(Sunday Service resources)
(Youth resources)
(Children's resources)
It’s the last day of school holidays and hopefully you’ve all had a great break. But Acts continues on with another reading from chapter 4. In the meantime, be encouraged by another flashback to last year when we discovered that God uses people of all shapes and sizes.
This kids talk was aired on August 23 when Melbourne was still in lockdown. Jesus turns a child’s lunch into a banquet in John 6:1-14. I bet his Mum or Dad weren’t expecting that when they packed his lunchbox in the morning.
And now for this week’s reading:
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. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),
37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4:32-37
We watched this clip a few weeks ago, but it fits really well this week too. It explains what the church is and what happens when it works properly.
In our Bible reading the people sold land to give to the ministry of Jesus. But what can you do if you don't have land to sell? This Matthew West song gives a few suggestions. But beware, it’s not only really catchy, but also joyfully challenging.
These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 10. It fits pretty well with how the believers lived.
Matthew 10:42
42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward
Last week’s verse
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
Acts 4:29
It’s time to bring back the SPIT prayers. We introduced this to StAKs Online back in April last year:
S = sorry
P = please
I = I love you
T = thanks
Step 1 - use the attached sheet to write down something you want to say thanks or sorry for. Also jot down something you might want to ask God for (next to please). Finally, tell God something you love about him next to the “I love you” heading.
Step 2 - pray.
Step 3 - pray some more.