflict, and we'll talk they did have a conflict, and we'll talk they did have a conflict, and we'll talk about this later. And they parted ways about this later. And they parted ways about this later. And they parted ways as friends, but they did part ways. But as friends, but they did part ways. But as friends, but they did part ways. But the point of it is Barnabas had done his the point of it is Barnabas had done his the point of it is Barnabas had done his job. What was his job? To disciple Paul, job. What was his job? To disciple Paul, job. What was his job? To disciple Paul, to help Paul get acclimated to the to help Paul get acclimated to the to help Paul get acclimated to the church, to help Paul discover, church, to help Paul discover, church, to help Paul discover, cultivate, and use the gifts that God cultivate, and use the gifts that God cultivate, and use the gifts that God had given to him. Once I was done, now had given to him. Once I was done, now had given to him. Once I was done, now Barnabas can exit the scene and go do it Barnabas can exit the scene and go do it Barnabas can exit the scene and go do it again. That's our job. It's sort of like again. That's our job. It's sort of like again. That's our job. It's sort of like wash, rinse, repeat, right? In the same wash, rinse, repeat, right? In the same wash, rinse, repeat, right? In the same way, preach, encourage, disciple, way, preach, encourage, disciple, way, preach, encourage, disciple, repeat. Preach, encourage, disciple, repeat. Preach, encourage, disciple, repeat. Preach, encourage, disciple, repeat. You just do it over and over repeat. You just do it over and over repeat. You just do it over and over again for as many people as you can. Mr.

again for as many people as you can. Mr. again for as many people as you can. Mr. Encouragement. Here's an instance in Encouragement. Here's an instance in Encouragement. Here's an instance in Acts chap 11. Now, the verse we turn to Acts chap 11. Now, the verse we turn to Acts chap 11. Now, the verse we turn to when they dispatched Barnabas for a when they dispatched Barnabas for a when they dispatched Barnabas for a special project. Uh God was working and special project. Uh God was working and special project. Uh God was working and people were coming to Christ and they people were coming to Christ and they people were coming to Christ and they said, "Hey, let's send Mr. Encouragement said, "Hey, let's send Mr. Encouragement said, "Hey, let's send Mr. Encouragement over there." Acts 11:22. over there." Acts 11:22. over there." Acts 11:22. And when the church of Jerusalem heard And when the church of Jerusalem heard And when the church of Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to what had happened, they sent Barnabas to what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this Antioch. When he arrived and saw this Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God's blessing, he was evidence of God's blessing, he was evidence of God's blessing, he was filled with joy and he encouraged the filled with joy and he encouraged the filled with joy and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. believers to stay true to the Lord. believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Barnabas was a good man, full of the Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. and Holy Spirit and strong in faith. and Holy Spirit and strong in faith. and many people were brought to the Lord. I many people were brought to the Lord. I many people were brought to the Lord. I love that he was a good man, full of the love that he was a good man, full of the love that he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. Let Holy Spirit and strong in faith. Let Holy Spirit and strong in faith. Let that be said of you that you're a good that be said of you that you're a good that be said of you that you're a good man, a good woman, full of the Holy man, a good woman, full of the Holy man, a good woman, full of the Holy Spirit, encouraging others. And I love Spirit, encouraging others. And I love Spirit, encouraging others. And I love the word that Barnabas gave to the the word that Barnabas gave to the the word that Barnabas gave to the believers there. He encouraged the believers there. He encouraged the believers there. He encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. And believers to stay true to the Lord. And believers to stay true to the Lord. And I want to encourage you to do the same I want to encourage you to do the same I want to encourage you to do the same right now. Stay true to the Lord. Hold right now. Stay true to the Lord. Hold right now. Stay true to the Lord. Hold the course that you are on. Don't the course that you are on. Don't the course that you are on. Don't deviate from it to the left or the deviate from it to the left or the deviate from it to the left or the right. I've mentioned Chuck Smith a right. I've mentioned Chuck Smith a right. I've mentioned Chuck Smith a couple times in this message. Here's one couple times in this message. Here's one couple times in this message. Here's one left last story. I was having lunch with left last story. I was having lunch with left last story. I was having lunch with him once. So, we're sitting there and uh him once. So, we're sitting there and uh him once. So, we're sitting there and uh I said, "Chuck, if an older Chuck could I said, "Chuck, if an older Chuck could I said, "Chuck, if an older Chuck could speak to a younger Chuck, what would you speak to a younger Chuck, what would you speak to a younger Chuck, what would you say to yourself?" And Chuck said, "Greg, say to yourself?" And Chuck said, "Greg, say to yourself?" And Chuck said, "Greg, will you stop asking me these stupid

