AUGUST THEME – “Experiencing God: From Knowing About Him to Walking With Him”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY – DANIEL FORD
In Acts 11, the church at Antioch became a powerful example of authentic Christianity, boldly evangelizing despite persecution. Their faith was active and contagious, marked by transformation, courage, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas and Saul built the church through discipleship and teamwork, resulting in lasting spiritual growth and impact. These believers were first called “Christians” not for what they said, but for how they lived—with generosity, unity, and visible spiritual fruit.
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
A GOOD MAN, FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST
“For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” – Acts 11:24
Barnabas was not flashy, famous, or forceful—but he was faithful. He wasn’t known for building a following or launching movements. He was known for building people. When others saw a threat in Saul, Barnabas saw a testimony. When the early church in Antioch needed strengthening, he didn’t seek to monopolize the ministry—he sought out Saul, the one others had written off, and brought him into the work. Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost, and it showed—not in sensationalism, but in spiritual sensitivity and steady obedience.
What set Barnabas apart wasn’t natural charisma or clever strategy. It was the fullness of the Spirit within him. He didn’t strive for attention—he stewarded his influence. He discipled without jealousy, encouraged without needing credit, and led without controlling. His goodness wasn’t human kindness—it was Spirit-born fruit. While others chased titles and recognition, Barnabas quietly multiplied impact by lifting others up. That’s what Spirit-filled leadership looks like.
In a world driven by platforms and performance, God is still looking for good men—not perfect, but full of the Holy Ghost and faith. Men who disciple instead of dominate. Men who raise others up instead of raising their own status. When the Spirit fills a man, pride has no room. And when the fruit of that Spirit flows freely, others are added to the Lord—not just to a ministry brand, but to the Kingdom of God.
When Barnabas and Saul (Paul) began to minister together, Acts 13 shows a powerful moment of transition: “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 13:9). Barnabas had made room for Paul to rise. Most people remember Paul—but Paul remembered Barnabas. That’s the legacy of a man who pours out what God pours in.
Imagine a seasoned coach who steps back from the spotlight to train a rising athlete—not for fame, but for legacy. He doesn’t fear being replaced, because he’s more interested in building someone than branding himself. That’s Barnabas. And that’s who God calls us to be.
Prayer: Father, help me live not for popularity but for purpose. Make me a Barnabas—full of faith, full of the Holy Ghost, and faithful in lifting others up. Let me invest in people more than platforms. Teach me to encourage, disciple, and celebrate the success of others without envy. Fill me with Your Spirit until I overflow with Your character. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Challenge: Choose one person you can disciple, encourage, or lift up today. Send a message, make a call, pray with them, or simply speak life over them. Don’t wait for a stage—start with a soul. Be a Barnabas. Be full. Be faithful.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Jessica Headrick – Decisions about Treatments And Walking In Faith
Sheila Simmons
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Linda Mays – Rehab
Debbie Foskey – Home
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley – Home
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner
Jason Parker
John McClain’s Mother
John Parillo
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sadie Almand
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher