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Freeing up people and resources to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth since 1984
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Barnabas Encourager
And News
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David & Debbie Bragonier Serving People & Proclaiming Biblical Stewardship Principles Through Barnabas Since 1984
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What Is It Like Doing Business
With
Aquila and Priscilla?
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According to the Apostle Paul, it appears that Aquila and Priscilla were two very special people and trustworthy, committed Christians. What did Paul experience in his relationship with them that we can draw benefit from today?
Here's some of what we learn from Luke as he writes the 18th chapter of Acts regarding Paul, Aquila and Priscilla (vs. 1-4): "After these things he (Paul) left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent- makers. And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 
Aquila was in the tent making trade; and most likely Priscilla was heavily involved in the business also as their names are always mentioned together. Note that Paul sought them out! Their reputations as tentmakers must have been of the quality, workmanship and high moral standards that would attract Paul to team together with them.
Today, in our own business or vocation, what characteristics in our personal work habits, business practices or management abilities attracts other people to want to seek us out and engage in our business? How willing are we to opening our home and inviting others to live with us, support their ministry efforts, even amidst our own busy and demanding schedule?
The Scriptures don't really tell us when Aquila and Priscilla were saved? However, based upon the fact that Priscilla's name appears four out of six times before Aquila's name, we might assume that she may have initially been the more active Believer?
It is possible that the two of them, as Jews, may have been present at the time of Pentecost in Acts 2. Luke specifically mentions their home country (Pontus) in describing those present that day. If so, it is possible they were there and saved at that time. That is a scriptural unknown.
Regardless, think of what it would have been like to have Paul living in your house, working beside you every day, and hearing him trying to persuade Jews and Greeks in the synagogue every Sabbath! Wow, what an incredible spiritual growth experience that must have been! Think of Aquila and Priscilla being continually instructed by Paul's insights, edification and his grasp of God's all sufficient grace! Their personal spiritual growth and maturity must have been phenomenal.
 Who and what are we seeking to make sure we are growing in the knowledge of God's Word and personal edification? Who is our spiritual Paul with whom we seek to spend time? Paul had the "encourager" Barnabas for a critical season of his life. Who do we have as our spiritual mentor? If we have none, how active are we in pursuing such an important and critical relationship?
Continuing in Acts 18:18-19, we read, "Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. They came to Ephesus, and he left them there . . . . ."
Note that Priscilla and Aquila continue to travel with Paul. If prompted by the Holy Spirit, how ready and willing are we to uproot our business or change jobs for the sake of taking the Gospel to unsaved people, a new city or even a distant country?
There are also clear evidences that this couple practiced sound stewardship principles. Their business prospered allowing them to travel with Paul, provide him housing and financial backing while he devoted himself to the Word (vs. 5). They may have been homeowners as their house was large enough to host the local church where they resided.
On Paul's third missionary journey (in verses 23-28), we read of the spiritual impact he had upon Priscilla and Aquila; "And having spent some time there, he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ." 
What proactive steps should we take to assure that our understanding of God's Word is comprehensive and mature enough so that we can impact those around us? Are we equipped to show people the way of God more accurately, even those mighty in the Scriptures?
When Paul concludes his first letter to the Corinthians he states 16:19, "The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." As we conclude this article and think about our own personal applications, what additional or renewed ways can we serve our Lord that will give us the future opportunity to personally greet distant people heartily in the Lord? What new or renewed service and stewardship opportunities should we consider so that we are fully and completely identified with Christians within our current sphere of influence? How well do people identify us with the Lord, the local church community and the cause of Christ?
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David & Debbie Bragonier
P.S.
This article is an excerpt created from
our Barnabas "It's None of Your Business"
Bible Study. We meet at noon on the 2nd
and 4th Thursdays of each month at Capital Planning Advisors in Roseville, CA. Contact
our office for details if you would like to
attend, or if such a study would bring benefit
to your business or spere of influence.
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We are very grateful for all our financial supporters and those who have contributed extra funding toward our $10,000 Social Media makeover project. Our new logo is complete, our Linkedin page is updated and our new website is under construction. We still need $2700 to complete our list of budgeted updating tasks. Can you help?
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Barnabas Seminars and Tools To Enhance Your Church's Financial Education Program
Counseling & Consulting 
We offer an ongoing schedule of counseling, including long-distance counseling through Facetime or your computer. We provide instruction, practical help and encouragement. Some cases are complex and difficult situations, while others are simply fine tuning sessions. Contact our office to schedule a personal session.
