Come Along Side: Mentor

#1 COME ALONG SIDE.

By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes)

*MISSION: a task to do, an important assignment, an important task, duty.

*MENTOR: a supporter, to advise, to train, to guide, motivate, model, mold.

*COME ALONGSIDE: to help each other succeed, to be together, close.

In 1968 and 1969 there was strong racial tensions in Springfield, Illinois. Several days we had police with full riot gear in our halls. Some whites and some blacks were rioting at school. When the crowds passed our rooms the teachers dismissed us to run out of the schools to safety. They released us two by two. When it came my time I was paired with an Illinois Martial Arts Champion. He was known city and state wide. No one ever messed with him. He had been the state champion many years. I had great comfort and peace as we walked to safety. I HAD A FRIEND!

WHAT DUTY DO I HAVE? Show me where you spend your:

1 TIME; 2 TALENT; 3 ENERGY --- I will show you what is important to you.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33 (MSG) Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

THE ROOT OF CHRISTIAN WORK IS GIVING… giver vs. taker.

Pride, EGO and selfishness: DESTROY WHAT WE HAVE BEEN CALLED OF GOD TO DO!

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Luke 6:38 (MSG) Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."

DO WE KNOW IN THIS JOURNEY THERE IS MORE? HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED HOW IMPORTANT MENTORING IS?

Barnabas has several good traits. He loved Jesus. He was faithful. He was full of faith and he was full of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 4:36 (MSG) Joseph, called by the apostles "Barnabas" (which means "Son of Comfort"), a Levite born in Cyprus,

37 sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.

WE LOVE STARS AND HEROES. LET US MEET A CHRISTIAN WORKER THAT NEVER GAINED GREAT RECOGNITION…

Acts 11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

BARNABAS HAD A UNIQUE CALL ON HIS LIFE… HE WAS CALLED TO MISSIONS… Barnabas never wrote a book in the Bible. Few know him. But those that know him recognize how important he was.

BARNABAS’ ROLE WAS SPONSORSHIP, TO TEACH… MENTOR: WHO WILL LOVE THE NOVICE? Paul was CALLED according to the will of God as an APOSTLE. Paul wrote 14 books of the New Testament. It would have never been possible without a man named Barnabas.

STONING WAS PART OF THE JEWISH PRACTICE. STEPHEN WAS DIFFERENT. SAUL WILL NEVER BE THE SAME….SAUL HAD AUTHORITYTO KILL CHRISTIANS.

Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

SEE THE LIGHT? SAUL IT IS TIME TO CHANGE…

Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

BARNABAS TOOK MANY RISK TO LOVE SAUL. BARNABAS TOOK A CHANCE TO DESTROY HIS POSITION AND HIS REPUTATION TO SUPPORT THIS “GREEN HORN.” LET US GIVE THIS NIGHTMARE A CHANCE… BARNABAS SAW THE POTENTIAL IN SAUL/PAUL. BARNABAS STARTED INVESTING IN SAUL.