Empowering Youth: The Present Church's Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Youth as the Present Church

The youth are not just the future of the church; they are an essential part of the church today. Their involvement in worship and ministry is vital for the growth and vitality of the congregation. Embracing and empowering the youth can lead to a more dynamic and inclusive church community. The youth bring fresh perspectives, energy, and creativity that can invigorate the entire congregation. By involving them in various aspects of church life, we not only prepare them for future leadership but also enrich our present community.

In Psalm 145, we are reminded of the importance of passing down our faith from one generation to the next. This is not just about teaching the youth but also about learning from them and allowing them to take active roles in the church. When we see the youth as integral members of the church today, we create a more vibrant and intergenerational community that reflects the fullness of God's kingdom. [15:44]

Psalm 145:4-5 (ESV): "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."

Reflection: How can you actively involve the youth in your church community today? What steps can you take to empower them and learn from their unique perspectives?

Day 2: Generosity in Action

Barnabas exemplified generosity by selling his field and giving the proceeds to the apostles. This act of selflessness set a powerful example for the early church and continues to inspire us today. True generosity involves giving sacrificially and trusting God to use our gifts for His glory. Barnabas's generosity was not just about the material gift but also about the spirit in which he gave. He trusted that his contribution would be used for the greater good and for the advancement of God's kingdom.

Generosity is a reflection of our faith and trust in God. When we give sacrificially, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him and that He will provide for our needs. Barnabas's example challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider how we can be more generous with our time, resources, and talents. It is through acts of generosity that we can make a tangible impact on our church and community. [47:28]

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: What is one way you can practice sacrificial generosity this week? How can you trust God more with your resources and give cheerfully?

Day 3: Humility in Leadership

Barnabas demonstrated humility by stepping aside when Paul took the lead in their missionary journey. This willingness to relinquish the spotlight for the greater good is a mark of true spiritual maturity. Humility in leadership allows others to flourish and ensures that God's work is prioritized over personal recognition. Barnabas's humility was evident in his ability to recognize and support the gifts and calling of others, even if it meant taking a backseat.

Humility in leadership is about serving others and putting their needs above our own. It is about recognizing that leadership is not about power or prestige but about being a servant. Barnabas's example teaches us that true leaders are those who are willing to step aside and let others shine. This kind of humility creates a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, where everyone's gifts are valued and utilized for the common good. [51:54]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: In what areas of your life can you practice humility in leadership? How can you support and uplift others in their gifts and callings?

Day 4: Fierce Loyalty

Barnabas's loyalty to John Mark, despite his earlier desertion, highlights the importance of second chances and unwavering support. This loyalty ultimately led to John Mark's significant contribution to the early church, including writing the Gospel of Mark. Loyalty in relationships can transform lives and foster deep, lasting bonds. Barnabas's loyalty was not just about standing by John Mark but also about believing in his potential and giving him the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Loyalty is a powerful expression of love and commitment. It means standing by others even when it is difficult and believing in their potential even when they have failed. Barnabas's example challenges us to be loyal in our relationships, to offer second chances, and to support others in their journey of growth and transformation. This kind of loyalty can have a profound impact on the lives of those around us and on the church as a whole. [55:07]

Proverbs 17:17 (ESV): "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs a second chance? How can you show loyalty and support to them in a way that reflects God's love and grace?

Day 5: Encouragement as a Ministry

The ministry of encouragement is crucial in the church. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," played a pivotal role in supporting and uplifting others. Encouragement can come in many forms, from a kind word to steadfast support, and it has the power to strengthen the church and advance God's kingdom. Barnabas's ministry of encouragement was not just about words but also about actions that demonstrated his support and belief in others.

Encouragement is a vital part of building a healthy and thriving church community. It involves recognizing the gifts and contributions of others, offering words of affirmation, and providing support in times of need. Barnabas's example teaches us that encouragement is a powerful tool for building up the body of Christ and for helping others to fulfill their God-given potential. By being intentional in our encouragement, we can create a culture of love, support, and mutual edification. [56:45]

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Reflection: Who in your church or community could use some encouragement today? How can you be intentional in offering words and actions of support to them?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Chapel Hill. Today, we celebrate the integral role of our youth in the church, emphasizing that they are not just the future but the present of our congregation. Our vision is to prepare and mobilize the next generation to live a life on mission for Jesus Christ. We began our service with a call to worship from Psalm 145, reminding us of the greatness of the Lord and the importance of passing down our faith from one generation to the next.

