READ ACTS 11:19–26
From the time visitors walk into a sanctuary on a Sunday morning, until the time they leave, what should overwhelmingly form that crucial first and lasting impression?
When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts (Acts 11:23).
Barnabas was sent from the church in Jerusalem to observe and report what was happening among the Gentiles in Antioch. Up until this time, the message of the gospel was spread only among the Jews. But something new was occurring. Some men from Cyprus and Cyrene broke the barriers blocking Gentiles and shared with them the gospel. The result was that a great number believed in Jesus. What did Barnabas see when he walked into the assembly? Changed lives! People were experiencing and reflecting the grace of God. That’s what a visitor should see this Sunday morning: lives transformed by the good news of God’s grace.
Thought for Today: God’s grace is an abiding attribute on display at every gathering, transforming lives and uniting people in Christ from of all walks of life.
Quicklook: Acts 11:19–23
