SOAP: bigger grace

S - 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, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. — Acts 11:23-24 (ESV)

O - Barnabas, as a man of the Spirit, enjoyed the grace of God that went further than anyone expected or was comfortable with. Was it because of this unexpected turn that Barnabas specifically reminded them to be steadfastly faithful? Because of God's grace, and Barnabas' encouragement, a great number of people were added to God. Added to the Lord... As if adding was not adding to the 'church' for its sake, but adding to the Lord for his sake.

A - God's grace is bigger than I expected. More are able to be added to the Lord than I ever thought. And they are added not to a plan, organization, etc... But to the Lord. Even Gentiles, those who are 'surely' out

P - Blow up my vision of you, your grace, and your church.