It's fitting that as we close out 2021 with our theme of “Let Us Rise and Build” and kick off 2022 with the theme of “The Gospel is for All” we're discussing Barnabas. When we are first introduced to Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37, we learn that Barnabas is not his real name but a nickname that means “son of encouragement.” This was a nickname given him by the apostles and one which he definitely lived up to. Barnabas started by encouraging those around him and building them up, and then becoming a missionary in foreign fields.
Many times, when…