The Backstage Builder

Acts

When we think of the heroes of the Mercury space missions we remember names like John Glenn, Alan Shepard, and Gus Grissom. But behind the scenes, there were countless individuals whose work facilitated NASA’s groundbreaking accomplishments. The movie Hidden Figures highlights the work of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. These African American women meticulously worked through complex orbital calculations to ensure the success of these missions. They did not take the spotlight, and for many years their story was unknown to the public. Yet without their faithful unseen work the mission could not have succeeded. Every mission needs its backstage builders.

In our passage for this Sunday, we see a biblical example of this principle at work in the life and ministry of Barnabas. Though he did not plant the church in Antioch, he came to encourage the believers already at work. He facilitated the growth of the church by bringing Saul to teach and mentor, and he shared the fruit of the church’s generosity with those in need in Jerusalem. Barnabas shows us that leadership is not always about taking center stage. And what we will see is that God often builds His church through humble servants who act behind the scenes. Not every role is in the spotlight, but every role is essential.

To prepare for the sermon, spend time this week reading and meditating on Acts 11:19-30, 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Philippians 2:1-11, Galatians 6:9-10, and this article on Barnabas.

This week we will celebrate that sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon him and all his benefits. Our hymns for this week include “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken,” “Before the Throne of God Above,” and “For All the Saints.”

A Liturgical Note:
In the Church liturgical year, November 1 is designated as All Saints' Day, on which Christians traditionally remember with thanksgiving the life and witness of the faithful Christian men and women who have gone before us, following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. In the Communion Prayer this Sunday, we will remember those saints of this congregation who have died since November 1, 2024. This is not a prayer of intercession for them, but a prayer of thanksgiving for their life and faithful witness, in the assurance that Christians who have preceded us in death are "away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). 

Sermon Information:
Text: Acts 11:19-30

Title: The Backstage Builder

Outline:

1. Every Christian Must Encourage Gospel Work (vv. 19-24)
2. Every Christian Must Facilitate Gospel Growth (vv. 25-26)
3. Every Christian Must Share Gospel Fruit (vv. 27-30)

Bulletin Insert

Sunday's Bulletin