4:11). At some point (we don’t know when), perhaps on the Day of Pentecost, Barnabas recognized that he was a sinner and that Jesus is the Anointed Savior that God sent to bear our sins. “something being in its intended function” — such encouragement, sweet friend. The woman your with will appreciate the fact that you appreciate who she is in your life. 10, 11, and is arranged as the commencement of Ecclesiastes 7.Plainly, the Divine prescience of vers. A study of Barnabas’ life shows that, while far from perfect (as we all are), the bent of his life was to love God and others. Biblical love is not just warm feelings toward someone. When it comes to love, the Bible is mostly filled with wisdom for husbands and wives, many of these same principles can be applied for singles on their relationship journey. I just finished reading The Life of William Farel (by Frances Bevan [Bible Truth Publishers]), where (p. 367) I was reminded of a scene similar to that of Barnabas bringing Saul into service, and eventually being eclipsed by Saul. He had suffered much to bring the gospel to Geneva. . English Standard Version. In light of this, when the Bible calls a man “a good man,” we should sit up and take notice. According to the Bible, Adam was the first man, created by God. Barnabas was a religious man. Even though Barnabas was the champion of God’s grace in Antioch, as seen in his rejoicing in the salvation and acceptance of the Gentiles, he later fell into sin in this very matter. "But let each one prove what his own work is, and then he will have cause for … 12:29-31). Paul insisted that a man who deserted them should not go with them again, but Barnabas with equal vehemence insisted that he should go. Q. Years later, the apostle Paul referred to Barnabas as one, like him, who labored with his own hands to support himself in the ministry of the gospel (1 Cor. He immediately went to the inn where Calvin was staying. He not only did this with Saul. A good man doesn't beat up his wife physically, emotionally or mentally. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition © The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Faith, Pneumatology (The Holy Spirit), Soteriology (Salvation), Spiritual Life, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. The heart, according to the Bible, is part of man's spiritual makeup. That is how you can become a truly good person before God. According to history before the bible was written, the original man was the Asiatic black man! Respect can mean many things. Both Old Testament and New Testament verses instruct us, most widely known within the parable of the Good Samaritan. Any other motive for our good deeds is ultimately self-serving, not God-glorifying. What does the Bible say to the church, and to the individual Christian, about the role of politics in the church? New International Version. Except for one period when he was banished from town, Calvin spent his remaining 28 years as a pastor in Geneva. So even good men are not perfect men. His focus was not on making a name for himself, but rather on seeing God glorified and His work furthered through young men like Saul using their gifts. The Bible’s qualifications for elders and deacons also contain a good description of a godly man: “Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke says that Barnabas “was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24). 21:11-13) 2) “Lay hold on” a virgin who is not betrothed to another man, and "know" her, but afterwards pay her father a … But I now think that to be filled with the Spirit is an ever-expanding process that is never completely finished in this life. The Bible speaks frequently and clearly regarding many of the responsibilities and privileges of Christian fathers. It was used of the service of the priests at the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 1:23). While we might wish to know more detail about some of the characters in the Bible, we are given these stories so that we will consider “the result of their conduct” [or, the outcome of their lives] and “imitate their faith” (Heb. But his religion did not, because it could not, reconcile him to God. Then she’s yours. Believe and act correctly upon the promises "'If you can'?" Even good people have their weaknesses and failures. So a glance at Barnabas’ life shows us a man who loved God and others. Acknowledge your special lady’s excellence and self-worth through acts of consideration. Jesus knew that the young man was using the word in the relative human sense, not in the absolute sense of referring to God. Finally, to be honest in our look at Barnabas, we must note that even a man whom the Bible calls good is not perfect. Followers of Jesus Christ were first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26 Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. What should a Christian father be like according to the Bible? Rather, the Bible assumes that we all love ourselves quite well. By being a man of faith. But Barnabas talked to Saul and became convinced that his testimony was genuine. While we all have differing gifts