The Sharing Church

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 4:32-36

TO CHEW ON: "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32

It was only weeks after Jesus had returned to heaven. But the people who believed in Jesus lived with Holy Spirit power and amazing things happened. The Apostles - Peter, John and others - preached boldly. Signs and miracles happened everywhere. As a result thousands believed in Jesus.

These new followers of Jesus spent a lot of time together - meeting in the temple courts, praising God and boasting about what He had done. They even ate their meals together.

"The Apostles preaching" - Artist unknown

Another thing they did was share – everything they had. In fact, people were so generous, they sold their things and brought the money to the leaders to help pay for the needs of those who didn’t have enough. Not one of those early Christians needed to beg, use food stamps or go to the food bank.

"They shared what they had" - Artist unknown

How do you feel about sharing? Is it hard for you to let others use, borrow or have your stuff? Has anyone ever shared with you? Which do you find easier, to share your things with someone or to take when someone shares with you?

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to willingly share my possessions. Amen.

MORE: Share Your Stuff- Go through your closets, drawers and shelves.

- Collect, in a bag, all the things you no longer need.

- Deliver it to the Salvation Army, your downtown mission or any place that helps people in need.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.