Fellowship of Faith
Acts 4:23-35
"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)
I sat around the campfire with family and friends, and the sharing and laughter went on for several hours. Most in this circle had come through times of shattered dreams, broken relationships, loss of loved ones, and other hardships. Yet the sincerity and joy of their faith was evident. There was no hidden motive or agenda, no "one-up-manship" as they spoke.
The unifying factor was their faith in the Savior. They had weathered the storms of life because Jesus was there, walking through it with them and giving them strength to endure. While circumstances weren't perfect, they had Him and knew that He promised to guide, direct, sustain, and even restore their joy. Sure, the scars were there, but the reality of a living Savior offered the ability to smile and extend love and friendship to those around them.
No matter how deep the wounds and scars in your life, Jesus Christ brings hope and joy back to you. He bears the scars forever of having died for every heartache and evil you've known.
INSIGHT
THE TOUCH OF GOD UPON THE SOUL REMINDS US THAT HE IS THERE.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Chronicles 31-32
Psalm 23
Mark 2
Acts 4:23-35
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
The Believers’ Prayer
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
“‘Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
and against his Anointed One.[a]’[b]
27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people[c] of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 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. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 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 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
Footnotes:
a. Acts 4:26 That is, Christ or Messiah
b. Acts 4:26 Psalm 2:1,2
c. Acts 4:27 The Greek is plural.
GIVE US CLEAN HANDS
How does a Christian respond to tragedy? Events like Friday's mass shooting can bring up hard questions. Where was God? Why did this happen? Click "Listen" for a biblical response from Charles Morris.
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