Saturday, May 16, 2009

week 3: The Church Founders: The Choosing of Matthias

Day 5

Acts 4:32-35 (New International Version)


The Believers Share Their Possessions 32All 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. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.


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This passage gives a small glimpse of what the early Church looked like. It's small glimpse because while the early Church faced lots of hard times, the period in this passage depicts a body of believers running on all cylinders, full steam ahead. Can you imagine what your church would look like if, as described in this passage, everyone was of one heart and one mind? If your leaders boldly and powerfully proclaimed Jesus' resurrection at all times? If everyone freely shared everything they owned (even their land, and homes, and money) as if they had no claim on any of it? And no one was ever in need because those with much always gave to those with little or nothing?

This can be your church! Why? Because today's Christians are powered by the same Holy Spirit who gave strength to the believers of the early Church.

What can you do to get the ball rolling? Then how can you help others get on board to make your church look a little bit more like the one described in Acts 4?

Ask God right now for the vision and passion to make your church--or for starters, your youth group!--the kind of "body" the turns heads and gets people excited about God.

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