"So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Acts 2:41-47
"The people were devoted to the teaching of the Apostles" and were possessed by a great sense of awe over God's glory.
"The gospel is that Jesus “became poor for our sake so that through his poverty we might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9). When a church gets this, they become extravagantly generous toward others. The first Christians didn’t just give out of their excess. They voluntarily sold their stuff so that their were no needs among them.
Acts 2:41-47
"The people were devoted to the teaching of the Apostles" and were possessed by a great sense of awe over God's glory.
"The gospel is that Jesus “became poor for our sake so that through his poverty we might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9). When a church gets this, they become extravagantly generous toward others. The first Christians didn’t just give out of their excess. They voluntarily sold their stuff so that their were no needs among them.
Eventually this sort of gospel generosity overflowed into the streets, but it started in the church. As the apostle Paul says in Galatians, “Let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Ultimately, the love that Christians show to one another is a profound statement to an unbelieving world. It is by our love for one another, Jesus said, that the world will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35; cf. 1 Peter 4:9). As Francis Schaeffer said, “the final apologetic that Jesus gives is the observable love of true Christians for true Christians.” J.D. Greear
We had a Pancake Fundraiser supper last night at our church, and this passage in Acts immediately came to mind as we set up, prepared, cooked, and received generous blessings! Our church family is such an incredible part of our lives and words absolutely can not convey our hearts gratitude and thankfulness for the people who pour so much of themselves into others, they truly reflect Christ!
The calling God placed on our family to adopt was and still is an overwhelming endeavor, however, He has not left us to fend for ourselves. He has provided every avenue necessary and is continuing to do so. As I reflect on this passage in Acts, I am realizing more and more that things He calls us to have nothing to do with us, but EVERYTHING to do with Him, His Glory, His Cause, and His Fame! The adoption of orphans is a demonstration of what He did for those of us who call Him Father, the provisions He makes come from those He calls children and the point of it all is that He is magnified, glorified and praised!
As believers in Christ we become partners with Jesus Christ and all other believers, it is our spiritual duty to encourage one another to righteousness and obedience and as we do that, I can't help but think, those who don't know Him will be drawn to Him as they witness something far contrary to what the world teaches, "to each his own" and leaves you to fight for yourself.
To my church family, thank you for demonstrating Christ to our family, to our child to be, and to a watching world! To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!
Who knew what all the Lord would do through pancakes and sausage!
What a beautiful sight to see "adopted"t-shirts across the stage!
The youth flawlessly served pancakes to everyone!
Precious friends willingly served as well.
This could not have happened without a team effort!
Sweet ladies cooking the pancakes.
Master of the art of pancake making!
More sweet youth refilling pancake trays.
Our hearts where so overwhelmed with thankfulness!
Sweet friends that made it to the fundraiser to show their support and encouragement!
Serving sausage...say cheese!
Capture of our amazing church body!
Setting an awesome example for those he leads.
My awesome husband conveying his heart for adoption!
The youth finally got to take a rest and enjoy some pancakes.
More captures of the night.
Thankful for all this body of believers stand for!
So encouraged by
I love how many "adopted" shirts you can see in this picture!
Our Shepherd who leads us in the Truth of God's Word! So thankful for his leadership and his precious wife who serves tirelessly beside him.
Love this picture of Madie and my dad.
Standing firm for the Sanctity of Human Life.
Praying
Thankful for his leadership!
Holding one family's blessing that stands strong for the value of human life!
The definition of "serve" is right beside her's and her husband's names :)
The whole group pitched in for clean up...talk about an awesome body of believers!
Sweet ladies who helped me decorate!
Being a part of the body of Christ, far surpasses anything this world has to offer! We love and appreciate our church family and your love for the Lord; our family is forever blessed because we've learned from, grown with, and served alongside you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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