We then delved into the story of Barnabas from the book of Acts, a man whose life exemplifies generosity, spiritual leadership, humility, and loyalty. Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus who sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet, demonstrating his generosity. He was a respected leader in the early church, particularly in Antioch, where he was listed first among the elders, indicating his esteemed position.

Barnabas was also a humble man. Initially, he led the first missionary journey, but as the mission progressed, Paul took the lead. Barnabas accepted this change with grace, showing his humility. Furthermore, Barnabas was fiercely loyal. When John Mark deserted them on their first missionary journey, Barnabas later insisted on giving him a second chance, even though it led to a sharp disagreement with Paul. This loyalty paid off, as John Mark eventually became useful to Paul and wrote the Gospel of Mark.

Today, I want to honor a modern-day Barnabas in our church, my wife, Cindy Toon. Cindy has been an unwavering source of encouragement, support, and leadership in our church for nearly 40 years. She has served in countless roles, from leading youth ministries to directing traffic on Christmas Eve. Her generosity, spiritual leadership, humility, and fierce loyalty mirror the qualities of Barnabas. On her birthday, I want to publicly acknowledge her invaluable contribution to my ministry and our church.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Youth as the Present Church: The youth are not just the future of the church; they are an essential part of the church today. Their involvement in worship and ministry is vital for the growth and vitality of the congregation. Embracing and empowering the youth can lead to a more dynamic and inclusive church community. [15:44]
2. Generosity in Action: Barnabas exemplified generosity by selling his field and giving the proceeds to the apostles. This act of selflessness set a powerful example for the early church and continues to inspire us today. True generosity involves giving sacrificially and trusting God to use our gifts for His glory. [47:28]
3. Humility in Leadership: Barnabas demonstrated humility by stepping aside when Paul took the lead in their missionary journey. This willingness to relinquish the spotlight for the greater good is a mark of true spiritual maturity. Humility in leadership allows others to flourish and ensures that God's work is prioritized over personal recognition. [51:54]
4. Fierce Loyalty: Barnabas's loyalty to John Mark, despite his earlier desertion, highlights the importance of second chances and unwavering support. This loyalty ultimately led to John Mark's significant contribution to the early church, including writing the Gospel of Mark. Loyalty in relationships can transform lives and foster deep, lasting bonds. [55:07]
5. Encouragement as a Ministry: The ministry of encouragement is crucial in the church. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," played a pivotal role in supporting and uplifting others. Encouragement can come in many forms, from a kind word to steadfast support, and it has the power to strengthen the church and advance God's kingdom. [56:45]
### [56:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:44] - Youth as the Present Church
[16:28] - Call to Worship: Psalm 145
[45:53] - Introduction to Barnabas
[47:28] - Barnabas's Generosity
[48:52] - Barnabas as a Respected Leader
[50:16] - Barnabas's Humility
[51:54] - Barnabas's Loyalty
[55:07] - Barnabas and John Mark
[56:45] - The Ministry of Encouragement
[58:24] - Honoring Cindy Toon
[71:18] - Prayer and Blessing
[78:19] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Psalm 145 emphasize about the relationship between generations in the faith? ([16:28])
How did Barnabas demonstrate his generosity according to Acts 4:32-37? ([47:28])
In Acts 15:36-41, what caused the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, and what was the outcome? ([55:07])
How is Barnabas described in terms of his role and character in the early church? ([50:16])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Psalm 145 calls for one generation to commend God's works to another? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on youth as the present church? ([15:44])
What can we learn from Barnabas's act of selling his field and giving the proceeds to the apostles? How does this reflect true generosity? ([47:28])
How does Barnabas's willingness to step aside for Paul demonstrate humility in leadership? What does this teach us about spiritual maturity? ([51:54])
What does Barnabas's loyalty to John Mark, despite his earlier desertion, teach us about the importance of second chances and unwavering support? ([55:07])

Application Questions

Reflect on the role of youth in our church. How can we better involve and empower them in our congregation? ([15:44])
Barnabas showed great generosity by selling his field. What is one way you can practice sacrificial giving in your own life? ([47:28])
Think of a time when you had to step aside and let someone else take the lead. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? ([51:54])
Barnabas was fiercely loyal to John Mark. Is there someone in your life who needs a second chance or your unwavering support? How can you offer that to them this week? ([55:07])
Encouragement is a powerful ministry. Who in your life could use some encouragement right now, and what specific action can you take to uplift them? ([56:45])
Cindy Toon was honored for her many years of service and encouragement. How can you recognize and appreciate the "Barnabases" in your own church community? ([58:24])
Reflect on the qualities of Barnabas: generosity, spiritual leadership, humility, and loyalty. Which of these qualities do you feel called to develop more in your own life, and what steps can you take to grow in that area? ([50:16])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Our vision is to prepare and mobilize the next generation to live a life on mission for Jesus Christ. And we're going to celebrate that this day. Let's begin with our call to worship that comes from Psalm 145. I'm going to read that for you. I will extol you, my God, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever. And ever. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. And his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. Let us stand together and worship God." [16:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power, the apostles were giving their testimony, to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what they sold, and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." [45:53](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Barnabas, the son of encouragement. It's in almost a throwaway line. We are told that Barnabas sold a field that he owned, and brought the money, and brought the money, and brought the proceeds, and laid it at the apostles' feet. And so right out of the chute, the first thing we know about Barnabas is that he was a generous man. But we learn way more about him as we dig further in to the book of Acts." [47:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Barnabas was a respected spiritual leader. He was a humble man. He was something else. And I love this about him. He was fiercely Lord. He was loyal. Turn to chapter, take a look at verse 13. When they set out on their first missionary journey, a young man accompanied them. His name was John Mark. And yet they were barely out the door on that first missionary journey when we read in verse 13 that John left them, that's John Mark, left them and returned to Jerusalem. They had just gotten started. And John abandons ship. He turns tail and runs." [53:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "This world, this community, this church needs more encouragers. It needs more Barnabases. And this morning, I want to take a point of personal privilege to talk about a particular Barnabas in our church, the greatest encourager I have ever known. In a few weeks, you're going to throw a celebration to thank me for my ministry here. But on this day, on her birthday, I want to honor the person who played a more significant role in my ministry than anyone else. And that person is the person who played a more significant role in my ministry than anyone else. My Barnabas, my dear wife, Cindy Toon." [58:24](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "If you've ever watched a murder mystery on TV, and there's a character who is introduced early on in a kind of an insignificant role, only to return later on as a key player in the plot, then you'll recognize Luke's dramatic writing skills. Because that's what happens today. This passage, which speaks of the generosity and the compassion of the early church, makes what seems to be a passing reference to a man from Cyprus whose name was Joseph, but whom the apostles had given a nickname, Barnabas, which means what? Son of encouragement." [47:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Barnabas was a respected spiritual leader. He was a humble man. He was something else. And I love this about him. He was fiercely Lord. He was loyal. Turn to chapter, take a look at verse 13. When they set out on their first missionary journey, a young man accompanied them. His name was John Mark. And yet they were barely out the door on that first missionary journey when we read in verse 13 that John left them, that's John Mark, left them and returned to Jerusalem. They had just gotten started. And John abandons ship. He turns tail and runs. Paul and Barnabas continued on this. The journey, a journey, by the way, that almost cost them their lives until finally they returned home." [53:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance. And Paul said, no way. As far as he was concerned, Mark deserted them and he had disqualified himself from ministry. But Barnabas, what's his nickname? The encourager was fiercely loyal to young Mark. And we read a sharp disagreement arose between these two. And it resulted in their separation. Paul chose Silas and they carried on. And their story is recorded in the rest of the book of Acts. And Barnabas took young John Mark under his wing and they headed to Cyprus, Barnabas' home, and they disappear into the mists of history. We have no further biblical record of the ministry of this esteemed, humble leader, Barnabas." [55:07](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I love the ministry of encouragement. It is one of my greatest passions, actually. And did you know that one of the nicknames for the Holy Spirit is Paraclete? Paraclete? Do you know what that means? Encourager. Paraclete means encourager. I love that Barnabas shares his nickname with the third person, the Trinity. This world, this community, this church needs more encouragers. It needs more Barnabases." [56:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I actually wanted to call Cindy the daughter of encouragement, but the Hebrew word for this is batnabas. It sounded like a superhero on a mass transit. So we'll stick with Barnabas. I think you get the idea. On Cindy's 59th birthday, her last as the first lady of Chapel Hill, I just wanted to honor the person who, more than any other, has made my ministry here possible, and I wanted you to have a chance to honor her, too. Would you do that one more time? So, sweetheart, you are my Barnabas. You're the greatest encouragement a man could have. You're the greatest first lady a church could ever hope to have, and I love you, and I'm proud of you, and I can't wait to be retired with you, and happy birthday." [01:11:18](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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