Practice: Give 5.4 - January 24, 2010

Practice # 5 – Give
5.4 – What could be done?

Acts 4:32-35 (New International Version)
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. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There 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 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
 
Some things that we can know about the early church:
•    They were unified
•    They owned their obligation to help one another
•    They were willing to sacrifice to make sure that everyone had enough
•    As a result, the message was preached with great power
•    As a result, much grace was upon them all

If we adopted this mindset, what could be done?

1.    People in our church would be blessed
We have an obligation to care for our church family first… this is biblical.
 1 John 3:17 (New International Version)
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

2.    People in the community would be blessed
Hebrews 10:24 (New International Version)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

1 Peter 2:12 (New International Version)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
•    This is so much more than moral correctness.
•    The question that we have to wrestle with is: Are we good to the people around us?
•    You don’t love people unless they know you love them.
 
Some real things that could happen:
•    Feeding the hungry
•    Giving a hand
•    Local Improvement
•    A building that is a launching pad into the community

Where does it start?

Proverbs 18:16 (New International Version)
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.

Do we want to be a good church that people can feel comfortable coming to?  Or do we want to be a part of something great?