Your Wallet and Pocket Must Also be Converted
Rev. Tse Amable | January 31 2025 | Acts 2:42-47
KEY VERSE: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, AND SOLD THEIR POSSESSIONS AND GOODS, AND DIVIDED THEM AMONG ALL, AS ANYONE HAD NEED.” Acts 2:44-45 (NKJV)
MESSAGE: One amazingly beautiful evidence of a soul that has been converted to Jesus Christ by the gospel is that that individual's wallets, pockets, and bank account have also been converted. To prove that a person is truly born again, check his attitude toward stewardship of money, wealth, and material resources. That person sees the Lord as the owner of everything he possesses and sees himself only as a manager or steward. This attitude frees him from the spirit of stinginess and releases a spirit of liberality in him.
The early church demonstrated a spirit of giving to care for one another within the fellowship—our key verses for today point to that truth. Later, we read that “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). This spirit of giving freely to support the needy within the Body of Christ was one notable characteristic of the Church of Jesus Christ. When you read the epistles of Apostle Paul, you will see how various churches supported the brethren in Jerusalem when they needed it. For example, we read “FOR MACEDONIA AND ACHAIA WERE PLEASED TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION FOR THE POOR AMONG THE SAINTS IN JERUSALEM” (Romans 15:26). Apostle Paul testified to the Corinthians: “And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, FOR THE BROTHERS WHO CAME FROM MACEDONIA SUPPLIED WHAT I NEEDED” (2 Corinthians 11:9).
If you don't enjoy freely giving to support the programmes and activities of your congregation, fellowship or denomination, I suggest you check your heart. You might have been born again only in your soul, but your wallet, pocket and bank accounts have not yet been converted to the ownership of the Lord.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you take pleasure in and love donating your money, wealth, and material resources to support the work of the church and to expand the kingdom of God? Do you believe that the Lord owns everything and that you are merely a steward, a manager? How do you respond to appeals for funds to aid needy believers?
PRAYER:
Lord, I believe You own all my money and possessions. There is nothing I possess that I did not first receive from You. Take my silver and gold; I shall not withhold a mite from You. Such amazing love, so divine, demands my soul, my life, and my all. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 31: Genesis 42 — Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt
DAILY word study: POSSESSIONS
The word "possessions" in Acts 2:45 is translated from the Greek "ktḗmata" (κτήματα), which refers to acquired property, material goods, or wealth. This term highlights ownership of tangible assets, particularly land, homes, and valuables that one possesses. The root word, "ktaomai" (κτάομαι), means to acquire or gain, emphasizing the idea of accumulating resources.
In the early church, possessions were seen not as personal wealth but as resources entrusted by God. The believers voluntarily sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to meet the needs of the community. This act of radical generosity reflected their deep commitment to koinonia (fellowship) and mutual care. Rather than hoarding wealth, they viewed everything they had as belonging to God, demonstrating a shift from ownership to stewardship. This was not an early form of communism but a Spirit-led act of love and unity, showing that material blessings are meant to serve God's purposes.
Reflection:
How do you perceive your possessions? Are they yours to keep, or are they resources God has entrusted to you for His work? A transformed heart leads to open hands—willing to give, share, and serve. What step can you take today to use your possessions for God’s Kingdom?
ความคิดเห็น