|
Consolidation - Hidden treasure of the Church
by Jaisam Daniel Consolidation is one key area the church in these last days has not given more importance. There are many evangelists in the church who go extra mile to reach out to people, great pastors, but there are very few people in the church who consolidate the reached souls and build then with the Rock our Lord Jesus Christ. I read it in an article long back, When Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke conducted large revival meetings all through African continent many millions of souls were born in the kingdom of God, But the local churches was not able to consolidate them in solid foundation. Barnabas the Consolidator One of my favorite men of God in the Early Church is Barnabas who is a wonderful consolidator and encourages others in Growing in the Light of Jesus. Barnabas set an example to others for consolidation that I think might have greatly influenced Apostle Paul to learn the art of Consolidation. The Early church knew his gift and when they found that the scattered believers went to Antioch and preached the Gospel and there was a need for Consolidation. The Leaders chose Barnabas to go there and consolidate the young believers and put a solid foundation for this very important Church. This is the place were people were first called as Christians. This shows that the Consolidation was done with maximum impact in changing the whole Asia upside down for Christ. Acts 11: 19 29 Characters for a Good Consolidator, which we could learn from Barnabas: 1. Sacrificial Life Sold his field and brought the money to the Apostles feet "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet." Acts 4:36,37 2. Encourager Barnabas encouraged everyone were ever God put him all through his life. Encouraging Apostle Paul when every leader is skeptic about him Acts 9:27 Encouraging the Church in Antioch "When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts" Acts 11:23 Encouraging Apostle Mark when Paul do not want to go with him "They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus" Acts 15 39 3. Full of Holy Spirit and Faith and Obeyed the Holy Spirit "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord" Acts 11:24 4. Spent Time For Consolidation "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 11:26 "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders." Acts 14:3 5. He Was Accountable to the Leaders Barnabas was always reporting back and getting feedback from the Apostles in Jerusalem all through his life. 6. Man of Praising, Prayer and Fasting "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust" Acts 14:23 7. Gave Glory to God for all the miracles the Lord did through them Acts 14:13-15 From my Heart: If you are doing this ministry of consolidation, you may not be noticed by people are highlighted like evangelists and prophets, be encouraged because God the father will honor you for what ever you are doing for the kingdom of God. One thing is for sure the Holy Spirit will be with you to do the work of consolidation. God Bless You Copyright - Jaisam Daniel (2009) This article has been copyrighted to prevent misuse. Permission is however given to be printed and shared for free distribution provided this copyright is included. www.ourmastersvoice.org Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |