It’s a Test for the Church
Eager to Help – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Romans 15:25-32

Key Verse: Romans 15:26

For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

Yesterday we looked at a group of believers helping the poor in a community many miles from them, but we know that is not the only model of giving the Bible gives us.  The book of Acts gives us the understanding that the church gave help to the poor, both in foreign lands and locally (Acts 2:45).

God preserved the scriptures so that we could read and understand how to live out our lives as Christ following believers.  Having a deep concern for the poor is not the only thing we must focus on!  We don’t believe in a “social gospel.”  We believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ that, first, redeems us and transforms our hearts, cleansing us from sin!  But after that divine work has been accomplished, our hearts will begin to open up to the need to help people around us, as well as people in foreign lands!  Both people groups are important to God and we must not help one to the exclusion of the other.

Will you join me in praying for spiritual eyes to see the people God wants us to help?  Make it part of your daily prayers.  Tell God you are willing to help under resourced people, either with a gift of money or a gift of your time.  Ask the Holy Spirit to nudge you—get your attention so that you don’t ignore someone that God had wanted you to help and minister to.

Father, grant me a fresh anointing of your Holy Spirit.  Make me and all my resources a “tool” in your hand.  In Jesus’ name, amen.