the spirit of barnabas

Issue 121 Jesu s i s t h e Reason f o r t h e Sea son No. 14

T h e S p i r i t o f B a r n a b a s ®

Acts 15:31 reads, “The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.”

Have You Heard the Good News?

THE GOOD NEWS!

© 2014 The Spirit of Barnabas. All Rights Reserved. 1


Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Matthew 1:18-25, KJV

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

© 2014 The Sprit of Barnabas. All Rights Reserved. 2


I want you to know that God’s deepest desire is to have an intimate love relationship with His creation, you! I also want you to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God’s gift of eternal life, salvation, is absolutely free! Ephesians 2:8-9 says this: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…”

Do you truly believe that God’s gift of salvation is free, or do you, deep in your heart, believe that you have to be good enough to get into heaven? Do you feel that something in your past or present “disqualifies” you from being saved? Absolutely not! Acts 16:31 says: “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved.” If you believe that Jesus was the Son of God and that He died on the cross for your sins, then you shall be saved. That is all that is required! I want you to believe that and hold onto that truth with all of your heart.

God loves you and isn’t concerned with what you’ve done or where you’ve been. His only concern is that He loves you and that He wants you to return His

love by accepting His Son, Jesus, as your Savior. That’s the truth. If you want to be saved, or if you simply want the reassurance that you are saved, ask Jesus into your life right now. Right where you are tell Jesus that you believe that He died on the cross for your sins, that you want Him to forgive you for your sins, and that you want Him to save you.

Jesus says that there is no other way to get to the Father (God) except by living a life where Jesus is your Lord. You can say that you are a Christian or you can even say that Jesus is your Lord, but if you don’t obey God’s will and His commands, the Bible says that you are a liar and will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:21, 1 John 2:4). But today you can confess your sins and turn to Jesus. Give up your old life and give it to Jesus.

Now that you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, unite with a church so that you can fellowship with other believers, who can encourage you in your new faith. Seek to build a relationship with God by reading the Bible and praying daily. Finally, do what we’ve done and share this wonderful news with someone else THAT ETERNAL LIFE IS FREE!

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die….” John 11:25-26, NIV



A Word From God’s Leader

Reverend Dr. Wyvonia Woods HarrisMt. Vernon Baptist Church–Westwood

The Spirit of BarnabasMinisterial Leader

Jesus, A Gift for the Believers

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3: 16(KJV)

When we read this passage from the Bible, we as believers open a gift every time. One of the messages is that God has given the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. What joy we have in knowing that our gift has been bought and paid for by Jesus Christ. The story of Christmas is the beginning of the story of everlasting life. And so we are responsible to go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

This Advent season is the time that we believers can prepare for the celebration for the coming of our Savior. The many symbols of Christmas are presented in so many places but we must always remember God’s purpose for giving us the gift of Christ. God chose to give a gift of His Son Jesus, to teach, heal and deliver us in His thirty-three years on earth. But the ultimate and most awesome gift is that Jesus died for our everlasting life. We

praise God for this love that came in the form of a baby (Luke 2:7), grew up as a child (Luke 2:52) and ministered through healing and delivering as a man (Luke 7:9, 38-50).

How can we say thank you for this gift? I believe that believing is the way we say thank you. God has given us the gift of living so that we may be gifts in what we say and do. The encouragement I find in believing is that we can give the knowledge of the Gift from God when we give the fruit of the Spirit that Jesus left us on earth.

Take the time today to give “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the gifts to remind us that Jesus is the greatest gift that has ever been given to the believer.

Romans 5:15-17But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from manyoffenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.



GETTING TO KNOW GOD

Cecilia S. BarnesMt Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood

The Spirit of BarnabasAssistant Editor

Jesus Christ, God’s Greatest Gift to Us!

It goes without saying that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Many of us who appreciate the true meaning of Christmas watch in dismay as the world celebrates “Santa Claus” and loses itself in mindless spending and materialism. As best we can during this holiday season, we should shift the focus of Christmas to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who is God’s greatest gift to us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The true cause for celebration is the eternal life that God has made available to us through his Son Jesus Christ. God gave us Jesus because He loves us so much!

This gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is just that—a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.” Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Thus, no effort on our part can contribute to our salvation; it is purely a gift from God. God freely gives us salvation because of His love, His mercy and His kindness. “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy….” (Titus 3:4-5).

As we are blessed to enjoy another Christmas season, let us rejoice over the precious gift of salvation that God has freely given us through His Son, Jesus. Jesus is not only the reason for the season, He is God’s greatest gift to us and is worthy of all of our praise and adoration.

Jesus Christ

When I think of you, Jesus, I first think of Your love, Your willingness to leave Your

heavenly home above.

When I think of You, Jesus, I see Your compassion displayed toward men, Your

willingness to love, heal, and forgive, right to the very end.

When I think of You, Jesus, I think of Your commitment to die to save me from my sin and from suffering, to gain for me

eternal life.

When I think of You, Jesus, I think of Your victory at the cross, Your victory

over death and satan, a victory for all who are lost.



When I think of You, Jesus, I can’t help but praise Your Name, that Name above all names, the only Name whereby we

must be saved.

Romans 5:6-8, NKJV

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

WORDS OF INSPIRATION

Reverend Willie WilsonMt. Vernon Baptist Church–Westwood

Ministerial AdvisorThe Spirit of Barnabas

Jesus Is Giving Are You Receiving?

Let us pray: Our Father in heaven, we praise You for Your never ending and selfless love for the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior. Thank You Lord for giving the world, at least as many who will receive You, another chance to connect with You since access to You was denied because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Like the babe, risen Savior,

and Son, let our praise and worship be a sweet sound in Your ears and glorify You in heaven. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV

The Christmas holidays bring excitement, happiness, joy, and love too many people. It is the time when many persons will drain their checking accounts, close savings, maximize charge cards and dip into investments only to bring a temporary smile. For that gift, some will rob, steal and kill in the name of Christmas to fulfill that excitement. Though the economy talk may sound gloomy, many will search the stores looking for the “perfect” Christmas gift to fulfill what some believe to bring joy and happiness. Many of these gifts will not extend beyond one’s inner circle since it is man’s desire to craze the things that are seen instead of the unseen. Some folks do not believe in everlasting life; therefore, these people would rather receive physical things and not renounce the sin in their life because it is the easy way out, but the most destructive way as well.

Meanwhile, Christians are called to live a life that shows value in Christmas. We should know that tangible gifts satisfy our lives for a moment, since needs are always occurring, but God’s love is everlasting and our needs are always being met. In other words, there is a correlation between the world’s joy-Santa Claus, and Christ joy. The things that Santa does are for a short time; while what Jesus does is for a lifetime. Santa offers external



happiness while Jesus offers eternal love. Santa Claus wears a red and white suit, Jesus also wears a red and white suit. However, the difference is Jesus’ red represents His blood shed on Cavalry’s cross and white for purification. If Santa does not change his clothes, they will become dirty, stained and smelly. Jesus’ robe, on the other hand, has purifying power that makes us whiter than snow as we receive the gift of Salvation. In this article, I will discuss a Child is born, a Wonderful Counselor and Jesus is giving are you receiving.

A child is born; unto us a Son is given. (Isaiah 9:6) The prophet Isaiah wrote this text in the present while predicting the future. Of course, this prophecy was fulfilled when the Virgin Mary gave birth to baby Jesus. The scripture says, “When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. …the angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost and she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:18-21, KJV). The birth of Christ is important to us for several reasons. (A) Man needed an avenue to return back to God. We were expelled from His presence because of our disobedience. Therefore, we were out of fellowship with our Heavenly Father. We needed a way to reenter God’s presence. Christ was born to satisfy the sin debt that you and I owed. (B) Those who receive Christ as their Savior will have eternal life. Yet, “…we must work out our own salvation …” (Philippians 2:12, KJV). This is more than simply saying “Yes Lord” and never changing our actions and attitudes. We should be mindful that

saying “Yes” gives Christ the right to work in us and the will to bring about the perfecting of the Saints. (C) Finally, Jesus’ birth is important because He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6b, KJV). Jesus has given us the key. Will we use it?

Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor. Christmas should represent more than material things. Many people recognize Jesus as “The Lord Our Provider,” yet, not Him whom provides a place for eternal security. In other words, we seek Him for temporal relief, but we are missing the whole point if we seek Jesus for earthly wealth and not our souls. There are many hurting people in the world. We know some of these people. These are individuals that we are helping with their daily lives. They are hurting because of grief, depression, inflation, rejection, self-infliction and spiritual bondage. These things can’t be cured by material possessions. In many instances, Jesus uses people like you and me to counsel, teach and to help transform their darkness into light. It is the Christ in us that will reach the Christ in others to move beyond the level of darkness and bring deliverance and joy. I am certain that the counsel of God’s Word will change any situation if we speak the Word with authority. This simply means that we know God never lies and His Word will never return void. His Word has the highest authority and is honored both in heaven and on earth. Jesus’ counsel is available to all. It is available through His Word and other Godly leadership. Are you receiving it?

Giving is a powerful weapon in God’s Kingdom. The key word here is “give”. The Bible declares, “give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, press down, shaken together, and running over shall men give into your bosom” (Luke



6:38, KJV). It is by our very spiritual nature and by habit that we are givers. But are we receivers or are we merely swapping gifts? When Jesus gives, only an attitude of gratitude and acceptance is required. Consequently, when men give a gift that person many times expects a gift in return, and in most instances at the same value or greater. Some folks will get angry if you do not give them a gift in return, but Jesus freely gives of His unlimited resources without swapping.

There is no need for us to run out at the last minute and buy Jesus a gift. Instead, just present “…your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2, KJV). Jesus freely gives His plan of salvation to all. Receiving can be difficult since we are heirs of a Giver. He gives His grace and mercy without boundaries. He is always giving creative solutions to our problems, healing the sick and the broken hearted, giving sight to the blind and giving joy where sorrow has been the grazing pasture for decades. Are you receiving the loving kindness that Jesus gives through a smile? When we receive the blessing that Jesus offers us, we will always have something to give, that includes both spiritual and material blessings.

It is joy in knowing that Jesus is not wrapped in a box with a bow bound to it. It is peace in knowing that Jesus is not tangible, although we praise Him for tangible things. I am particularly grateful that our Savior cannot be ordered around as the phrase says “Have it your way.” Complete the blank. If I had it my way I

would __________________. Make sure your answer is a Godly one, since man shall live by every word that proceeded out of his mouth. Our Father is always giving. Check with the Holy Spirit for He has the PERFECT gift for us. To receive Jesus’ favor for a day has greater return than any once a year gift or present can yield.

John 10:10, NKJV

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Author Unknown

He Became One of Us

There was once a man who didn’t believe in God and he didn’t hesitate to let others know that he felt religion and religious holidays, like Christmas, were a lot of childish fairy tales. He said that religion was a crutch for people who were too stupid to figure things out for themselves or too fearful to live by their own strength. If God were real He sure wouldn't do some of the dumb things people said He did.

His wife, however, did believe in God and was always quick to say that she was born again. She raised their children to also have faith in God despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him, as



always to come, but he refused. “What a lot of nonsense!” he said. “Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That’s ridiculous!” So she and the children left, and he stayed home.

While they were gone, the wind and snow grew stronger until it was a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire. He knew his wife would not venture back on the road till the storm abated and he knew there were good snow tires on their SUV. So, nothing to do except enjoy the peaceful evening.

Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn’t see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window.

In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded by this storm. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.

The man felt sorry for the geese and

wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm.

So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem

to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away.

He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on. Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe.

“Why don’t they follow me?!” he exclaimed. “Can’t they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?” He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn’t follow a human. “If only I were a goose, then I could lead them,” he said out loud. Then he had an idea.

He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it.

