Acts 11.20-23 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.  Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

During the time recounted in Acts 11, the church had experienced an intense wave of persecution. Note the effect that it had, and will always have, on the true church: powerful evangelism and proclaiming the Lord Jesus. Because their only message was Jesus and the gospel that bears His Name, the hand of The Lord was with them. And as a result of their pure, organic proclaiming of the Lord Jesus, many believed and turned to The Lord. Word got back to “headquarters” about what happened. Barnabas was dispatched to see exactly what was going on.

When he arrived, he saw the grace of God and was glad. He didn’t see Baptists or Calvinists or Armenians. He saw people who turned to Christ in faith. The grace of God came down into their dead souls and God said, “Let there be life!” Barnabas’ final exhortation? With purpose of heart, cleave to The Lord. Precious bride of Christ, avoid getting bogged down with “isms” and tedious mechanics of “how to follow Jesus.” Love Him for Who He is. Thank Him for what He has done for you. Cleave to Him with all of your heart. Drop the labels. Worship The Lord of Glory. For it is His grace that makes us glad.