Today's Passage - Acts 4:32-37

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River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Acts 4:32-27 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. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 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 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. The early church was a church that testified courageously, prayed earnestly, and was filled by the Holy Spirit, it was also a church filled with life of love, where the lives of the believers were truly changed by God. Verse 32 says 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." A life that hasn't been changed by the Lord can only think of his own interest, and he would claim that "this was mine before, why is it not mine anymore?" When a person's life was changed by the Lord, he no longer seeks for his own interest, holds on tight to the blessing God granted him or only cares about his own needs; rather, he cares about what God wants us to testify for Him in the world. Therefore, in the early church, many were willing to give up all the properties that God gave them and to completely put themselves in God's hands for His to use. That's how we can tell it was a church that has been changed by God.   Next, there was an example of love. In verse 36, there was a man named Barnabas who was gifted in encouraging and comforting people. After Paul repented and turned back to the Lord on his way to Damascus, he was on fire for the Lord and was preaching the gospel all around. He said that he used to persecute the Lord, but then he knew the Lord. He preached everywhere, so not only the Jews wanted to kill him, but brothers and sisters in the church didn't accept him either, and everyone kept distance from him. Barnabas was the only one who sought for Paul and brought God's comfort to him. Barnabas brought Paul out and trained Paul until he became a servant who was used by God mightily.  Aren't there also people around us whose have been hurt inside before? I often feel that the gift that the church needs to most is not preaching, but rather the gift of encouragement. It we look around, we would see that the greatest need is not food and drink or deep knowledge, but rather providing comfort and encouragement for people who are in sadness. You and I are loved by the Lord, so are we willing to bring comfort and truth from the Lord to those who are in need? Pray with Pastor Tong Lord, I thank you because you've place the example of Barnabas before us. May the Lord use us to comfort others in our daily life, so that people around us may be encouraged by God through us. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen! River of Life Christian Church | office@rolcc.net | ROLCC Website

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