We begin a new sermon series looking at the portrait of Barnabas in the book of Acts, focusing on the lens of discipleship. Discipleship is a loaded topic, and many not only don't know what it means, but they disqualify themselves from making a deep impact in the Kingdom of God. What Barnabas will show us is that everyone can make disciples who change the world with intentionality. As we begin our series, we see that Barnabas was a disciple before he made other disciples. How do we be a disciple so that we can do the work of discipleship?

This week we dive into Acts 9 and the moment Barnabas chooses to see what others miss. While fear keeps the disciples at a distance, Barnabas steps toward Paul, a former persecutor now changed by grace. This message isn’t just about Paul’s story; it’s about ours. We all long to be seen beyond our past, and discipleship begins when we see others the way Barnabas saw Paul—and the way Jesus sees us.

This week, we see how Barnabas was diligent in raising up many disciples, the most famous of which is Paul, but indeed, he developed many, many others. How did Barnabas stay committed to raising up others, even when deep persecution was happening, and deep sacrifices had to be made? Can we, like Barnabas, raise up others, and if so, how? Join us as we see a normal man do a mighty work, and learn how we can do the same.

As we conclude our discipleship series studying Barnabas, we see an individual that is willing to both send and be sent for the sake of the gospel. Barnabas is not just encouraging other, or even raising them up, nurturing their gifts, but he is also sending them, in partnership with the Spirit, to make much of Jesus in fascinating ways. As we conclude this series we have to ask, are we willing to send and be sent for the glory of God? Does He mean this much to us? Can we see the impact living a "sent life" can make in the Kingdom?