Encourage One Another

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / April 14, 2024

Series: Strong Church

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We are called to encourage and edify one another

Encouragement: parakalein (Greek) | ‘para’ – alongside of | ‘kaleo’ – to call

One of the greatest examples of an encourager: Barnabas

I. HE SOLD PROPERTY – DEVOTED GENEROSITY

Read Acts 4:36-37

Barnabas practiced the principle of bearing one another’s burdens

He knew the difference between ownership and stewardship

“It’s not the seed that’s kept in the barn that increased: it’s the seed that’s invested that increases.”  

II. HE SAW POTENTIAL – DISPLAYED GENTLENESS

Paul the Persecutor (Read Acts 9:1-2)

God takes the least likely – and makes a trophy of grace. (Read Acts 9:23-27)

Practical Ways to Encourage

1. Words
2. Touch
3. Text
4. Cards

Read Proverbs 12:25, Proverbs 25:11, Proverbs 16:24

Another incident when Barnabus encouraged

Read Acts 15:36-41

III. HE SOUGHT PEOPLE – DEVELOPED GROWTH

Read Acts 11:19-24

“Encouragers care more about people than notoriety.”