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His Name Was Joseph

10/20/2017

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       His parents named him Joseph, but we don’t know him by that name. That’s because the apostles gave him the nickname for which he would forever be remembered in Scripture. Barnabas means “son of encouragement,” and it’s obvious why the apostles named him that. Nearly every time we read of him in the New Testament, he is doing something to lift up others.

      The world needs more encouragers today. Morristown Church of Christ needs more encouragers. Anyone can be an encourager, and encouragement is not a work reserved just for a select few. How can we encourage each other?

Is someone missing from worship or church events? You can encourage them! Let them know that they’re missed, that you’re praying for them, and see if there’s something you can do to encourage them spiritually. And encourage others by being present yourself!


Is someone sick, recovering from surgery, or shut-in? You can encourage them! Give them a call, send them a card, visit them, or bring them a meal. When you encourage others in such ways, you will be amazed by how God encourages you.

Is someone being overlooked or forgotten by others? You can encourage them! Barnabas stood beside Saul (Acts 9:27) and Mark (Acts 15:39) when they most needed a friend. There are people around us today who need our friendship too.

Are negativity & criticism overwhelming your life? Few things are as discouraging as a pessimism, and it is easy to let the darkness dim your light. Satan always wins when we hide our lights under the bushel (Matthew 5:14-16). However, you can choose to break through the darkness by encouraging others. A compliment, a word of thanks, and praise for that which is good are far greater than criticism, ingratitude, and complaining.

Does someone need the Gospel? You can encourage them by telling of God’s good news and his plan of salvation through Jesus. After all, that is what we find Barnabas doing more than anything else in Scripture. Because he was a “son of encouragement,” Joseph’s identity was forever changed for his impact on others. May we be like him by using our presence to encourage others and point them to Christ.

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More than a Song

10/5/2017

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       It’s no secret that the United States is deeply divided today. This is not the first time, however, for deep divisions among us.

       The 1960s and early 1970s witnessed changing cultural norms, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War. The Cold War and the assassinations of John Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert Kennedy intensified people’s fears and insecurities. Politics were intense, protests were common, and many people feared that the nation was coming apart at the seams.

       In the midst of the tension and hostility, a song arose. It was not a new song, but it seemed to be received in new ways by the American public. The folk singer Judy Collins released an a cappella version of it in 1970. It reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the charts for 15 weeks. Shortly thereafter, the British Army recorded an instrumental version featuring bagpipes. It peaked at #11 on the U.S. charts and was #1 in Canada. Popular versions would also be recorded during that time by Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, and Johnny Cash.

       About the song, Collins said, “I didn't know what else to do . . . I had marched, I had voted, I had gone to jail on political actions and worked for the candidates I believed in. The war was still raging. There was nothing left to do, I thought . . . but sing ‘Amazing Grace.’”

       I’m not so naïve as to think that a song single-handedly fixes everything. We all would do well, however, to let God’s grace sing to our hearts and then extend that same grace all around. When we unleash it, grace will amaze us.

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    Blaine Kelly

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