How can we overcome fear when welcoming new believers into our church community? A Snapshot of the Scene—Acts 9:26 “When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.” Why Fear Creeps In • Paul’s violent past felt too recent and too real. • The Jerusalem believers lacked firsthand evidence of his conversion. • Fear thrives when imagination replaces information. • Similar anxieties surface today: “Is this newcomer genuine? Will they change our group dynamic?” Grounding Our Hearts in God’s Work • Saul’s story proves that Christ can transform anyone (1 Timothy 1:15–16). • The risen Lord had personally commissioned Saul (Acts 9:15–16); doubting Saul meant doubting Jesus’ word. • Remember: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). If God started it, we can safely welcome it. Practical Steps to Replace Fear with Faith 1. Listen Before Labeling – Invite the newcomer’s testimony, just as Barnabas did (Acts 9:27). – Hearing concrete details re-anchors our minds in truth, not speculation. 2. Assign a Barnabas – Pair each new believer with a trusted, mature member who can vouch for and walk beside them. – A known friend bridges the gap between past reputation and present reality. 3. Lean on Scripture, Not Suspicion – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). – Let God’s promises shape the atmosphere of the gathering. 4. Practice Visible Acceptance – “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). – A warm greeting, a shared meal, or an open seat signals genuine embrace. 5. Cultivate Transparent Community – Encourage honest questions, shared struggles, and mutual confession (James 5:16). – Transparency dissolves suspicion and knits hearts together. Strengthening Courage with Companion Verses • Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). • Love believes all things, hopes all things (1 Corinthians 13:7). • “Do not fear, for I am with you” applies to fellowship as well as personal trials (Isaiah 41:10). A Final Encouragement Barnabas chose faith over fear, and the church gained its greatest missionary. Welcoming today’s new believer with the same Christ-centered courage could unleash tomorrow’s world changer. |
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