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Crosswalk Devotionals http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/ Bible Pathways November 10 Read Acts 4 -- 6 In Today's Reading: Peter and John imprisoned; believers share their possessions; Ananias and Sapphira; seven helpers chosen; Stephen's arrest Loyalty to the Lord and love for one another permeated the first Church. The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that any of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. . . . as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made to every man according as he had need (Acts 4:32,34-37). Undoubtedly, this was a great encouragement to the congregation because most Jews who confessed Jesus as the Messiah had probably lost their jobs. There is no mention of anyone being required to sell his property or to share his wealth. Ananias and his wife Sapphira also sold a piece of property; but, they gave only a part of the proceeds to the church while giving the impression they were giving everything just as others had done (5:1-2). The property was theirs to dispose of as they chose. All giving was voluntary (5:4). But, the "generous gift" of Ananias and Sapphira was a lie to the Holy Spirit (5:3-5; Revelation 21:8; Jeremiah 17:9). The problem today is even more serious, not because Christians keep part of the proceeds of a sale, but because many refuse to give even a tithe (10%) of their income, the minimum that God requires for the ministry of His Word. Tithing is not an option we have; it is a debt we owe. God rightfully owns all that He created; but He only requires us to return to Him one-tenth of what He has entrusted to us, thereby acknowledging that we are only stewards (managers) of His property. This principle was demonstrated by Abraham over 500 years before the Law was given (see Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:1-2). Later, the Law stated: All the tithe (tenth portion) of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy (set apart) to the LORD (Leviticus 27:30). The Holy Spirit also directed Luke to write that you can't outgive God, who said: Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal (measure anything) it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38). Word Studies: 5:2 being privy to it = knowing of it, she helped plan the deception; 6:11 suborned = influenced to do wrong, bribed. Cross References: For Acts 4:11: See Psalm 118:22. Acts 4:25-26: See Psalm 2:1-2. Prayer Needs: Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Shirley W. Somers � BP Staff: Bernice Rathbone � Government Officials: Sen. Saxby Chambliss (GA) and Rep. Silvestre Reyes (TX) � Country: Armenia (3 million) southwest Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia � Major languages: Armenian and Russian � Religious freedom � 79% Armenian/Russian Orthodox; 3% Muslim � Prayer Suggestion: Pray and intercede for your family (Job 1:5). Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:11 For more great resources to help you grow in your relationship with God, please visit Crosswalk Faith: http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.210.28297.1.1698058 View the full selection of devotionals available from Crosswalk.com here: http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.210.28297.2.1698058 >>> Share the good news <<< Please forward this message to a friend! FREE Christian Book http://l.salemweb.net/swnoffer0203/ ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. If this link is not clickable, simply cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser. http://www.salememail.com/unsub/210/1698058.aspx * Copyright � 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. 1698058 ____________________________________________________________ TRINITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY OFF CAMPUS & ONLINE Experience Personal & Ministry Growth Through Bible-Focused Degree Programs Associate and Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts, M.Div., Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Ministry http://l.salemweb.net/tcs2003tr/footer/ ____________________________________________________________ Questions or comments can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
