Unity in Giving Acts 6:1-2

6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

INTRO: Music Group; Marching Band; Sports Team; We’d agree all need Unity for Success.

CHRISTIAN UNITY was, is, and always will be how God’s mission is lived out in the world.

NEED: to understand the POWER OF UNITY; To AVOID the devil’s tactics; to encourage us to Give Generously AND share our resources with one another.

GOD DESIRES UNITY - 6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing

The numbers were increasing because of the unity in the Church.

UNITY - being united or joined together as a whole.

John 17:22-23 “I have given them the glory You gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love me.

Psalm 133:1 “1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

UNITY is always under attack. DIVISION.

GOD DISLIKES DIVISION - 6:1B

Division is a tactic of Satan used create discord and hatred among God’s people.

Political division; Economic Division; Racial Division; Gender division.

DIVISION in the church. (v. 1) Hellenistic vs Hebraic Jews. Both Christians…yet DIVIDED. We are as weak as we divided.

Jesus and the Prince of Demons -A KINGDOM DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT STAND!

BUT, We are only strong when we are united.

1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say (FOLLOW LEADERSHIP)and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” NOT INDEPENDENT THOUGHT OF WHAY GOD HAS COMMANDED.

GOD DELIGHTS IN UNITED GIVING - 6:2-3

How shall I give? What should I give? Crefflo Dollar/PROSPERITY Preachers; Jesus said in Matthew 23:23 “You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

Acts 4: 32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.

33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.

34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.

37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Judge Mathis - DEVIL’S TACTIC of Distraction – neglecting the word; prayer, and GIVING.

SEE, DISTRACTION is when we, are most vulnerable to spiritual attacks.

Especially in GIVING Because you can’t give if you feel fearful of times; financially oppressed; politically opposed; .

If we focus on the DISTRACTIONS, GIVING is the first thing that stops.

Don’t let anything distract you from Giving to God. It is your blessing. Stay Focus and Committed.

You are giving to God to help people. You have to trust the Church. You have to be determined to give.

CLOSE: It is important that our commitment to Giving to the Church never ceases .

Giving is an expression of our Christian Unity. You can’t be a member of your frat without giving.

You are giving to God, not to a person.

1 Corinthians 16:2- On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

I hope you are encouraged, to enter the UNITY IN GIVING which the Lord has prescribed for His people...for God Glory and Neighbors Good.