Pastor Bill was away this weekend so we welcomed Pastor Rick Tozer as our guest speaker, whose message was on encouragement. We can learn from nature – crabs, elephants and geese – and from the lives of successful people who recognize the importance of encouragement in the Christian community. As well, Barnabas from the Bible certainly left his mark on the lives of others and his accomplishments in the church were remarkable. We learned a few practical suggestions to help us become great encouragers, not only in the church, but to those in our circle of influence.
About Rick Tozer: For the past five years, Rick has offered his leadership skills and pastoral experience to help various organizations (including BIC Canada, MCC Ontario and Luther Village on the Park) with their strategic planning, marketing efforts and change management needs. He has assisted four congregations through pastoral transition in the last 6 years; most recently, he was the “in between guy” at Rosebank BIC Church.
QUIET ENCOURAGEMENT
Message by Rick Tozer – January 28, 2018
INTRODUCTION
Illustrations from nature
Crabs – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUQ2WGA8mJQ
Elephants – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SauNUEw_OU
QUIET ENCOURAGEMENT IS THE ABILITY TO SPEAK COURAGE INTO THE LIVES OF OTHERS
OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF HIS HEART, BARNABAS ENCOURAGED OTHERS BY…
1. GIVING GENEROUSLY
Acts 4:36-37 (NIV) … Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
2. LOVING UNCONDITIONALLY
Acts 9 – Saul’s Conversion
Acts 9:31 (NIV) Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit…
Acts 11:20-21 (NIV) Some … from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
3. SERVING WHOLEHEARTEDLY
Barnabas quietly developed leaders by giving them opportunities to minister
Acts 13:2 (NIV) … the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 15:37-39 (NIV) Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise … They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.
2 Timothy 4:11 (NIV) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful … in my ministry.
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