His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn--and one by one the other geese followed it to safety. He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: “If only I were a goose, then I could save them!”

Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. “Why would God want to be like us? That’s ridiculous!” Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese, blind, lost, perishing, God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized.



As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer: “Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!”

John 3:16-17For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

WITNESS FOR THE LORD

Maudeva WilsonMt. Vernon Baptist-Westwood

His Mercy and Grace

At the age of eighteen, I was very immature and was leaving home to attend college. For the first time, I would be without my parents’ supervision. I grew up in a Christian home and enjoyed attending Sunday School. Even though I knew the Lord, my spiritual growth was at the “baby stage”. I just couldn’t see which way to go. The whole world seemed to be crushing me and I would feel very much alone. I thank God for Jesus. There were

many obstacles in my life, but there were also many prayers stored up for me by my mother.

There are two events that happened in my life that I would like to share with you. During my first year in college, I experience severe bronchitis, which I had never had before. I was so sick that my parents had to come and take me home. It was a long recovery, and I missed the first semester of school; but God healed my lungs and I was able to return to school the next semester.

During my second year of college, my mother got sick and she died that following summer. I loved my mother dearly, and I didn’t realize how much of an impact her death would have on me. She would always stress how important it was for me to extend my education beyond high school.

It’s amazing how the Lord came right

in and guided me safely through. My life has been a growing experience in which I have acquired a personal relationship with God. I thank Him for His grace and mercy that He has shown me over the years to this present time. It wasn’t because I was so good and righteous; it is only because of His grace that I am still here.

There were many times I didn’t know that He was present, but He took care of me anyway. I had to learn how to pray for myself, and He let me know that He can do anything but fail. He allowed me to fulfill my mother’s dream by receiving a BA degree. Not only that, He has blessed me and also my family in so many ways. It’s just amazing what God can do when you let Him come into your life. I couldn’t have made it without Him. I will always



rely on God’s spiritual strength through the Word that gives me directions daily.


Linda Taper TompkinsChrist Missionary Baptist Church

God’s Favor

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's

womb.” Psalm 139:13, NIV

God loved me from the beginning of my life. He created me in His image to glorify Him.

When I was a young girl, I met the Holy Spirit. I began to love church and the feeling I got when I was in the presence of God. I was so young that I really didn’t know what I was feeling, but it felt good. Proverbs 22:6, KJV says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” I knew this feeling was right. Of course the devil had plans for me. He knew that I would someday have a relationship with Jesus and take my place in God’s Kingdom.

By the time I was eleven years old, I hated my life. I wanted to get away from

this world so I took a lot of pills. But God said, “No.” He kept me here for a purpose. However, I was rejected by my family and not embraced by the church.

In Luke 22:31, Jesus tells Simon (Peter) that satan had asked that he be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] him like grain. That was satan’s plan for me. I got pregnant at an early age. I got so lost in the world that I didn’t think God Himself could find me, but somehow I knew that God was watching over me. I often cried out for help. Years and years went by without any one telling me about the love of God, His healing power, His mercy, His grace, His forgiving nature, His favor. I wish someone would have told me.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, there are a lot of people who need to know that, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). I often prayed for God to deliver me from a life of sin, to spare my life. He did and I say, “Thank You Lord” and give Him all the glory and all the praise. He heard my prayers. Those unbelievers who knew me then, can’t believe the miracle. They can’t believe how God has blessed me. How God took me out of the hands of the enemy. I know it was God Who saved me; God Who healed me. I began to walk faithfully with the Lord Our God, learning His Word and being a hearer, as well as a doer walking in faith.

Everyday my relationship with God is becoming stronger. I am a person who lost almost everything; faith, relationships, money, cars, housing, my business, self esteem; you name it, even my life. Our



God said in Joel 2:25, “And I will restore to you the years….” His Word is true. After building a relationship with Him, being a hearer and doer of His Word, thanking Him, tithing, praising, worshipping, praying, studying, fasting, giving my time, talents, and treasures to God’s Kingdom and believing Him for everything; I began to experience the miracle of God’s favor in my everyday situations. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I am fifty-three years old (as of November 17th) and I have lived to see God deliver me from drug addiction and fornication. He has restored my business and my relationship with my family. He has blessed me with a beautiful home with a built-in beauty salon (my business) despite my credit and no money for a down payment. He has also blessed me with a good and loving husband who has a burning desire to love and obey God. Somebody say, “Favor!”