and personalities, we all can learn from the heroes in the Bible. It also shows us that we all, even those who are spiritually mature, have our weaknesses and are prone to failure. But when these legalists came, Peter feared them and held himself aloof. From the very beginning of the Bible, we can see that God made us with this human spirit. Genesis 2:7 says, “Jehovah God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” Yes, suicide is a terrible tragedy, a sin even, but it does not negate the Lord's act of redemption . But Barnabas’ generosity toward those in need took precedence over his thinking about his own future. New Living Translation. American King James Version ×). Thus the apostle Paul builds his argument that “there is none who does good, there is not even one” (Rom. Death. Men must also let go of their old nature and embrace a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). He is loving and caring. Both men dug in their heels, and it led to a split between them. Husbands must supernaturally die to self and this can only be done with God’s Spirit enabling them to love their wives like Jesus loves His church. Great reminder that God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. If you focus on the fact that she is not only a precious gift to your life but also a precious child of God, it’s hard to not show her respect. Later Paul himself requested Mark’s coming to him in prison in Rome, adding, “He is useful to me for service” (2 Tim. We are reminded through Scripture that lustful looks are considered adulterous (Matthew 5:28). In this kingdom, God’s authority is recognized, and his will is obeyed. The Greek word translated “ministering” is almost always used of discharging one’s service in public ministry. We must begin by realizing that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The physical heart is … So here it is, 16 ways to find a wife according to the Bible: 1) Find an attractive prisoner of war, bring her home, shave her head, trim her nails, and give her new clothes. It is significant that when the work in Antioch grew to be more than Barnabas could handle, he did not turn back to Jerusalem for help. Stemming out of our devotion to God should be obedience to Him. Biblical love delights to see others serving the Lord. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. You yield control of your life to Him, rather than being self-willed. Biblical love sometimes must confront and correct, or it is not real love. Finally, with fire in his eyes, Farel warned Calvin about what happened to Jonah and then thundered, “May God curse your rest, and curse your studies, if for their sake you flee from the work He would have you do!”. Are you aware daily of your need to depend on the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit of goodness in your life? Here are 10 important things that the Bible says about death. Then we will look at how a person becomes good in that sense, namely, by walking by faith in the Holy Spirit. . Calvin trembled, sat speechless, and finally concluded that God’s hand reached down from heaven and laid hold of him to keep him in Geneva. He took Mark and continued reaching out to the lost with the gospel. A Lasting Legacy: Choosing A Wife For Isaac (Gen. 24:1-67). When you honor her, you open the space to experience a love many others will never experience. American King James Version ×; 1 Peter 4:16 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. We receive God’s love through faith in Christ; we return God’s love by devotion and obedience from the heart. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. What is the relationship between the Spirit’s power and our power? 13:7). Not to have a heart for the lost is not to love them. Should the risk of offending them keep us from saying anything? 5 End Time Errors Christians Need to Avoid, Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Beliefnet’s Partners, From time to time you will also receive Special Offers from our partners. . Praise her. The more we love God and others, the more we will trust God by giving to further His work. Instead, he went looking for Saul and brought him back to Antioch. “Call your wife ‘blessed’ and praise her.” -Proverbs 31: 28-29. A good man will LEAD his family Rather, it is a self-sacrificing commitment to seek the highest good of the one loved. Early in my Christian walk, I was taught that the filling of the Holy Spirit is an all or nothing proposition. Verse 12. He neither idolizes her nor neglects her. 4. Sign up for Beliefnet's Love and Family newsletter. Do you seek to help others grow in their faith? “Honor your marriage; keep it pure by remaining true to your wife in every way.” Hebrews 13:4. You rely upon Him in every situation for power to overcome temptations that stem from the world, the flesh, or the devil. He compromised essential truth about the gospel because he didn’t want to offend these men from the mother church. Sometimes, all she wants to hear is thank you and know that you treasure her. But how did he get that way? This is impossible to do in your own strength. He wants us to live, and die, with the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus defeated death when He died on the cross and rose from the grave. Farel was a courageous Reformer and evangelist for many years before John Calvin was even converted. One evening in July, 1536, a young man rushed into Farel’s quarters and told him that Calvin was in town for one night only, on his way to Strasburg. The highest good for every person is that he or she be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and be growing in holiness and in conformity to Christ. 