Benevolence!

November 27, 2023 Monday Message:

Romans 15:26 NLT: “The believers in Macedonia and Achaia (Greece) have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.”

Jerusalem was the center of religion at that time. Believers gathered for worship, and their church was known as “The Way.” It was good that they all believed, but the business model was unsustainable.

In Acts 2, 3,000 were added to their new members class that day. Imagine 3,000 people walking in to your church next Sunday! Where could you put them all? Could you feed them at the potluck? Many of these newbies were from out of town, visiting Jerusalem to celebrate Shavuot. They needed housing, food and friends. People of The Way were willing to share, but there was a limit to their resources.

I have raised a lot of money for worthy causes simply by letting people know the need, and then creating an opportunity for them to give. It’s not rocket science. People generally want to help. Paul had let the believers in Greece know about the shortfall in Jerusalem, and they too wanted to help. They passed an extra basket earmarked to sustain the church in Jerusalem.

Tomorrow is “Giving Tuesday” in the US, a day when people across the country are encouraged to think about their communities and to help those in need. It’s a welcome reminder of how followers of Jesus should think every day. Jesus said we should love our neighbors, and we can show our love by sharing from our abundance.

Be kind, be helpful, be generous!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship