The Spirit Leads Me to Boldly Share
Scripture Passage: Acts 4:32-37 (NASB)
32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need.
36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 and who owned a tract of land. So he sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
SUMMARY
The apostles continue to share the powerful messages and the gospel, and the people are filled with the Holy Spirit. The unity of the believers was evident during this time, as they changed their lifestyle immediately by sharing their possessions, donating to the church and to the needy.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
This is what happens when people are filled with the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit resides in us, it is not that we might just speak in tongues. The purpose of the empowering of the Holy Spirit is for us to be bold witnesses. This is what exactly happened to the people who accepted the gospel from the apostles in this passage. They were of one heart and soul! The abundant grace was enough for them and they did not need to care for what belonged to them, but it all belonged to God.
APPLICATION
I've experienced in my life that God could literally take away everything from me if He allowed it to happen, whether they are possessions or people. Am I bold enough to claim that what I have in my life is all God's, and am I willing to give it all to God? Do I boldly claim that God is my master? Do I fully surrender our lordship to God? I really envy the setting of this passage where everyone -the gospel messengers and the receivers- are all in for one purpose. The resurrection of Jesus Christ and the fullness of grace was upon them. The consequence of being Spirit-filled was to share everything, and not claiming their own portion. I am eager to live a spirit-filled life, not for my own personal faith journey, but to be a witness of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
God, I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit every moment in my life to be used by you, Lord. Please give me a heart to claim you as my Lord all my life, and to share what you gave me to be a strong witness in my community. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
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