And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:28-30 - When I had the blessing of preaching through Acts with my church home, something unique about this verse was taught to me as I studied through it. Here we have the first official Christian church (obviously its name was FBC Antioch), hearing that other groups of believers were soon to be experiencing a great famine. What do they decide to do? The raise up an offering to be sent to those in need. Now while this is common place in the church today, this likely was the very first time in the church where funds were raised and to be sent out to support the work of ministry beyond their own church. The first missions offering! While struggling deeply because of persecution, this church in Antioch still had a heart of compassion for other brothers who might be struggling in a different way than they were. As believers today, how much more ought our hearts have compassion for church’s struggling more than our? We can pray for that other church. We could raise funds to meet an immediate need they have. We could offer teachers/preachers to support them in a time when their pastor leaves. The ways of support are many, but will there be a compassionate heart from us when we hear of the struggle another church family is experiencing? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3619
Question To Ponder: How might you help another church family?
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