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Faith Believes For Others

WATCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMvQgJuBN5o 

NOTES:

Faith Believes For Others

August 1 and 4, 2024

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4:36-37 (NKJV)

Acts 9:26-30 (NKJV)
Acts 11:19-26 (NKJV)
Acts 13:1-5 (NKJV)

Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.

Acts 15:37 (NKJV)

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him).

Colossians 4:10 (NKJV)
Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them
to continue in the grace of God.

Acts 13:43 (NKJV)
Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem.

Acts 13:13 (NKJV)
And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Acts 15:36-40 (NKJV)
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

2 Timothy 4:11 (NKJV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

August 1, 2024

Message Title: The Life and Ministry of Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37)

Scripture 1: Acts 4:36-37 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 36: "And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,"

  • Verse 37: "having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet."

Meaning: These verses introduce Barnabas, highlighting his generosity and dedication to the early Church. His actions reflect a deep commitment to supporting the communal needs of the believers and earning him the nickname "Son of Encouragement."

Scripture 2: Acts 9:26-30 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 26: "And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple."

  • Verse 27: "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."

  • Verse 28: "So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out."

  • Verse 29: "And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him."

  • Verse 30: "When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus."

Meaning: Barnabas plays a pivotal role in Saul's (Paul's) acceptance by the early Christian community, advocating for him and validating his conversion and mission. This underscores Barnabas' influential role as a bridge-builder in the early Church.

Scripture 3: Acts 11:19-26 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 19: "Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only."

  • Verse 20: "But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus."

  • Verse 21: "And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord."

  • Verse 22: "Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch."

  • Verse 23: "When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord."

  • Verse 24: "For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."

  • Verse 25: "Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul."

  • Verse 26: "And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

Meaning: Barnabas is sent to Antioch to support the growing Christian community. His encouragement and faithfulness result in the strengthening of the church. Barnabas also seeks out Saul (Paul) to help with the teaching effort, demonstrating his commitment to collaborative ministry.

Scripture 4: Acts 13:1-5 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 1: "Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul."

  • Verse 2: "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"

  • Verse 3: "Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away."

  • Verse 4: "So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus."

  • Verse 5: "And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant."

Meaning: Barnabas and Saul's mission is divinely appointed by the Holy Spirit. Their coordinated efforts and reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance mark the beginning of their first missionary journey, emphasizing the strategic role of Barnabas in early Christian missionary work.

Scripture 5: Acts 15:37 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 37: "Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark."

Meaning: Barnabas' determination to include John Mark in their ministry work highlights his forgiving and encouraging nature. Barnabas believed in giving John Mark another chance despite his earlier departure from their mission.

Scripture 6: Colossians 4:10 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 10: "Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him)."

Meaning: This verse underscores Barnabas' influence in ensuring John Mark's acceptance and integration within the Christian community, indicating the restoration and reconciliation of relationships facilitated by Barnabas' encouragement.

Scripture 7: Acts 13:43 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 43: "Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God."

Meaning: Barnabas, alongside Paul, played a vital role in encouraging and sustaining the faith of new believers, urging them to persist in God's grace.

Scripture 8: Acts 13:13 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 13: "Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem."

Meaning: This brief mention signifies a challenging moment of separation in their ministry, which later led to tension between Paul and Barnabas concerning John Mark.

Scripture 9: Acts 15:36-40 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 36: "Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.'"

  • Verse 37: "Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark."

  • Verse 38: "But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work."

  • Verse 39: "Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;"

  • Verse 40: "but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God."

Meaning: This passage illustrates a significant disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. Despite the sharp contention, it highlights Barnabas' loyal and redeeming character as he stands by John Mark, leading to separate yet ongoing successful ministries.

Scripture 10: 2 Timothy 4:11 (NKJV)

Scripture Text:

  • Verse 11: "Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry."

Meaning: This verse, written years later, shows a resolution and healing in relationships. It indicates that John Mark became a valuable part of Paul's ministry team, a testament to Barnabas' early confidence and encouragement in Mark's potential.

Faith Believes For Others

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Faith Chooses Humility

WATCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ocvYwkWSVQ

NOTES:

“Faith Chooses Humility”

July 25 and July 28, 2024

2 Kings 5:1-19 (NKJV)

They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.
2 Kings 17:33 (NKJV)



“If the written word of the Bible could be changed into a spoken word and become one single voice, this voice, more powerful than the roaring of the sea
would cry out: ‘the Father loves you!’” -Cardinal Raniero Cantalamess

“And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and
none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
Luke 4:27 (NKJV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: July 25 and July 28, 2024

Message Title: Faith Chooses Humility

Scripture 1: 2 Kings 5:1-19 (NKJV)

Scripture Text: "1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, 'If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.' 4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, 'Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.' 5 Then the king of Syria said, 'Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.' So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, 'Now be advised when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.' 7 And it happened when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, 'Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me.' 8 So it was, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, 'Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.' 9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, 'Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.' 11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, 'Indeed, I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.' 12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?' So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, 'My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?' 14 So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, 'Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.' 16 But he said, 'As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.' And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 So Naaman said, 'Then, if not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth; for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the Lord. 18 Yet in this thing may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord please pardon your servant in this thing.' 19 Then he said to him, 'Go in peace.' So he departed from him a short distance."

