Improve your own sermons by reviewing some of the best from the Preaching Today collection. The information below provides a brief synopsis of what you can expect from the downloadable transcript.
Download the transcript as a Word file to receive access to the full outline and complete sermon.
The Kiss of Encouragement
by Rod Cooper
Text: The Book of Acts
Topic: How to encourage others
Big Idea: Five qualities of an encourager.
Keywords: Encouragement; Disciple; Second chances
Introduction
- Illustration: In Peanuts, Linus tells his sister that older sisters are the crabgrass in the lawn of life.
- If we're not careful, we can find ourselves being more pessimistic than optimistic, more discouraging than encouraging.
- Encouragement is vital for life and for relationships.
A model of encouragement.
- Acts 4:36, we're introduced to Joseph, who is nicknamed Barnabas, "Son of Encouragement."
- Illustration: The nicknames at Dallas Seminary were generally not flattering.
Encouragers give freely of their resources.
- In Acts 4:36-37, Barnabas sells his land and gives the money to the disciples.
- If you want to encourage someone, do something tangible for them.
- There are two key things that show what's important to us: where we spend our money and how we spend our time.
-Illustration: An excerpt from Charles Ryrie's book, Balancing the Christian Life.
Encouragers accept you where you are.
- In Acts 9:20-27, people are questioning Paul's conversion, but Barnabas brought him to the apostles.
- Encouragers have a wonderful ability to let the past be the past and to start fresh right where you are.
- Illustration: Many people questioned Chuck Colson's conversion, but if he hadn't had encouragers around him perhaps we wouldn't have Prison Fellowship today.
Encouragers get excited about the progress of others.
- In Acts 11, Barnabas is sent to the Gentiles to help them grow.
-Illustration: Cooper's mother encouraged him in school, which spurred him on to do the best he could.
Encouragers meet the current need.
- In 11:24-25, when the church is booming, Barnabas leaves to find Paul.
- The major goal is to meet the need even when they're not the best ones to do it. An encourager is never out to make a name for himself, only to glorify the Name.
Encouragers give others a second chance.
- In Acts 15:36, Paul and Barnabas split ways over whether to take John Mark with them.
-Gene Getz believes this could be because Barnabas may have been considered, but not chosen, to replace Judas as the twelfth disciple.
The kiss of encouragement.
- Illustration: When he was a child, painter Benjamin West's mother encouraged his abilities, rather than mentioning the mess he'd made while painting.
For additional information on how to order downloadable sermon transcripts, click here.
100% GUARANTEE - If you are not completely satisfied with the downloadable transcript you purchase, please e-mail us and we'll provide your next one completely free!
|
