Title: What Will It Take for Us to Become One?
Text:
Acts 4:32 (ESV)
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.
Observation:
As I read God's Word, and fellowship with God's people, I am convinced that we can become one when we are united in purpose, soul, and mind.
It's amazing what can be accomplished when a community of God's people are united in heart and soul. These first century believers, as a result of their unity, voluntarily gave to one another.
We see that the generosity of the first Christ followers recorded in Acts was also found among other believers as Paul wrote about in his second letter to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (ESV)
1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,
2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,
4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—
5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
What is the key to being generous to others? The answer is found in this verse.
2 Corinthians 8:5 (ESV)
5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
Notice this important truth, "They gave themselves first to the Lord, and then by the will of God to us".
Why not decide to become a generous and cheerful giver, and a gracious and thankful receiver. Then watch and see what God will do as you love God, and love one another. What God has done for others, He will do for you.
Prayer:
Father, I feel compelled to pray this prayer; that You would unite husbands and wives, families, prayer partners (two or more), and small groups, to come together, and begin to love God, and love one another in words and deeds.
We can do this if we pray. God will work in us, and through us. As we give glory to Him, He will shower all of us with blessings from above. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:
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