In Malachi 3:10 the Lord says to try Him and see won’t He open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that you won’t have room to receive. My prayer is that we continue to trust the Word of God as it is written, love one another and tell others about the Love of Christ.


Reginald and Linda TompkinsChrist Missionary Baptist Church

Living by the Word

When Linda and I met, I was getting over a divorce and she was going through a divorce. It was love at first sight for me. Linda invited me to the church she was attending. I had been searching for a church home and had been hopping from church to church, praying for direction from the Lord. I feel that God is calling me to minister to the youth and I would like to be a mentor. I pray that my testimony will change someone’s life.

Before the Lord changed me, I was into a lot of things that I thought was the way of life. I sold drugs for extra money, slept around with women who would let me sleep with them, stole things from my jobs; you know, a little of this and a little of that. This all added up to be a lot of wrong doing in the eyes of God. Isaiah 55:8, KJV says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” His mercy is new every morning.

I was a man in need of a wife. Not just any wife, but the wife the Lord would bless me with. Proverbs 18:22, KJV says, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” Linda is a woman of God who would not accept anything less than a man of God in her life. I joined the same church that she was attending and I was baptized



according to Matthew 28:19, “…in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

The Lord began to do new things in my life. Yokes were broken. I was delivered from smoking, drinking and fornication. The Lord changed my life and now I am a new man in Christ Jesus.

I asked Linda to marry me and she said, “Yes.” It was the happiest day of my life. God smiled on me, blessing me with a precious gift, His daughter. My wife and I both work every day to provide for ourselves and the Lord has taught us a valuable lesson. He is our Provider and we are not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). He has taught us to live on His increase, not our income. I was out of work for nine months because I had surgery on my spine. The Lord made a way for all bills to be paid every month, every one on time. We had been put to the test.

I love the Word of God. My wife and I live by the Word. The more we learn what the Bible teaches us, the more we trust what we have learned. Our faith is strengthened.

My husband and I stick together and are accountability partners for one another. The Lord said He would give us the desires of our hearts and He blessed me with my husband. The Lord is concerned with what you are concerned with.

This is to every believer in Jesus Christ; Read God’s Word, and increase your faith. Be a hearer and doer of the Word and see the miracles God will work in your life. We are faithful tithers and the Word says in Malachi 3:10, KJV, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that

there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

We are approaching our 8th year of Holy Matrimony.

A Word From The Staff

Linda F. HollowayMt Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood

EditorThe Spirit of Barnabas

A Celebration of Love!

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been



memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down.

Around the room, I saw several other

parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware

her letter "M" appeared as a "W".The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence...humbled by His love

Author Unknown

I received the message above in an email one year during the Christmas holiday season and was overwhelmed by its simple, yet overpowering message. Christ was Love, and He still is. Isn’t that the real reason we celebrate “Christmas,” the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior; God’s gift of love planned from the beginning (Genesis 3:15), and a love that is with us now and forevermore (Matthew 28:20). 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” It was God’s deep love for us (John 3:16); it was a Child born in a manger (Luke 2:4-7); it was a Child born of a woman and born under the law (Galatians 4:4); it was a Son that was given (Isaiah 9:6), it was Jesus who saved us from God’s righteous judgment for our sins (Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23). Because of



Jesus and our faith in Him, we are no longer slaves, but sons, heirs to the Kingdom of God (John 1:12, Galatians 3:26, Romans 8:16-17) and we can claim all the rights and privileges of sons who belong to the Almighty God, our Heavenly Father (2 Corinthians 1:20)!

This amazing and everlasting love continues to save those who put their faith in Jesus. So as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus and continue into the New Year, let’s remember to share with others our reason for celebrating, our reason for being thankful and our reason for loving now and always!

1 John 4:7-8, NKJV

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

BIBLE TRIVIA The King of kings and the Lord of

lords!

All scripture are from the King James Version. The words in italics were spoken by Jesus. Place the correct answers in the puzzle found on page 21. Answers found on page 27.

ACROSS

1. Malachi 4Behold, I will send you _____ the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he

shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

5. John 10If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the _____ is in me, and I in him.

7. Revelation 17 says that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of _______.

10. Matthew 2And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of _____ have I called my son.”

12. John 5Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from _______ unto life.

14. Matthew 2Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,



according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In _____ was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

15. Isaiah 25He will swallow up death in _____; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

16. In which chapter of Romans will you find the following? “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.”

18. Complete the following OT prophecy found in Isaiah 11 concerning Jesus. “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his _____, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

19. In which one of the Gospels (book found in the NT) will you find the following? “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.”

20. 1 Timothy For there is one God, and one _______ between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

21. John 6For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will _______ him up at the last day.

23. Matthew 22But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a _____, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said



unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

25. Colossians 1 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the _______: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

27. Matthew 7Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the _______ of my Father which is in heaven.

28. John 20And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the _____, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

30. In which OT book will you find the following? “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

32. Isaiah 28Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure _____: he that believeth shall not make haste.

34. Complete the following NT (Luke) fulfillment of the OT prophecy found in Psalm 2 concerning Jesus. “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a ______ shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.”

35. Revelation 3Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my _______, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

37. Which OT prophet prophesied the following regarding Jesus? “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

39. Jeremiah 23 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD,

that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and



justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR _______.

41. Luke 2What man prophesied the following to Mary about her Son, Jesus? “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

42. In which one of the Gospels (book found in the NT) will you find the following? “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

43. Luke 2Who did an angel of the Lord appear to saying, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

44. John 1For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the _____ of the Father, he hath declared him.

45. John 15Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his

friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made _______ unto you.

DOWN

2. John 10I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his _____ for the sheep.

3. In which OT book will you find the following prophecy concerning Jesus? “Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.” KJV

4. John 15Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that _______ me.”

5. John 10I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one _____, and one shepherd.



6. John 5

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath _____ life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

8. In which NT book will you find the following? “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

9. Luke 2 says that when the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. While there they were approached by Anna the prophetess who gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Anna was the daughter of _____.

11. Revelation 1Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this _______, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

13. Revelation 1 tells us that Jesus loves us, has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father and has freed us from our sins by His own what?

14. John 11Jesus said unto her, I am the _____, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

17. Psalm 72 His _______ shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

22. In which OT book will you find the following? “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”

24. John 6Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the _____.

26. Matthew 13All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept _____ from the foundation of the world.

29. In which OT book will you find the following? “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall



bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

30. Matthew 18For the Son of _____ is come to save that which was lost.

31. Luke 4The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at _____ them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

32. Galatians 2Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the _____of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

33. John 15Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing; He is the vine and we are the _________.

36. Revelation 22 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify

unto you these things in the churches. I am the _____and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

38. John 8 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I

say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the _____ for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the

Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

40. Song of Solomon 2Jesus is called the lily of the valleys and the rose of _______.

41. Luke 1 In which month did God send His angel to the virgin Mary to let her know that she had found favor with the Lord and would give birth to a Son Who would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High?

Jesu s i s t h e Reas on f o r t h e Season!


Answers to Puzzle can be found on page 27

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6 7 8

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30 31 32

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1 2 3 4 5

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The King of kings and the Lord of lords!

KJV

Fill in the missing words and find them in the Word Find puzzle on page 28.

1. Micah 5:2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be _____ in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of _____, from everlasting.

2. Luke 2:4-7And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his _____ wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in _____ clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

3. Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is _____, and having salvation; _____, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

4. Mark 11:7-11And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, _____; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the _____: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

5. Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my _____, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of _____.