Meaning: The account of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army who humbly follows the instructions of a prophet from Israel to be healed of leprosy, showcases humility in faith. Even though initially resistant, Naaman's willingness to humble himself and follow God's plan for his healing leads to his miraculous restoration. This passage teaches us the importance of choosing humility in obedience to God's will, even when it may challenge our expectations

Faith Chooses Humility

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Faith Gets Back Up

WATCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLJ2UuVZs7s

NOTES:

“Faith Gets Back Up”


July 18 and July 21, 2024

Matthew 14:22-33 (NKJV)

The call of faith is the call to the “impossible.”


Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison
of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing
restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.
1 Samuel 14:6 (NKJV)

Esther 4:13-14 (NKJV)

Daniel 3:16-18 (NKJV)


For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.
Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV)

John 21:4-7 (NKJV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: July 21, 2024

Message Title: Faith Gets Back Up

Scripture 1: Matthew 14:22-33 (NKJV)

Scripture Text: "22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.' 28 And Peter answered Him and said, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' 29 So He said, 'Come.' And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!' 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God.'"

Meaning: In this scripture, we see Peter stepping out in faith to walk on water towards Jesus. However, when Peter becomes aware of the wind and begins to doubt, he starts to sink. This passage teaches us that faith empowers us to do the seemingly impossible, but doubt is our downfall. Nevertheless, Jesus is always there to lift us up when we falter.

Scripture 2: 1 Samuel 14:6 (NKJV)

Scripture Text: "Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, 'Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.'"

Meaning: This verse emphasizes Jonathan’s confidence in God’s power to deliver, irrespective of human strength or numbers. Through this, we understand that faith recognizes God's sovereignty and His ability to act beyond our limitations.

Scripture 3: Esther 4:13-14 (NKJV)

Scripture Text: "And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: 'Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'"

Meaning: In this scripture, Esther is encouraged to take a stand for her people, suggesting that her rise to queenship was divinely orchestrated for this crucial moment. It highlights that faith often involves bold action and trusting in the providence and timing of God.

Scripture 4: Daniel 3:16-18 (NKJV)

Scripture Text: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.'"

Meaning: This scripture demonstrates the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in God’s ability to save them, coupled with their steadfast commitment to worship Him alone, regardless of the outcome. It underscores the power of faith to stand firm in adherence to God’s commandments even in the face of dire consequences.

Scripture 5: Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV)

Scripture Text: "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity."

Meaning: This verse emphasizes perseverance and resilience as hallmarks of righteousness. It teaches us that faith is not about avoiding failures, but about rising each time we fall, trusting in God's

Faith Gets Back Up
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Character Sketchers

Faith Chooses Humility

WATCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ocvYwkWSVQ

NOTES:

“Faith Chooses Humility”

July 25 and July 28, 2024

2 Kings 5:1-19 (NKJV)

They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.
2 Kings 17:33 (NKJV)



“If the written word of the Bible could be changed into a spoken word and become one single voice, this voice, more powerful than the roaring of the sea
would cry out: ‘the Father loves you!’” -Cardinal Raniero Cantalamess

“And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and
none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
Luke 4:27 (NKJV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: July 25 and July 28, 2024

Message Title: Faith Chooses Humility

Scripture 1: 2 Kings 5:1-19 (NKJV)

Scripture Text: "1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, 'If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.' 4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, 'Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.' 5 Then the king of Syria said, 'Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.' So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, 'Now be advised when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.' 7 And it happened when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, 'Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me.' 8 So it was, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, 'Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.' 9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, 'Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.' 11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, 'Indeed, I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.' 12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?' So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, 'My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?' 14 So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, 'Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.' 16 But he said, 'As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.' And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 So Naaman said, 'Then, if not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth; for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the Lord. 18 Yet in this thing may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord please pardon your servant in this thing.' 19 Then he said to him, 'Go in peace.' So he departed from him a short distance."

Meaning: The account of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army who humbly follows the instructions of a prophet from Israel to be healed of leprosy, showcases humility in faith. Even though initially resistant, Naaman's willingness to humble himself and follow God's plan for his healing leads to his miraculous restoration. This passage teaches us the importance of choosing humility in obedience to God's will, even when it may challenge our expectations

Faith Chooses Humility