Love Offering Series

Love Offering

Acts 11:27-30

As we enter our text I want to say that this is a subject needed but not necessarily wanted.

I am speaking about giving which causes many to get a little uncomfortable.

The term "money" is mentioned 123 times in the Bible. However, when including related terms such as gold, riches, silver, and wealth, the total number of mentions rises to about 2,350 times.

If you consider verses that discuss money, possessions, or riches, there are over 2,000 verses on the topic.

The point is; when the subject of giving is mentioned, does not mean the preacher is a money hungry person just trying to get a hold of your wallet.

I am showing you that when you are obedient to the things of God, you will find that He can bless beyond our own understanding.

There are 500 Bible verses pertaining to the topics of faith and prayer and yet 2,350 Bible verses on money. Why is that? Because God knows that our attitude toward money is an indication of where our heart is with God.

I. God’s Man

Acts 11:27 “And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.”

In these days – a reference to the period of time of one year that during that time this event happened.

Prophets - in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things

In some respect a preacher could have this title; while preaching the Word of God that is directs people to believe they have an insight.

(I have been accused of spying into families homes, but that it the Holy Spirit not me).

Prophets that appeared in the apostolic age among Christians; they are associated with the apostles

They discerned and did what is best for the Christian cause, foretelling certain future events.

In the assemblies of the Christians, they were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, and convict.

Show on a map the distance they traveled

283 miles by road.

II. God’s Mandate

Acts 11:28 “And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.”

Agabus - one of many servants named here and again in

Acts 21:10

And signified by the Spirit; - not by the position of the stars, or by any natural causes, or by mere opinion without evidence, but by the Spirit of God:

Dearth - scarcity of harvest, famine, hunger

This dearth could be either natural or a plan to starve those who are now followers of Jesus.

Since the world is mentioned I believe a famine is about to happen that affects the poorest first.

Claudius Caesar - ruling from AD 41 to 54

Not a lot to mention only that this places our verse in the calendar of events.

There was 1 famine during the reign of Claudius Caesar (AD 45-46) and (AD 56-57 after his death).

Although historians said it was regional the ripple effect was global.

III. God’s Messengers

Acts 11:29 “Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:”

I have been looking at this text for some time now

There is a testimony that Paul uses while writing to the church in Corinth: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

This was Paul’s second journey yet he continued to mention the needs that were present in Jerusalem.

Determined - to mark out the boundaries or limits

IV. God’s Miles

Acts 11:30 “Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

Which they also did,.... They not only determined, but they put their resolutions into execution, and acted according to a rule which the apostle recommends, 2 Corinthians 8:11

and sent it to the elders; to the apostles; for though there were deacons there, yet they chose to send it to them, that they might put it into proper hands to distribute to the necessitous: and this collection they sent

by the hands of Saul and Barnabas; of this journey to Jerusalem, Paul makes no mention.

Conclusion:

Is there a link between giving and spirituality?

Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Giving and generosity embodies the principles of selflessness, compassion, and interconnection.

Acts of giving are not just about material exchange but are seen as a way to help others using what God has given to each of us.

Through acts of generosity, individuals can express their faith in a concrete way, embodying core tenets of many spiritual traditions and living these values in their daily lives.