3:23). Things just don’t work like that anymore. Later, when the famine threatened not only Judea, but also Antioch, the church in Antioch gave to help the needy saints in Judea. Barnabas had already shown this loving acceptance toward Saul when Saul returned to Jerusalem as a relatively new believer. Our world is filled with many distractions and many forms of temptation. But to do so would not give you the full picture of Barnabas. The church could trust him with the money, because he was a generous man, free from greed and obedient to God. “Do not be harsh with your wife.” -Colossians 3:19. It would be nice to stop here, on a positive note. “Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring … To be a good person, you must love God and others. Isaiah 5:20 ESV / 53 helpful votes. We read of it in Galatians 2:11-13, where Paul tells of what happened once when Peter had come to Antioch. Does debt affect giving in modern times in light of the Israelite tithe and slaves? If you put that distracted energy into your wife or your relationship, imagine how strong your bond could be? God created man out of matter, "the dust of the ground." Honor the woman you’re with physically, mentally and emotionally by remaining true to her. Not all are called to work at it full time. As I grow in faith and knowledge, I learn of more areas in my life that need to come under the Spirit’s control. Do you ask God to use you to reach the lost for Christ? “Do not be captivated by other women.” -Proverbs 5:20. But the Bible teaches that no amount of human goodness can qualify a person for heaven, because God is absolutely good and He cannot and will not allow even a single sin into His perfect heaven. When you begin to look at other women and develop attractions for them, it takes you down a path of sin and away from the relationship. Are we to be passive or active. By studying Barnabas’ life, we will look at what a good person is, namely, a person who loves God and others (the two great commandments). Most people in the world would say, “The way to get into heaven is to be a good person.” Again, the definition of “good” in the minds of those who say this is so vague and broad that almost everyone qualifies. Perhaps if he had kept his land, he could have used the income to support his ministry. The Bible is clear that love is much more than saying, “I love you.” Love means opening our hearts to those in need by sharing with them the abundance that God has given us (1 John 3:17). Romans 7:2 states that a married woman comes under “the law of her husband.” Just as many institutions appoint a head to oversee their affairs, God has appointed the husband to be head of his wife. But here Luke applies it to the leaders of the church who are serving in the newness of the Spirit, not in the oldness of the law. We walk by the Spirit by faith. And yet, God’s cause will triumph and He is glorified by using imperfect people to accomplish His sovereign plan. Farel had read Calvin’s Institutes, which had just been published, and he knew that Calvin was the man to help him with the work in Geneva. To be a good person, you must love God and others through a walk of faith in the Holy Spirit. Barnabas’ love for people is seen in four ways: We saw this last week, so I will only touch on it briefly. “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…” 1 -Peter 3:7 Respect is one of the most important factors in any relationship, especially in the eyes of God. When a man allows God to influence his relationship, true love follows. One of the important aspects of Adam's life was his role as father. Yes, the Bible treats life as a divine gift and something humans are to value and respect. I also learn more of God, which leads me to trust Him more. This also indicates that to know and enjoy Him, we really need to know our spirit. (Galatians 6:4) . If we would just love others as much as we do love ourselves, we would fulfill God’s holy law. The whole Bible is summed up in the two commands, that you should love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and, that you should love your neighbor as yourself (Mark. Perhaps you saw the title of this message, “How to Become a Good Person,” and thought, “I’m not even sure that I want to become a ‘good’ person!” The word “good” is used so often and widely that it almost becomes a meaningless description. Genesis specifically mentions three of his sons—Cain, Abel, and Seth. A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of … But God doesn’t want us to live in fear nor defeat. Happy