Come Along Side...

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 HERS. 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.

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.

Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

MY CALL IS TO BE SENT: SUPPORTER, HELPER…

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.

Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.