What Does Encouragement Do (From our 4-27-25 Worship)
Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/dek9IAc24wI
Summary:
Summary of Sermon: The Power of Encouragement
Summary:
Summary of Sermon: The Power of Encouragement
Personal Introduction
- Speaker expresses deep pride in Colin Gregory for handling song service challenges calmly.
- Recalls personal story where Chris Kaufman helped him during a mistake, highlighting how important calm encouragement is.
- Leads into the theme: Encouragement has powerful, lasting impact.
Story of Grandma Moses
- Anna Mary Robertson ("Grandma Moses") began painting at age 76 after arthritis ended her embroidery career.
- Her sister Celestia encouraged her by gifting a child's art kit, suggesting, "Paint the scenes you used to stitch."
- From that small encouragement, she became a world-famous folk artist, with paintings selling for over $1.36 million.
- Lesson: A simple word or action of encouragement can change the course of someone's life forever.
Transition to Spiritual Application
- Encouragement is not just for art or career—it’s crucial in our spiritual lives.
- Hebrews 10:24 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Study of Barnabas (Joseph) - Acts 4
- Joseph, renamed Barnabas ("son of encouragement"), was so known for encouragement it became his identity.
- Key Point: Encouragement can reshape who you are in the eyes of others.
- Encouragement is a learned skill, not an inborn trait. Anyone can develop it through practice.
Practical Ways to Encourage
- Listen carefully — People often reveal what they need if you pay attention.
- Use reminders — A text, call, or follow-up shows you care and can make a huge impact.
- Small actions — Encouragement doesn’t always require big gestures; small, thoughtful acts matter.
Encouragement in Action - Acts 9
- Barnabas vouched for Saul (Paul) when others were too afraid of him, breaking down barriers for him to be accepted.
- Key Point: Encouragement can remove obstacles others cannot move on their own.
- Sometimes, encouragement means using your reputation to give someone else a chance.
Challenge to the Church
- Unlock potential — Like Barnabas, we should help others grow and serve.
- Break down barriers — We may be the bridge someone needs to find faith, community, or hope.
- Work together — The church body has many talents and skills; encouragement helps all parts function better.
Closing Thoughts
- The speaker thanks the congregation for their encouragement during a recent hard time (loss of grandfather and brother's surgery).
- Final Appeal:
- Encouragement Invitation rather than traditional invitation.
- Encourages people to reach out if they need help, reminding them that allowing others to help is a blessing, not a burden.
Would you also like me to create a super short version (like a one-paragraph "elevator pitch" summary) too? 🚀
