FELLOWSHIP AND FINANCE
Opening Prayer
Father, thank you that You know what I need before I ask You. Thank You that You love to hear and answer my prayers.
Read Acts 4:32–37
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Are your finances impacted by your faith?I love my church family and am proud of what I have seen God do in us to bring together a diverse and committed group of people. The church we read about in today’s passage paints an even more beautiful picture of unity and togetherness: ‘of one heart and soul’ (32) is a remarkable description made possible only by Jesus. There was an evident generosity among the believers through the sharing of possessions (34, 35) so that people were cared for. The trust the people had in the apostles’ character and leadership is also remarkable (35) no strings, caveats or conditions attached to the money they gave for distribution.
Finances and faith can sometimes be a touchy subject but there’s clearly no pressure or coercion in this fellowship. People willingly and gladly gave in response to what they had come to believe about the risen Jesus (33). It’s hard to claim that we know and trust in Jesus if our financial priorities don’t reflect this (1 John 3:16–18).
Apply
Now that you’ve read this passage, might God be prompting you to give generously and to help someone you know who is in need?
Closing prayer
O Lord, pour out Your Spirit upon Your church around the world, causing us to love You and one another more deeply than ever.
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