Kingdom Building!

Barnabas was a gifted disciple who helped build the first Christian community at Antioch. As a missionary disciple with Saul, they spent a year in Antioch and a large number was added to the Lord (V.24). As missionary disciples, building the kingdom of God takes more than a desire to do good and to work hard. We need to learn to be led by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples prayed. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2). They listened to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Then Barnabas and Saul acted upon the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Kingdom building is much easier when we pray, listen, discern, then act on the power of the Holy Spirit.