How is it possible? People transformed by salvation. They were changed by Jesus. This is how they responded. People saved by grace through faith in Jesus form a community, following Jesus’ instruction. They were devoted to sharing this spiritual journey.
Jesus taught about a Good Samaritan: courageous, compassionate, committed, cash and credit. Luke 10:25
“He handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” – Luke 10:35
“He handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” – Luke 10:35
They responded by sharing their resources. Acts 4:32-27
Setting up a stewardship team for the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1-7
A new church of believers began in Antioch of Syria, the first place where they were called “mini-Jesus” Christians. This was the first church that was notably a blend of many Gentile believers alongside Jewish believers. They responded to a prophecy about a coming famine throughout the Roman empire. They responded by sending as much money as they could afford to aid the believers in primarily Jewish churches. They sent this with the apostles Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:19-30
Why? What do we learn from these early Christians?
- Courageous generosity was part of their identity, values, purpose, plans, and action.
- Equity was part of their culture and values.
- People with money, didn’t look at people with less as an enemy or less than. And vice versus.
- Often, they made donations that were to be stewarded by the elders and the teams given this responsibility.
What should we do?
1. Consider what these truths mean to us personally and as a church family.
2. Pray, asking God what He would have you do.
3. Talk with other believers about it.
4. Plan for how you are going to prepare to take action.
1. Consider what these truths mean to us personally and as a church family.
2. Pray, asking God what He would have you do.
3. Talk with other believers about it.
4. Plan for how you are going to prepare to take action.