TAKE THE LEAD: INVEST IN OTHERS
How can I make the most impact with the influence God has given me?

Read:
Acts 9:1-31; 11:19-30; and 15:36-41
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%209:1-31;%2011:19-30;%2015:36-41&version=MSG

This month we are looking at leadership. As we have discussed, we each have positions of leadership in our homes, jobs, and in the Kingdom. We've looked at courage, influence, picking up God's agenda, and walking with God. This week we'll wrap up the study and talk about the messy part of leadership: investing yourself in others. Our lesson writer says: "If you are who you need to be, if you're leading for the right reasons, and if you're chasing God's purposes for your life, then the most important thing you can give to others is yourself."

1. INVEST RELATIONALLY (ACTS 9:26-27 HCSB):

26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

Relationships are risky, but they're worth it.
What are the risks we face in relationships?

2. INVOLVE OTHERS (ACTS 11:19-26 HCSB):

19 Those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 Then the report about them was heard by the church that was at Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

One of the miraculous things about the church is that it's formed by people like you and me.
What can this passage teach us about teamwork within the church?

3. RECOGNIZE POTENTIAL (ACTS 15:36-41 HCSB):

36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they're doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Sometimes spiritual leaders need to fight for the underdog.
What does this passage teach us about restoring people to ministry despite their past failures?

Our lesson writer says: "Relationships allow us to recognize how God is working in others. Relationships allow us to join God where He's working. They allow us to encourage others to look beyond their pasts so they can see their potential for future success. Relationships are a key measure to our ministry success. They're messy, but they're also rewarding."
How are you doing in your investments? Take time right now and check on them. If you haven't yet made your contacts in your Care Group, what are you waiting for? Make the investment.
Remember, today and always, in Joplin and all parts of the world, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship - Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers