Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

2 July 2025

Reading From Acts 11

“Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 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. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”

—Acts 11:19-24

     It is amazing to read the history of the Gospel coming through the Jews to the Gentiles.  These early believers were eyewitnesses to the very beginning of the fulfillment of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.  The Good News of Jesus Christ knows no boundaries.  The love of God, the message and ministry of reconciliation are more powerful than any roadblock set up by the prejudices of sinful humanity. 

     The story of Barnabas reminds me of the truth that Jesus taught us, “the last shall be first and the first shall be last.”  The Apostle Paul is far better known today than Barnabas, but the ministry of the Lord through Barnabas came first.  Sometimes in life and ministry, our greatest impact for the Kingdom is not what we do ourselves, but how we encourage and raise up others for even greater things.  In all things our goal should be to edify others and glorify the Lord.

“Lord Jesus, I pray that You would break down walls between brothers and sisters in Your eternal family.  Remove division and promote unity in Your Church, Lord.  I am reminded of what the Holy Spirit endowed the early Church with power from on high, they were all meeting together in one accord.  May Your people today be of one accord for Your honor and glory.  Help us raise up the next generation of leaders and not be resentful of their greater success.  I pray that we would simply be glad that Your work is going forward and Your Kingdom expanding.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

—Acts 11:25-26

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

—John 14:12-13