God’s Greatest Gift

6. Matthew 11:10-11For this is he, of whom it is _____, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is _____ in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

7. Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a _____ shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name _____.

8. Matthew 1:18-23Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother _____ was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the _____ of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name _____: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, _____ with us.

9. Hosea 13:14I will ransom them from the power of the _____; I will redeem them from death: O _____, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

10. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the _____ of sin is the _____. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the _____ through our Lord Jesus Christ.

W E J E S U S R B Y YA K E I E V A R G L TR W N E T T I R W A SD E A T H S O O L D AG O D V V I L E B D EN A H T G N E R T S LI S E S P O U S E D RL T T H I E V M L E ED E M A R Y V E M A GD L G T S J U S T N N

A P A N L N D V A N EW M M V A S I E G A SS E E M T C E N R S ST T M E T A I U A O ES I A O L Y L L A H MO L R E A E E A E S OH Y I R R W A R W E LC H N I G R I V S D P

Answer to Word Find puzzle can be found on page 28Match the Scripture in Column A with the Correct Verse in Column B

Scriptures were taken from the King James Version (KJV)


Answers are found on page 27.


A. (Scripture) B. (Verse)

1. _____ John 3:16 A. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

2. _____ Revelation 22:16 B. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

3. _____ Matthew 2:1-6 C. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

4. _____ Romans 6:23 D. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

5. _____ Acts 5:31 E. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

6. _____ 2 Corinthians 9:15 F. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7. _____ Luke 1:26-33 G. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

8. _____ Psalms 89:3-4 H. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

9. _____ James 1:17 I. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

10. _____ Luke 2:25-32 J. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

11. _____ Philippians 2:8-11 K. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

12. _____ Romans 15:13 L. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

13. _____ Matthew 1:20-21 M. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

The Spir i t o f Barnabas

OUR MISSION:

Acts 15:31 reads: “The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.” What the new believers in Christ, the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia, read was a message sent by the apostles, elders and the whole church in Jerusalem, proclaiming by grace were these new Christians saved. To encourage and strengthen them even more, Judas and Silas were sent with Paul and Barnabas to confirm by mouth what was written (Acts 15:1-35).

God provides hope and encouragement through His Word, the Bible. His Word helps us to understand and know Him, His purpose for us individually and collectively as the body of Christ and the purpose of the trials and tribulations we sometimes face. Through His Word, God reaches out to us, as only our Heavenly Father can, providing loving guidance and encouragement. No message is of greater importance or more encouraging than the message of God’s mercy and grace demonstrated in His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)

In Neil T. Anderson’s book, The Bondage Breaker, he emphasizes the importance of Christians

encouraging one another. He states, “We all benefit from the spiritual growth we can see occurring in the lives of other Christians. We all need to feel we have a sense of purpose and direction. (What we are doing in some way has a positive impact on the spiritual growth and lives of others).”

The book of Acts tells us about a man by the name of Joseph. Joseph was a Levite from Cyprus, who sold some land he owned and gave it to the church. He was nicknamed Barnabas by the apostles, which means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). He is described as, “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith….” (Acts 11:24) It was Barnabas who introduced a man named Saul, later called Paul, to the apostles because he knew that God’s grace and power can transform and convert those we feel are hopelessly lost in sin. Paul later became one of the most influential Apostles of Christ writing 13 (the Pauline Epistles) of the 27 books found in the New Testament of the Bible. As you read the book of Acts, you will find that Barnabas was kind, generous, full of compassion and considerate of others, with a heart filled with love and forgiveness. He gave encouragement and hope to his friends, to the new believers in Christ and to those who had not yet accepted the truth, that Jesus is the Way (John 14:6).

Like Barnabas, Son of Encouragement, the purpose of this ministry is to walk in that same Spirit,

providing words of encouragement and messages of hope that will help bring about spiritual growth and awareness to those who are in Christ and those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, and to help us all remember that We are not Alone (Matthew 28:20).

