Introduction

Good morning, beloved family. Today, I want to ask a simple question for us to consider: How do we cultivate a faith that is not only steadfast but also fruitful?

It’s been said: "A good character when established is not easily overthrown." And this is the essence of our discussion this morning. We are not here merely to learn about faith, but to live it, to establish it, to allow it to take root and flourish in our hearts and lives.

Let’s turn to the book of Acts, chapter 11, verses 22-24:

The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

Here, we find a beautiful tapestry of faith, fellowship, and spiritual growth. In this passage, we see the early church, like a fledgling bird, stretching its wings and learning to fly. We see believers coming together, not just in shared belief, but in shared life. We see a faith that is not merely professed, but practiced. And through it all, we see God's grace, like a golden thread, weaving it all together.

As we unpack this passage, we will focus on three main points: Fellowship Among Believers, Following Jesus Through Obedience, and Spiritual Growth. These are practical principles that we can apply in our daily walk with Christ.

Fellowship

In the early church, as depicted in the book of Acts, we see a community of believers coming together in a way that was truly remarkable. They were not just a group of individuals who shared a common belief, but a family, a body, a fellowship. This was not by accident, but by design. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that we were not meant to walk this faith journey alone. We were created for community, for fellowship, for togetherness.

This fellowship was about doing life together. They ate together, prayed together, learned together, and served together. They shared their joys and their sorrows, their victories and their struggles. They bore each other's burdens and celebrated each other's blessings. They were there for each other, not just in word, but in deed.

The fellowship was about spiritual unity. They were one in heart and mind, united by a common purpose and a shared mission. They were not just a collection of individuals, but a body, each member playing a vital role in the health and growth of the whole. They were not just a group, but a family, each member loved and valued, not for what they could do, but for who they were.

This fellowship was about mutual accountability. They held each other to a higher standard, not out of judgment, but out of love. They encouraged each other to live out their faith, not just in word, but in deed. They spurred each other on towards love and good deeds, not out of obligation, but out of genuine desire for each other's growth and well-being.

Obedience

As we continue our contemplation of Acts 11:22-24, we are drawn to the figure of Barnabas ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO