Scripture:
Acts 4:32-35 NKJV
[32] Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. [33] And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. [34] Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, [35] and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Observation:
The early portion of the book of Acts is the birth of the early church. As the book begins, we see many absolutely amazing things take place. Not only do we see the arrival of the Holy Spirit but we get to see how HE moves and operates in believers who are made bold by HIS presence. Seeing a lame beggar healed, Peter and John stood in front of the religious leaders and Jewish council as though they themselves had healed that man. Being released after a good flogging and strict instructions not to say anything else about Jesus. We see the church’s layout begin to take shape as Peter and the other apostles attend to the needs of those who are seeing all this unfold. What a wonderful time that must have been. Looking at what we see written in scripture. I have always loved the way GOD has laid out the church and the way it’s supposed to operate. However, things seem to have changed a lot since that day, but fortunately enough for us, GOD has not changed. HE remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Is that not what the scripture says? So let’s look at how the LORD laid out the way the church is supposed to operate, shall we? The first thing I see is that the church of that day all had the same heart. Going straight to the scripture so that it’s not misquoted or misunderstood. The word says, “now a multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul.” This means that they were all on the same page. Let’s see what happens as a result of being on the same page, “neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” So, what we just got the opportunity to read is that the early church was selfless. They were concerned about the community as a whole. Not just their own household. They had a love for the other members of the church. As the apostles did what they were called to do, which is to witness to everyone about the resurrection, they did that with great power, and the grace of GOD was upon them in great measure. But here is where things get a little interesting. As the church is being laid out and no one is claiming anything to be their own. We see the results of that. The bible says, “nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” When I think about that time. I see how the LORD’s plan and design for the way all this is absolutely perfect. Looking at what is said in these few short verses shows us what it truly looks like to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Application:
I have honestly fallen in love with this design. A community that loves one another enough to meet the needs of those who find themselves in it. So much so that the big homes and all the possessions they have become not important at all. Can you imagine the struggles that would go away in this world if we would just learn how to love like this. If we were to stop worrying about what we are and start looking at it in this fashion. If it’s all GOD, why not let HIM meet the needs of others with it? I mentioned a lady yesterday who needed some help. This is a lady who has a need, and I want to thank those 4 people who responded. I know it’s not really the time of year to be asking people to dig a little deeper into their bank accounts to help someone they do not know. But I have watched this lady come to church regularly. I have seen the efforts she has made to improve her life. She really needs to see the love that the church should have for those who are in need, and honestly not just because she is in need, but because she is our neighbor. Life has chewed her up and spit her out, and I refuse to let her fall to the wayside, just because she is not one of the beautiful people. She may not fit the demographic. But she is one of GOD’S children, and HE loves her just as much as HE loves anyone who is reading this. I love the core values at the church I attend. The two that come to mind as I’m writing this morning are live like the word of GOD is true, and people over policy. Today I am going to put those 2 core values into action. The word of GOD tells me that if I give, it will be given back, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Over the past few years, I have been collecting things to build a house as soon as the property I’m buying is paid off. Someone gave me enough flooring for my bathroom. Ironically, the need this lady has is for her bathroom to be fixed. I’m offering up that flooring, the labor to install it, and the rest of the labor to fix what is needed. If you are interested in helping please send me a personal message so that we can love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We are the church. It has nothing to do with a brand or a building. It’s we who are called to love them like Jesus. To set ourselves aside, and think of others as more important. We are called to build the kingdom not our kingdom. Selfless love is what Jesus taught us. When HE climbed up on that cross,HE gave us an example. Set down who you think you are and what you think you need and pick up who HE has made you to be. It’s how HE designed it. Get outside of you and step into what HE has for you. Im telling you the rewards are going to be worth it.
Prayer:
Father, you know the ones who are on the edge. I’m asking you to push them off. You know how you have laid out the church. You know how you have designed us to operate. I pray this morning that your Holy fire fall. I pray that your people who are called by your name would rise up and fan into flames the gifts and callings you have placed on them. I pray that your provision would be evident in this situation. That you would stir the hearts of those whom you have given the gift of giving and the gift of service to met the needs of this child of yours. We know that you are able to do way more than we could ever ask or imagine. So we are releasing you to do what only you can do. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, and will provide all our needs according to your riches and glory, so we are not ask you to operate outside of your word we are only asking you to move your people to show your love. Its in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen