Welcome to the ROC! Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Regional Outreach Conference

Dr. Reed Lessing Associate Professor Concordia Seminary—St. Louis

Acts 11:25 “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.”

People Mashers Not only Judas, Ananias and Sapphira “The circumcised believers criticized Peter and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them?’” (Acts 11:3) The church has her share of PEOPLE MASHERS

People Mashers Not only Judas, Ananias and Sapphira “Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’” (Acts 15:1) The church has her share of PEOPLE MASHERS

People Manipulators “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 8:18-19) The church has her share of PEOPLE MANIPULATORS

Acts 4:36-37 “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement = huios parakleseos), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

Parakleseos Para = “beside” + Kaleo = “to call” 1 John 2:1 – Jesus is the Paraclete John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7 – Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Paraclete

Acts 11:24 “He was a good man full of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 11:25 “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.”

Acts 4:36-37 “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement = huios parakleseos), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

Becoming a Son/Daughter of Parakleseos “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement (parakleseos) of Scriptures, we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4)

Becoming a Son/Daughter of Parakleseos Don't tell it like it is, tell it how it will be. Biblical examples include:  Abram/ Abraham  Jacob/Israel  Simon/Peter  Segullah

Becoming a Son/Daughter of Parakleseos “We have spoken frankly to you, we have opened wide our hearts.” (2 Cor. 6:11) “We were delighted to share with you, not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well.” (1 Thess. 2:8) Be honest and open about our lives!

Becoming a Son/Daughter of Parakleseos “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.” (Prov. 16:21) “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col. 4:5 ‑ 6) Be positive!

Acts 11:25 “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.”