will you stop asking me these stupid will you stop asking me these stupid questions? questions? questions? I just want to eat my food." No, he I just want to eat my food." No, he I just want to eat my food." No, he didn't say that, but he should have. He didn't say that, but he should have. He didn't say that, but he should have. He said, "Hold the course." What he meant said, "Hold the course." What he meant said, "Hold the course." What he meant was just stay on that path that you're was just stay on that path that you're was just stay on that path that you're on and don't get off that path. And on and don't get off that path. And on and don't get off that path. And that's what Barnabas was saying to the that's what Barnabas was saying to the that's what Barnabas was saying to the believers. He encouraged the believers believers. He encouraged the believers believers. He encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Let me close to stay true to the Lord. Let me close to stay true to the Lord. Let me close with this. Hold your course. I know it's with this. Hold your course. I know it's with this. Hold your course. I know it's hard. Maybe you've hit a rough patch. hard. Maybe you've hit a rough patch. hard. Maybe you've hit a rough patch. Maybe there's some problems. Maybe Maybe there's some problems. Maybe Maybe there's some problems. Maybe you've stumbled and you've fallen. Then you've stumbled and you've fallen. Then you've stumbled and you've fallen. Then get back up again. God gives second get back up again. God gives second get back up again. God gives second chances and he'll see you through chances and he'll see you through chances and he'll see you through whatever you're going through because whatever you're going through because whatever you're going through because he's bigger than your problem. It's he's bigger than your problem. It's he's bigger than your problem. It's going to get better. But you know, I I going to get better. But you know, I I going to get better. But you know, I I mentioned in the beginning of this mentioned in the beginning of this mentioned in the beginning of this message that there are some that are so message that there are some that are so message that there are some that are so down, they're so discouraged, they've down, they're so discouraged, they've down, they're so discouraged, they've even thought of taking their lives. And even thought of taking their lives. And even thought of taking their lives. And let me just say, if I'm talking to let me just say, if I'm talking to let me just say, if I'm talking to anyone who has entertained those anyone who has entertained those anyone who has entertained those thoughts, please reject them. push them thoughts, please reject them. push them thoughts, please reject them. push them out of your mind because you are loved out of your mind because you are loved out of your mind because you are loved by a lot of people more than you know.

by a lot of people more than you know. by a lot of people more than you know. [applause] [applause] [applause] You're needed. You're wanted. And best You're needed. You're wanted. And best You're needed. You're wanted. And best of all, you're loved by God. And no of all, you're loved by God. And no of all, you're loved by God. And no matter what things you've done wrong, he matter what things you've done wrong, he matter what things you've done wrong, he will forgive you. But you must come to will forgive you. But you must come to will forgive you. But you must come to him. Don't even think of taking your own him. Don't even think of taking your own him. Don't even think of taking your own life. Instead, give your life to Jesus life. Instead, give your life to Jesus life. Instead, give your life to Jesus Christ and you'll find life. Christ and you'll find life. Christ and you'll find life. >> [applause] >> Jesus said, "Whoever will lose his life >> Jesus said, "Whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it." for my sake will find it." for my sake will find it." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> What does that even mean? To lose your >> What does that even mean? To lose your >> What does that even mean? To lose your life means I take my dreams, my life means I take my dreams, my life means I take my dreams, my aspirations, my hopes, and I say, "This aspirations, my hopes, and I say, "This aspirations, my hopes, and I say, "This is what I'd like to do, but Lord, I want is what I'd like to do, but Lord, I want is what I'd like to do, but Lord, I want your will more than my will. Even if your will more than my will. Even if your will more than my will. Even if there's a conflict, I want it." And there's a conflict, I want it." And there's a conflict, I want it." And here's what you'll discover. You'll here's what you'll discover. You'll here's what you'll discover. You'll discover God's plans for you are far discover God's plans for you are far discover God's plans for you are far better than your plans for yourself. better than your plans for yourself. better than your plans for yourself. >> But it starts with giving your life to >> But it starts with giving your life to >> But it starts with giving your life to Jesus Christ. And so I'm going to close Jesus Christ. And so I'm going to close Jesus Christ. And so I'm going to close by extending an invitation to anybody by extending an invitation to anybody by extending an invitation to anybody here. If you're not sure if Jesus is here. If you're not sure if Jesus is here. If you're not sure if Jesus is living in your life, if you haven't living in your life, if you haven't living in your life, if you haven't asked him to forgive you of your sin, it asked him to forgive you of your sin, it asked him to forgive you of your sin, it can happen right here, right now. My can happen right here, right now. My can happen right here, right now. My whole life changed on a Friday in 1970.

whole life changed on a Friday in 1970. whole life changed on a Friday in 1970. I didn't wake up in the morning and say, I didn't wake up in the morning and say, I didn't wake up in the morning and say, "Hey, I think that I'll change my entire "Hey, I think that I'll change my entire "Hey, I think that I'll change my entire course of living and become a Christian course of living and become a Christian course of living and become a Christian and then maybe one day I'll even become and then maybe one day I'll even become and then maybe one day I'll even become a preacher and lose all of my hair. a preacher and lose all of my hair. a preacher and lose all of my hair. That's my goal." No, That's my goal." No, That's my goal." No, that thought did not cross my mind. that thought did not cross my mind. that thought did not cross my mind. But that's what God had in store for me. But that's what God had in store for me. But that's what God had in store for me. Who knows what God has in store for you? Who knows what God has in store for you? Who knows what God has in store for you? >> So, we're going to close in prayer. And >> So, we're going to close in prayer. And >> So, we're going to close in prayer. And if you don't know Jesus yet, if you don't know Jesus yet, if you don't know Jesus yet, this is your moment to come to him and this is your moment to come to him and this is your moment to come to him and believe. Let's pray. Father, thank you believe. Let's pray. Father, thank you believe. Let's pray. Father, thank you for your word to us. Thank you for your for your word to us. Thank you for your for your word to us. Thank you for your encouragement to us. encouragement to us. encouragement to us. And thank you for your promise to us, And thank you for your promise to us, And thank you for your promise to us, the promise to forgive us of all of our the promise to forgive us of all of our the promise to forgive us of all of our sins sins sins if we'll turn from them and put our if we'll turn from them and put our if we'll turn from them and put our faith in Jesus Christ who died on the faith in Jesus Christ who died on the faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sin and rose again from cross for our sin and rose again from cross for our sin and rose again from the dead. I pray for any person here. If the dead. I pray for any person here. If the dead. I pray for any person here. If they don't know you yet, Lord, let this they don't know you yet, Lord, let this they don't know you yet, Lord, let this be the moment they believe. If you want be the moment they believe. If you want be the moment they believe. If you want Jesus Christ to come into your life and Jesus Christ to come into your life and Jesus Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sin, just pray this forgive you of your sin, just pray this forgive you of your sin, just pray this simple prayer. Lord Jesus, I know that simple prayer. Lord Jesus, I know that simple prayer. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross for me. I savior who died on the cross for me. I savior who died on the cross for me. I turn from my sin now, and I choose to turn from my sin now, and I choose to turn from my sin now, and I choose to follow you. I want your will [music] for follow you. I want your will [music] for follow you. I want your will [music] for my life. I ask this now in Jesus name.

