It’s a Test for the Church
The Title: Christian – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Acts 11:25-30

Key Verse: Acts 11:26

…and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

I ended yesterday’s devotional with a question: Do you think we are passing the test of helping hurting people?  Since the true church is not a building but the people who gather in that building, we can make this question very personal: Are you passing the test?  I must ask myself, am I passing the test?  When we are presented with the facts and we are made aware of hungry, hurting people what do you and I do about it?

In Acts 11:29 these Christians decided to take up an offering and send it via Barnabas and Saul.  Please note the specific method mentioned concerning this offering: “each according to his ability.”  The New Testament is consistent on this principle: I don’t need to match your offering.  You don’t need to feel guilty if you don’t give as much as another believer.  God is not judging our giving by comparison standards.  God looks deep into our lives.  He knows exactly how much you make and how you spend every dime.  The scriptures tell us to be faithful and cheerful in our giving.  That is the test for the church.  Hunger is not a game—it’s a test!  A test to see if you and I will pass or fail.  God is watching and wants to help us pass by trusting Him.  As we give to help others, we can trust Him to provide for us (Philippians 4:19).

Father, I gladly take on the title of Christian—a follower of your Son Jesus.  Help me to walk worthy of that title.  In Jesus’ name, amen.