Open Hands, Open Heart 🙌❤️
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A Look at Barnabas and the Kind of Church Member We All Want to Be
Hey friends,
As we get deeper into this year, I’ve been thinking a lot about our church theme: “Open Heart; Open Doors.” I hope you haven’t forgotten it… because it really matters. It’s not just a slogan for a banner—it’s a way of living out our faith.
And honestly, we’ve already seen God opening some incredible doors this year! 🚪
- ✏️ Two Bible clubs thriving in our local schools.
- 🌸 Nearly 500 people joined us on Easter Sunday.
- 🧃 Over 25 kids accepted Christ during Vacation Bible School!
- 🚗 And just last weekend, many of you were at Hogs and Hot Rods sharing the Gospel one conversation at a time.
But here’s something I believe with all my heart: God doesn’t open those kinds of doors without open-hearted people standing in the gap. People like you. People who see the need and say, “I want to be part of that.”
Meet Barnabas 👋
A man who lived out our theme before we ever picked it
Let’s talk about one of my favorite Bible characters—Barnabas.
(Although, spoiler alert: that wasn’t actually his real name.)
He was born Joses—a strong, respectable Jewish name. But somewhere along the way, the apostles started calling him something else: Barnabas. Why the nickname?
Because it meant “Son of Encouragement.”
And when your friends start calling you Encourager, you know you’re doing something right. 😄
This wasn’t a label he gave himself. It was a reflection of how others experienced him—comforting, generous, uplifting, and spiritually solid. Wouldn’t you love to be known like that?
Some Things You Might Not Know About Barnabas 🧐
- He was a Levite, part of the religious elite that, for the most part, resisted Jesus. So his conversion was huge. He might’ve been one of the very first Levites to follow Christ.
- He was from Cyprus 🇨🇾, a beautiful island that would later become his first mission field. Yep, Barnabas was a missionary too!
- He likely had a deep knowledge of Scripture, and used it to point people to Jesus.
But what’s the first real act we see from him?
He Gave Generously—No Strings Attached 💰➡️👣
Acts 4:37 tells us that Barnabas sold some property, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
No press release. No plaque with his name on it. No “reserved pew.” Just a sincere act of love.
He didn’t say, “Use this only for such-and-such project.” He didn’t ask for recognition. He just gave—freely and fully.
💭 Think about it: he could’ve sold the land and pocketed the money. Or he could’ve given part of it and still looked good. But Barnabas gave it all. That’s what an open heart looks like.
Let’s Make It Personal 👀
If your church family gave you a nickname based on how you serve, love, and give… what would it be?
🧍♂️ Would it be “Encourager”?
🤝 “Helper”?
😬 Or maybe “That guy who always complains about the temperature in the sanctuary”?
At Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle, I’ve met a lot of modern-day Barnabases. Quiet heroes. Faithful givers. People who step in with a kind word or a helping hand without needing a spotlight. I want to be more like them.
Watch Your Motive 🎯
Here’s the thing: in American church culture, giving can sometimes feel like dues at a country club. Ever heard someone say, “Well, I’m a tithing member…”?
🚨 That kind of thinking can lead us to expect perks or influence based on what we give. But that’s not how Barnabas rolled.
He gave with zero strings attached.
No demands. No drama. Just obedience.
That’s why God used him in bigger and bigger ways. He could be trusted with open doors… because his heart stayed open.
Two Simple Challenges for Today 🙏
- Pray for an open heart.
- Ask God to soften your spirit, so you’re quick to encourage, quick to serve, and quick to give.
- Examine your giving.
- Is it cheerful? Is it free? Is it attached to expectations or done in faith?
If you want to see more open doors in your life, start by opening your heart. That’s what Barnabas did—and look how God used him!
Thanks for reading, friend. You matter to God. You matter to this church.
Let’s be a community full of open hearts and ready hands. 🙌❤️
– Pastor Gary