my life. I ask this now in Jesus name. my life. I ask this now in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] It's an [music] important moment in the It's an [music] important moment in the lives of so many people listening right lives of so many people listening right lives of so many people listening right now. Pastor Greg Lori praying a prayer now. Pastor Greg Lori praying a prayer now. Pastor Greg Lori praying a prayer with those who are asking Jesus to be with those who are asking Jesus to be with those who are asking Jesus to be their savior today. And if you've just their savior today. And if you've just their savior today. And if you've just prayed that prayer and you've meant prayed that prayer and you've meant prayed that prayer and you've meant those words sincerely, we want to help those words sincerely, we want to help those words sincerely, we want to help you begin to live this new life of you begin to live this new life of you begin to live this new life of faith. Pastor Greg would like to send faith. Pastor Greg would like to send faith. Pastor Greg would like to send you his new believers Bible. It's free you his new believers Bible. It's free you his new believers Bible. It's free of charge and it'll help answer many of of charge and it'll help answer many of of charge and it'll help answer many of the questions you might have and get you the questions you might have and get you the questions you might have and get you started off right as you walk each day started off right as you walk each day started off right as you walk each day with the Lord. So ask for it when you with the Lord. So ask for it when you with the Lord. So ask for it when you call 1 800-8213300. We can take your call anytime. That's 1 We can take your call anytime. That's 1 800821-33000 or go online to harvest.org. or go online to harvest.org. And then let us say a word of thanks to And then let us say a word of thanks to And then let us say a word of thanks to those who support us financially, those those who support us financially, those those who support us financially, those who make it possible for us to bring you who make it possible for us to bring you who make it possible for us to bring you these studies each day. We're definitely these studies each day. We're definitely these studies each day. We're definitely a listenerupported ministry. It's the a listenerupported ministry. It's the a listenerupported ministry. It's the generosity of listeners that help us be generosity of listeners that help us be generosity of listeners that help us be here with these programs. So if you've here with these programs. So if you've here with these programs. So if you've partnered with us, thank you. And if you partnered with us, thank you. And if you partnered with us, thank you. And if you have yet to partner with us, well, I have yet to partner with us, well, I have yet to partner with us, well, I hope you'll get in touch today and let hope you'll get in touch today and let hope you'll get in touch today and let us know that you're standing with us.

us know that you're standing with us. us know that you're standing with us. Even a small investment would help. It's Even a small investment would help. It's Even a small investment would help. It's actually an investment in changing actually an investment in changing actually an investment in changing lives. Thank you for partnering with us. lives. Thank you for partnering with us. lives. Thank you for partnering with us. You can donate securely online at You can donate securely online at You can donate securely online at harvest.org harvest.org harvest.org or call us at 1 800821-3300. >> [music] >> [music] >> Did you know that we put our services >> Did you know that we put our services >> Did you know that we put our services that we do on Sundays online? It's that we do on Sundays online? It's that we do on Sundays online? It's called [music] Harvest at Home and you called [music] Harvest at Home and you called [music] Harvest at Home and you can be a part of our extended can be a part of our extended can be a part of our extended congregation no matter where you are. congregation no matter where you are. congregation no matter where you are. And people [music] watch from literally And people [music] watch from literally And people [music] watch from literally all around the world. So if you want to all around the world. So if you want to all around the world. So if you want to watch Harvest at Home [music] or view it watch Harvest at Home [music] or view it watch Harvest at Home [music] or view it later if you'd like, just download the later if you'd like, just download the later if you'd like, just download the Harvest Plus app and then join us for Harvest Plus app and then join us for Harvest Plus app and then join us for Harvest at Home. [music] Harvest at Home. [music] Harvest at Home. [music] Well, next time, Pastor Greg addresses a Well, next time, Pastor Greg addresses a Well, next time, Pastor Greg addresses a challenging subject. Tune in for a challenging subject. Tune in for a challenging subject. Tune in for a message called Why Do [music] Christians message called Why Do [music] Christians message called Why Do [music] Christians Have to Suffer? Join us here on A New Have to Suffer? Join us here on A New Have to Suffer? Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible Teacher Beginning with Pastor and Bible Teacher Beginning with Pastor and Bible Teacher Greg Lorie.

Greg Lorie. Greg Lorie. [music]