Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: Money and Generosity
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Holding Onto Youby Mike Flathers; All Over the Worldby Matt Redman; Glory to God Forever by Fee; How He Loves Us by David Crowder.
Read: Acts 2:44-47
Think: Today's bible passage from the Book of Acts sounds like a hippie commune from the 1960s. I was part of that generation - I never moved to a commune but I definitely had the long hair, bell bottom paisley cutout jeans, headband and peace symbol. We created a counter culture! In much the same way, the Christians in Acts 2 created a counterculture of their own that lasts to this day!
The culture of the time included rich rulers, affluent religious leaders, hatred for Romans who taxed excessively and a definite distrust of the temple merchants who took advantage of God's command to give and provide a sacrifice. There were many poor people, laborers, slaves and the unemployable (disabled by blindness, sickness, or mental illness).
Stress, struggle for survival, hatred and distrust permeated this culture. But when the Holy Spirit empowered and poured out His love on the disciples in Acts 2 they proclaimed salvation, deliverance and warned that the people "Be saved from this corrupt generation" (Acts 2:40). The community of Christians became known for fellowship, sharing meals, prayer and generosity. They reclaimed the temple courts for praise!
We experience that counterculture at Timberlake Church. The Lord has added to our number weekly those who are being saved. Many who are suffering life's hurts are finding healing and wholeness, lonely people are finding fellowship, lives are being changed by the power of God!
Do: Look for opportunities at Timberlake and in your everyday life to spread this counterculture of giving and generosity. Help by serving during a weekend worship service, help with the prayer ministry, seek out new people to the church and offer a warm welcome and the hand of fellowship.
Pray: Father, we want to be like the church of Acts 2 offering salvation, deliverance and generosity. Teach us, guide us and empower us by your Holy Spirit to be that kind of church and bring honor to YOU! Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church. |
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