Is There A Barnabas In The House?

Summary: Somewhere in the 50s or 60s a phrase began to be used – “Elvis is in the house.” Whenever/wherever it was voiced, crowds went wild. People began to ask, “Is Elvis in the house”? I have another question for you this morning – “Is there a Barnabas in the house”? In biblical times, names often revealed character traits. Sometimes names were changed to indicate character traits that had developed in a person. Thus: Abram became Abraham – father of a multitude Jacob became Israel – prince with God Simon became Peter – rock (upon which = church) Joseph or Joses became Barnabas – son of encouragement or the encourager. So appropriate was this new name or nickname, that perhaps no one but his mother ever called him Joseph or Joses. Unlike other followers of Jesus, Barnabas was not known for his preaching, teaching, miracles, witnessing, or even martyrdom. He was known as an encourager, thus his nickname. In this church, you may have good preaching, teaching, music, ministry, etc. but what is really needed is encouragement. Is there anyone here today that needs a word of encouragement? Anyone not need a word of encouragement? Sorry to bother those who were sleeping. So, IS THERE A BARNABAS IN THE HOUSE?