The Staff of The Spir i t o f BarnabasEditor-Linda F. Holloway Assistant Editor-Cecilia S. BarnesMinisterial Leader/Advisor-Rev. Dr. Wyvonia Woods Harris Editorial Staff-Bettye L. CooperProduction Editor/Designer-Kimberly M. Gayden Ministerial Advisor-Rev. Willie WilsonMinisterial Leader/Advisor-Rev. Melvin D. Watkins, Jr. Distribution-Brenda Key

ANSWERS TO BIBLE TRIVIA PUZZLE

Across: 1. Elijah, 5. Father, 7. Kings, 10. Egypt, 12. Death, 14. Rama, 15. Victory, 16. Ten, 18. Mouth, 19. Matthew, 20. Mediator, 21. Raise, 23. Lawyer, 25. Church, 27. Will, 28. Christ, 30.

Micah, 32. Foundation, 34. Bodily, 35. Throne, 37. Isaiah, 39. Righteousness, 41. Simeon, 42. John, 43. Shepherds, 44. Bosom, 45. Known.

Down: 2. Life, 3. Jeremiah, 4. Sent, 5. Fold, 6. Everlasting, 8. Galatians, 9. Phanuel, 11. Prophecy, 13. Blood, 14. Resurrection, 17. Name, 22. Ecclesiastes, 24. World, 26. Secret, 29. Genesis, 30. Man, 31. Liberty, 32. Faith, 33. Branches, 36. Root, 38. House, 40. Sharon, 41. Sixth.

E1

L2

I J3

A H S4

F5

A T H E R

I E E E6

K7

I N G8

S O

F R N V A L P9

E E10

G Y P11

T E L D12

E A T H

B13

M R R R14

A M A A

L V15

I C T O R Y L E T16

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O A P A S I A U

M18

O U T H H S U A M19

A T T H E W

D M20

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C I R21

A I S E22

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A W24

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O G C25

H U R C H

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W27

I L L C28

H R I S T E G29

E D O S E

M30

I C A H L31

F32

O U N D A T I O N

A R I A A E B33

N E B34

O D I L Y S S R

T35

H R36

O N E T T I37

S A I A H38

O R39

I G H T E O U S40

N E S S N O

S41

I M E O N T H S C U

I T Y A J42

O H N S

X S43

H E P H E R D S E E

T O B44

O S O M

H K45

N O W N

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8

9

10 11 12

13 14

15 16 17

18 19

20

21 22

23 24

25

26 27 28 29

30 31 32

33

34

35 36 37 38

39 40

41

42

43

44

45

ANSWERS TO MATCHING

1. G 2. M 3. F 4. H 5. J 6. C 7. A 8. D 9. K 10. E 11. L 12. I 13. BANSWERS TO WORD FIND 1. Ruler, Old 2. Espoused, Swaddling 3. Just, Lowly 4. Hosanna, Temple 5. Messenger, Hosts 6. Written, Least 7. Virgin, Immanuel 8. Mary, Angel, Jesus, God 9. Grave, Death 10. Strength, Law, Victory

If you would like to share your words of encouragement or message of hope, please contact us: The Spirit of Barnabas Staff at: [email protected]

The Staff of The Sprit of Barnabas would like to say “Thank You” to the members of the following churches who have shared words of encouragement and messages of hope. Matthew 28:19-20

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood Sunday School-9:00 a.m. Reverend Dr. James L. Netters, Senior Pastor Sunday Morning Worship-10:00 a.m.Reverend Melvin D. Watkins Jr., Co-Pastor Sunday Evening Worship-6:30 pm620 Parkrose Avenue Wednesday Night Prayer/Bible Study-7:00 pm Memphis, TN 38109 Website: www.mt-vernon.org Phone: (901) 785-1612 Prayer lines: (901) 785-2046 1-888-481-0053

Christ Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Senior Pastor494 South Parkway EastMemphis, TN 38106Phone: (901) 948-9786

Have a Merry Chr i s tmas and a Happy and Pro s p e rou s New Year!

http://www.mt-vernon.org/

mailto:[email protected]

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