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biggest impact

We've not seen anything yet.  The biggest impact we will ever see as followers of God is when we do things together and for the kingdom of God.  The first example of this happened not long after Jesus went to heaven.  Here is their story:

Acts 2:42-47 NLT

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer.  43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.


What did they do together?  What can we learn from the early follower of Jesus that we can do today?  Nothing has changed in faith or in the kingdom.  These people saw the biggest impact to that day.  Here are some things they did together:

LEARNING & FELLOWSHIP --- they took in what God said in the Bible, discussed it and applied is along with spending time together.

WORSHIP & AMAZED --- they saw God work, recognized His work and praised Him for what He did.

INVESTED IN EACH OTHER & SHARED WITH OTHERS --- the more time we spend with other believers, the more we learn and find we are built together.  It is then that these people took the resources God gave them and shared with people in need.

NEW CHARACTER & JOY  --- again they spent time together and the overflow was joy and a desire to do more.  Growth happened.

The are several things that happened in these few verses, but the big thing that I think is underneath and brings power is the act of celebration.  These people celebrated when people were changed, when people were helped, when God showed us, when they were encouraged and more.  That may have been much of the time.

We need to learn to celebrate the wins of our team, and by the way, we are all on the same team.  It is all about Jesus.  We aren't competitors because we are in different churches.  God has called us to partner together and work together to make a difference in the places God has us.  Don't make the minor things major and do make the right things the most important things.  God called us to build and care for people.  He didn't call us to build institutions and buildings.

This first church got it right.  It is our turn to have the biggest impact possible.  I am ready for us to lock arms, set our focus on Jesus and share with those in need and those who need hope in Jesus.  Do you want to see and be part of the biggest impact possible?

Matthew 6:33 NLT
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

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