Great Grace

Acts 4:32–35 NKJV

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

When the early church was united in heart and soul, they experienced a great measure of grace. That grace was visible in three ways: miracles, preaching, and generosity.

In this environment the bold preaching of the Apostles was backed up with the power of God. But in these few verses the greater emphasis was on the love that the church demonstrated in generosity. Generosity that changed lives.

Additionally, the advancement of the gospel was supported by the generosity of the church. Christianity is a missionary religion. In the first century, initially there were no missions organizations nor fundraising groups. Apostles and Evangelists (missionaries) were self-supporting or were assisted by voluntary giving. Individuals and churches supported the work of the ministry, whether it be locally or abroad (cf. Philippians 4:14-19).

Whether the church was giving alms to feed the poor and needy within their congregations or whether they were sending people out to preach the gospel in the surrounding regions, it was logistically possible because people gave. Generosity that changed lives.

This was because they were driven by the words of Jesus.

Matthew 10:8 NKJV

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

The grace they have freely received from Jesus was being given away just as freely. This was manifested in them investing in others. Spending time with one another. Sowing into the kingdom.

Catching God’s Vision

Proverbs 29:18 ESV

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

When we encounter God’s truth, it creates a track on which we can run. That track carries us to the blessing of God.

It’s when we do not have God’s truth that we get off of track.

God speaks and gives us prophetic vision. His word is truth and we can stand confidently on that truth. Where He speaks, life follows.

This is why it is so important that we get a revelation about giving. The early church had a vision for giving and the result was that needs were met, people were reached, lives were changed.

This Past Year

God has a passion for people. He wants to rescue them and to transform them and to bring them into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:21).

Jesus is looking for people who will follow Him and His ways. Disciples who will be with Him, become like Him, and do what He did.

As a local church, we want to enter into God’s vision for people. We want to be disciples of Jesus and build His kingdom.

Last year, 2020, was a challenging one for our world and for the Church at large. But God has been on the move in our midst.

Last year, in October our average Sunday attendance was around 17. Last month, we were averaging about 65. We were not doing mid-week services at that time. Last Wednesday, we had 28.

Since last year, we’ve had well over 30 first time guests (based on the cards I’ve processed…and not everyone turns in cards).

We’ve baptized 9 in our first baptism service this year (and we have another coming soon).

We’ve received and given roughly $9109.19 towards missions over the past year.

According to our financial director, September giving was 26% greater this year than last year.

The Coming Year

We praise God for the great things that He has done. And I believe that God desires to continue to reach people and change people’s lives in our area.

Isaiah 43:19 NKJV

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

As we look toward the next year, let’s believe with God for the new things He wants to do.

The new people He wants to reach.

The new people He wants to see baptized.

The new ways we serve in community.

Conclusion

As we get a hold of God’s vision for our community of faith and the community that we live in, may we come into the same unity of heart and soul.

May we, like the early church, experience greater power in our midst.

May we as a church continue to give great witness to the resurrection of Jesus.

And may we, as a group of people, continue to give and live generously as freely as we have received the blessing of God on our lives.