Authentic Community

Like blueprints shape buildings, our core values frame our faith

‍

Authentic Community means that we are family

‍

Acts 4:36-37

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

‍

An encourager is someone who speaks to the best in you

‍

Acts 9:26-27

And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

‍

Encouragers don’t let who you were yesterday limit who you can be today

‍

Acts 11:19-20

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus…

‍

Acts 11:29-30

So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

‍

Acts 12:25

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

‍

Acts 13:2, 4

‍While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”…So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

‍

Acts 13:13

‍Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem

‍

Acts 15:36-39

And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus

‍

Multipliers don’t care who gets the human credit, as long as God’s name becomes known

‍

2 Tim. 4:11

Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.