New Year: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives. Barnabas was a nickname that meant “son of encouragement,” and he was true to form when he saw the new Gentile believers in Antioch. Either you are totally filled or you are not filled at all. Barnabas’ acceptance of people in spite of their faults led him in this instance to accept their sin, when it needed to be confronted. How bold should we be in talking to others about Christ? He told Farel that his calling was to be a reclusive scholar, not a teacher or pastor in the public eye. When a man sets his eyes on another woman who he is not in a committed relationship with, it only takes away from your relationship and God’s Will for your life. He found a pale, thin, and frail 27-year-old man, who also was shy, timid, and reserved. It is so important that God’s Word tells us if we neglect this command, our prayers will be hindered. 12:29-31). It is so important that God’s Word tells us if we neglect this command, our prayers will be hindered. He must manage his own family well. His wife is not the only person he loves and serves but he does put her above others in a special way. But this helps us to see that there is hope, even for someone like me, since God is pleased to use imperfect people. The Bible lets us see its heroes warts and all. However, what this advice tends to lack is the importance of God in our relationship decision-making. Compliment her not only for the things she does or the way she looks, but also for the things she provides. “Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also … The Bible tells us often who our neighbor is and how we should treat them. Although the text does not say, I’m sure that Barnabas contributed to that gift, and he gave his time to deliver it to Jerusalem. A walk in the Spirit is a step by step dependence on the indwelling Spirit of God. Was it just his natural inclination? Today almost every Christian has heard of Calvin, but few know about William Farel, who pioneered the work in Geneva. Thankfully, the Bible is not just a book of doctrines and moral principles, but also a book of biographies. A Christian husband loves his wife by prioritizing her. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. This separates man from understanding the true nature of things and, according to New Age teaching, visits upon him all the suffering of our current world and leaves him without the power to make reality conform to his bidding. How much should love for God be a feeling, and how much is obedience in spite of our feelings? . The answer to the question of who is a virtuous woman according to the Bible can be given in 31 chapter of Proverbs. Although husband and wife have an equal standing in God’s eyes, the Bible says that each spouse has a distinct role in the family. But God wants more for you. The most needy people in the world are those who are perishing without Christ. 1. said Jesus. Help her whenever and wherever you can, especially when you notice she’s in a position … I yield all of myself of which I’m aware to all of God that I know. A good wife replaces 'submit' with mutual respect. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness … A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. We see the same connection in Galatians 5:16 & 22. By birth he was a Levite (Acts 4:36), who was obligated to serve at the Jewish temple. Help her whenever and wherever you can, especially when you notice she’s in a position of need. A good Christian husband is a leader, a provider and a protector. . The whole Bible is summed up in the two commands, that you should love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and, that you should love your neighbor as yourself (Mark. When a woman doesn’t feel appreciated, it opens the door for trouble within the relationship. When it references the husband being the head of the wife… that part might be a little outdated. The Kingdom of God is the realm where God reigns supreme, and Jesus Christ is King. God wants you to honor your relationship by being committed to the woman you’re with. All such ideas representing man as possessing immortality in his being are nonbiblical concepts originating from distinctly nonbiblical sources. Their fasting would seem to point to a special occasion where they were seeking God’s direction as they waited upon Him in prayerful devotion. Farel continued imploring, and Calvin continued to come up with reasons why he was not the man that Farel was looking for. He loves his wife and leads her by biblical example. Any man who beats up a woman is not much of a man. Any love that we show toward God is a response to His great love for us in sending His Son to die for our sins. Barnabas had a bent toward grabbing hold of men who were rejected by others and bringing them into a place of usefulness in God’s kingdom. He risked his reputation (and even his life) by taking Saul to the apostles and convincing them to accept him as a brother in Christ (9:26-27). No human has the right to take his own life or the life of another. 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