Sermons

The Power of Showing Up 

Acts 9:26-31 and Acts 11:22-26 

April 27, 2025 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor 

 Acts 9:26-31 ESV: And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.  

 Acts 11:22-26 ESV: The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.  

 Five Essential Traits of a Disciple Maker 

 Disciple makers recognize what others often overlook. 

 Disciple makers step forward in faith, even when the path is uncertain. 

 Disciple makers draw connections between people, truth, and purpose. 

 Disciple makers discern and pursue Spirit-led opportunities for growth. 

 Disciple makers intentionally nurture relationships that lead to transformation. 

 Where do you begin to cultivate any of these traits? 

 Who do you know? 

Speaker: Brad Hoffmann

April 27, 2025

Acts 9:26-27

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