Grace Unites

Text

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. —Acts 4:32

Bible Reading

ACTS 4:32-37

Devotional

The Holy Spirit is the sum total of the grace God gives to us when we believe in Jesus. All the riches of Christ—forgiveness, renewal, the pledge of the future, yes, the love of the Father himself—are poured into our hearts when we receive the Spirit.

And this grace must flow from one person to another. The Spirit immediately unites us with those who are in Christ and urges us to communicate the gospel to those who are outside of Christ. These are not only commandments given to the new community of believers, they are pressures that come from within. This is how the Spirit's own nature is revealed.

The early Christians were "one in heart and mind." They had been radically renewed and united.

"They shared everything they had." The natural attitude toward earthly possessions was changed by the coming of the Spirit. It was no dictator's rule to the effect that all that's yours is mine. No, it was pressure from within that made them say, "All that's mine is yours."

The Christian community's way of life is not the same at all times and places. It changes. There's nothing wrong with the changes, although some Christian groups appear to be frightened by them. Countless leaders have tried to stop the clock or even set it back. That's not only silly, it's sinful. It's an insult to think that the Holy Spirit can work in us only if we arrange for an agrarian setting on a communal farm.

God himself is in control of the world and the changes in society. God works in today's church with the same power he has always used. All who have the Spirit are one in heart and mind. And all who are possessed by him change their attitudes toward earthly possessions. They learn to put the fellowship first.

REFLECTIONS

How have you experienced "the community of saints" and the fellowship of believers?

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I think we are experiencing "the community of saints" and the fellowship of believers right now through this blog. Those of you who read, even if you don't participate in conversation, we're all communed together, reading the Word and gleaning from what explained. Its really encouraging to be united in the salvation of our Lord! What a blessing it is! Also, at church on Sundays, we're communing with the saints!

My favorite time of communion with the saints is when I'm in Hong Kong. We'll be doing work and meeting fellow brothers and sisters of the faith, from different denominations, from different states, countries, backgrounds - but we can fellowship in the unity that is Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit. Praise God for His amazing ability to bring us together! I've said this several times in the past but - we have been shown grace. The same grace that saved us is the same grace that saved other believers. We were given faith, Jesus died the same death - there is no room for selfishness when Grace is present. When we are saved, we're brought into a family that is for eternity! That kind of security is amazing.

Let me encourage you, if you are not meeting weekly with fellow believers, going to church I mean, please attend. You will be blessed for doing so. The Bible says to not forsake the fellowship of the body. Let me leave you with this scripture which is talking about the full assurance of faith. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrew 10:24-25 Think about that, meet with the believers and commune with them. Grace Unites! Agape.