Getting Your Financial House in Order Seminar
A live, fun event impacting and expanding every attendees level of understanding regarding biblical stewardship and personal responsibility. Content can work in tandem with current church goals.
Budgeting and Cash Management Workshop
Learn and implement the basics of living within one's means, controlling spending, reducing debt, managing cash-flow and achieving goals.
Financial Team Development & Counselor Training
Structured education, training and hands-on practice that equips individuals and couples for financial ministry service (see below).
Church Coaching and Mentoring Program
A comprehensive, accountability factored, on-going program to insure that biblical financial principles are taught on a continual basis to the whole congregation; including the offering of financial counseling and mentoring by a trained financial team.
Conferences and Speaking Engagements
Personalized sessions for churches, organizations and businesses.
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Barnabas and Bragonier Family
Updates and News
Business Bible Study in the Roseville, CA area
Last month we launched our Bible study with a group of business leaders focusing on life, marriage and business issues. We study business leaders in the bible in order to gain wisdom and personal applications for today. For more information on beginning a study at your business contact us at (916) 316-7500.
Our Family Wedding - Introducing Capt. John and Lauren Bragonier - Married Sept. 30th
As you can see, Morgan and Emily flew the Alaska Airlines plane and passengers from Seattle to San Diego, while Joe and Christy sat in the back. Dave and Debbie had fun with all the family. Here we are with Madison just after the wedding ceremony.
Almost all the Bragonier Clan attended. We enjoyed lots of laughs hanging around the Marriott hotel pool and enjoying the San Diego Liberty Station and Point Loma area. The rehearsal dinner was held in "Little Italy" at the very popular Filippi's Italian Restaurant.
The wedding and reception were held at the Thursday Club, a women's charity and fund raising organiztion, to which one of my cousins belongs. It was the perfect venue with a beautiful outdoor setting for the wedding ceremony. The reception was held inside in a lovely indoor facility that overlooks the ocean. The brides family did an incredible job in making sure all the tables and decorations were fitting for this God-honoring celebration.
As some of you may know, our son John chose to save his very first kiss for
the girl God would lead him to marry. So we were all witnesses to that special occasion. The pastor took the time to let the entire audience know about this "first kiss" and shared his encouragement for such a meaningful commitment.
After the reception the bride and groom were chauffuered away in a beautiful, vintage Rolls-Royce.
 They were driven to the eloquent Hotel del Coronado (a dream come true for Lauren). They spent two wonderful nights enjoying the hotel in the honeymoon suite, the ocean view and starting life together as a married couple.
After their stay in San Diego they drove up to Disneyland, "The Happiest Place On Earth." They visited the park for two days and lodged
at the Disneyland Hotel. To top the honeymoon off they then sailed on a four night Princess Cruise to Mexico and back to Los Angeles. What a fun and romantic honeymoon! Way to go John!
Both John and Lauren are now in Clovis, NM and settling into John's rented house. Lauren has already done an incredible job in redecorating John's "Man Cave" and transforming it into a beautiful, warm, cozy home. John's only comment has been, "I love everything she has done. I just can't find where she has relocated some of my stuff?" John is back to flying as a USAF pilot.
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PRAYER & FINANCIAL SUPPORT RESPONSE FORM
We thank you for your prayers and financial support which allows us to teach biblical principles, counsel those in need and train others to do the same in their own church!
*Important Social Media Project Update*
Many have participated financially to help fund our $10,000 social media project budget. Our goal remains to raise the $2,800 additional still needed to fulfill this goal. Our hope is to see this balance funded from our Barnabas Encouragers willing to give over and above general budget giving. We ask that you prayerfully consider to what level you can participate and help is complete all aspects of this project.
Dear Dave and Debbie,
Here's my/our prayer request(s) and ways we will support Barnabas:
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Enclosed is our regular financial support check of $___________ |
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Enclosed is an over and above gift of $_________
to help fund your Social Media project budget.
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Add me to your e-mail newsletter list:
Name:
E-mail: ________________________________
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E-mail or address changes______________________________
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Contact me about a seminar, workshop or training at my church:
____________________________________________
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Your giving is a living example of God's love, grace and provision!
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Take Action Today!
- Feel free to forward this e-mail to your pastor, family and friends.
- Contact our office to schedule a seminar, workshop or lay counselor training.
- Check to make sure we have your updated e-mail addresses and contact information.
- Send us your prayer requests. We want to join you in your specific prayer needs.
- Please make your donation checks payable to "Barnabas"
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Barnabas Financial Ministry
P.O. Box 3128,
Rocklin, CA 95677
916.316.7500 * E-mail: barnabas.money@gmail.com
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