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. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (Acts 11:23,24) 

Early Christians, forced to leave Jerusalem because of persecution, came preaching the Lord Jesus in Antioch. Some of these exiles were even sharing Christ with the Gentiles. When this good news came to Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to confirm these new souls. 

Barnabas was just the one qualified for the job, for he was a good man. The quality of such a teacher would include one of conviction. He was a firm and steadfast believer. Though there is some dispute here, some of the manuscripts suggest Gentiles were among the new converts.  This presented a challenge to Jewish Christians. (Acts 10,11) Barnabas was the kind of individual that would be perfect for the delicate job of bridging the gap between Jews and Gentiles, and to encourage these new disciples. 

Some six to seven years had passed since the death of Stephen. However, the persecution at Jerusalem caused the message of God to spread to other regions. When Barnabas arrived at Antioch, and mingles with the disciples, he witnesses the fruit of God's grace.

Prior to the arrival of Barnabas, followers of Christ had come from Jerusalem to Antioch preaching the Lord Jesus. Those who received the message “turned to the Lord”. Now, one more step is necessary. Having received Christ, they must resolve to cling to him.

Even in such an atmosphere of gladness, Barnabas knew of the temptation to turn back to the world. This is a world that is hostile to the cause of Christ. Apathy coupled with persecution could entice these Christians to fall away. They must cleave to the Lord.

Have you, dear reader, basked in God's grace? Have you received the blessings of Christ? If so, hang on to Christ. One day he will give you eternal blessings.

By George Slover 
 

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”  (Hebrews 12:12,13)

Prior to these verses the author compares the disciples life to a race. The life of a Christian is a test of endurance. Jesus (vs. 2,3) is our example of endurance and patience. Like the Lord, his disciples can anticipate those who resist their goal to finish the race. God allows these disciplines to sharpen the character of his people. (see vs 3 through 11)

The word "therefore" (vs. 12) connects our verses to these previous thoughts. The “hands that hang down” and the “feeble knees” refer to those who are weary of healthy action. Though their hearts are sincere, they were still suffering from lameness. In context with this letter, these weary souls may be those who were wavering between Christianity and Judaism. They were in danger of completely falling out of the race.

Because of this condition, he exhorts the disciples to “strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees.” This may be accomplished by trusting in prayer to God (James 5:16), recalling God's former mercies (2 Corinthians 1:3,4), and contemplating the prize God offers at the end of the race. (Philippians 3:13,14)

The author then adds “make straight paths for your feet”. (vs. 13) It is so easy for the feeble to veer off course. Isaiah speaks of a highway of holiness for the people of God to follow. (Isaiah 35:8)  The Bible tells us there is only one right way to serve God. To go any other way leads to destruction. (Proverbs 14:12)

It seems the author is urging his audience to personal, self-recovery. So many worldly hindrances may weaken us in our walk with God. Let us take heart, find strength in God, focus on the path, and persevere to the finish line.

By George Slover

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ," (2 Corinthians 10:4,5)

The soldiers of Christ are at war. It is not a physical, nor intellectual conflict. It is a spiritual battle. It is an engagement against every force of evil, and eternal souls are at stake. The goal of the Lord's army is to win hearts to Christ.

The soldier of Christ does not win souls by force or coercion. He does not carry on the conflict by trickery or sleight of hand. He does not rely on human philosophy or
eloquence. The death burial and resurrection of Christ is the focal point of his message.

His weapons are mighty because they are instruments from God. The gospel which Paul taught was not the product of man, but of God. It is by the power of God's gospel that the soldier will obtain the victory.

The strongholds of Satan include error, superstition, selfishness, bigotry, malice, and hatred; and they are powerful. But the sword of God is able to demolish them all. The gospel can unseat Satan's sophistry from the heart. Truth will win. Everything that exalts itself against God will be defeated.

Having removed all of Satan's vices, God moves in to occupy the heart. The goal of Christ is to rule all of our ambitions and preferences. He wants to rule our lives every second of every day of our life. With his power, God is able.

This battle is the greatest of all conflicts. It is not physical, nor merely mental. It is a spiritual battle in which God's honor is not to be compromised, and our eternal destiny is at stake. We must pick up the armor and fight!

By George Slover

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” (John 10:4)

In this passage the Lord contrast himself with the false teaching of the Pharisees. These devotees to human tradition had usurped an authority over the people that was not sanctioned by God. Christ, the true shepherd calls his sheep by name. He has a keen interest in every individual sheep.

Like any good leader Christ goes before the sheep. He first leads by the example of his own life. See 1 Peter 2:18-21. He shares with them in the challenges and in suffering. He leads them away from the allusions of false guides, and in the way of truth.

Those who know the voice of the shepherd are able to discriminate his voice from others. Christ speaks with a gentle tone. His words include edification, exhortation, and comfort. He speaks with authority. Those who belong to him gladly attend to his voice. If we are to reach the heights of all God wants us to be, we must be listening to him.

The subsequent action of those who hear the shepherd is to follow him.  "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) The word “hear” implies obedient listening. It carries the idea of doing the will of the Master. Thus, without hesitation or delay the sheep willingly go wherever the shepherd leads.  

This good shepherd leads them down a path of peace and joy. He provides all of the things necessary for their nourishment. He gives them a shelter from the elements and protection from dangerous predators. If they will continue to follow him, he will finally bring them home.

Are you familiar with his voice, are you willing to drowned out the world’s nonsense, and listen to Jesus? It all depends on you and your heart.

By George Slover   
 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  (1 Peter 4:10)

There is an urgency in Peter’s exhortation, because the end is near. (vs.7) In light of this event, he urges the disciples to active service.

First, God calls everyone to get involved. Though these saints are deemed to be of a low state in the world (1 Peter 1:2; 2:11), God elevated them to a special work. Every Christian has a gift. Each disciple has a ministry. By walking in the Spirit, they must reflect the Divine graces of God: faith, hope, and love. All have a gift from God.

Second, there are a variety of gifts. The word "manifold "means variegated or many colored. While there is one body, it has many members. “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?” (1 Corinthians 12:17) So, like our human body, various members of the body of Christ serve in various ways. Every member has an important function. When every member is focused on mutual help, the body functions to its full capacity.

Third, Peter reminds us that we are stewards of God’s grace. Thus, none of the things over which we have control belong to us, but belong to God. The joy, comfort, hope, and peace of God we're not given for self- absorption, but to lead us to serve others. Divine blessings mean Divine obligations.

Fourth, we are instructed to minister to one another. The local church does not have a single minister, but a plurality of ministers. Everyone has a gift, and everyone has a ministry. It is through mutual service that we can be strengthened in God. 

Surely, if we would more fully appreciate how richly God has blessed us, if we could really grasp the length of eternity, we would be incited to greater diligence as ministers of the manifold grace of God.    

By George Slover