Worship Services

It has been said that western culture has made a cult of success, and that the church has accepted the larger culture's definition, focusing on success as growth in membership and budget, rather growth in faithfulness as disciples of Jesus. When we do not measure up, we become discouraged, disillusioned, and perhaps even envious of others. But this is not what God wants for us. Barnabas is a good example of someone giving encouragement even in the worst of times. Barnabas, besides being an encourager and an investor in people, was a growing Christian just as we are. The power to lead a godly life comes from God. Barnabas did not gain the resources to be truly godly by himself. We of ourselves do not have the resources to be truly godly. However, God allows us to "share in His divine nature" in order to keep us from sin and help us live for Him.

(1) Encouragers use what God has given them to help others.

(2) Encouragers accept people where they are to help them become what God wants them to be.

(3) Encouragers rejoice over and support the growth of other believers.

(4) Encouragers don't care who gets the credit.

(5) Encouragers give others a second chance.

The truth of the matter is that the church will never have a shortage of people who want to be its Pauls. The question is: are you willing to be a Barnabas?