“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” — Acts 4:32–37
Miracles of provision are all throughout the pages of scripture, from manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:15) to the coin in the mouth of a fish (Matthew 17:27). In fact, Jesus taught us to pray and depend on God to meet our daily needs (Luke 11:3).
When we really believe that God is our provider, it becomes easier to hold our resources with open hands.
As we grow as believers, our understanding of possessions changes. Instead of seeing what we have as things that we earned or deserved, we begin to see that God has graciously given us possessions and resources to steward. He meets our needs so that we can be a blessing and meet the needs of others. What I have been given by God isn’t only for me but for the good of my brothers and sisters around me, the family of God.
In a family, everything more or less belongs to everyone. Sure, you may not share your toothbrush or socks, but it’s rare that one sibling owns the couch and another owns the chair or that the parents tell their kids to ask before using the dining table. The family has those things “in common,” much like the believers in Acts 4.
The miracle in this passage, that there “was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34), seems rather unremarkable. There’s no rush of wind, no angels, no shaking meeting place, but in a sense, that’s what makes it so extraordinary. This generosity makes them stand out against the culture around them—in a city where providing for others wasn’t the norm, their generosity is a powerful demonstration of Christ’s supernatural love and provision.
Each of us can evoke an environment like this when we live a Spirit-filled life. An outcome of the grace of God being “upon you” (Acts 4:33) is radical generosity. God will supernaturally provide for us to meet our needs, the needs of others, and to advance his kingdom.
Reflect:
1. Has there ever been a time that God has provided supernaturally for you? What was that experience?
2. How differently would you live if you had absolute confidence that God would provide everything you need?
Faith Step:
Do you know someone who is currently in a difficult situation and is in need? Ask God how you can be part of his supernatural provision for that person.
Pray:
Jesus, you are the greatest provision of all time: a Savior when we were helpless to save ourselves. Strengthen my trust in you to provide in every area of my life. You give me blessings so that I can be a blessing to others and show them your grace. I pray that your glory would be revealed as you bring miraculous provision to me and through me. Amen.
Day 3
Provision
Luke 12:22–31, Exodus 16:4–16, Philippians 4:18–19, 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
Why Miracles
We believe that God works miracles today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless people and advance his kingdom. In 2023, we are believing God for miracles that will testify to his power and create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. The sermon series will focus on the 7 miracles John recounts as signs pointing people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
Introduction
Matthew 28:16–20, Jeremiah 32:27, Luke 18:27
“‘[. . . ] John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” — Acts 1:5–8 Acts 1:6–11 is often referred to as the thesis statement of Acts, setting the stage for the rest of the book. The themes found in this passage continue throughout the rest of Acts—the Holy Spirit will empower, lead, and guide God’s people as they advance his kingdom. In Matthew 28, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission to “go make disciples of all nations,” but in Acts 1:8 he gives them the power necessary to fulfill such a mission. Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit of God would come upon people for a specific time to do miraculous things and then depart from them. But after the miracle of Christ’s resurrection in the New Testament, the Spirit was given to remain with God’s people. He was sent to stay with us. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives his disciples the supernatural power to be his witnesses and live a life that honors God. The stories we see throughout Acts are marked by the miraculous. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a miracle as a “divine intervention in human affairs.” God is still intervening, even today. He still loves to cause a miracle to testify to the truthfulness of the gospel. He demonstrates his power to show his love to his people, through his people, and for the world. The miraculous is always tied to the mission in Acts 1—that we would be witnesses of God, his goodness, and his power. God performs miracles so that we can know God and let him be known. Reflect: 1. Has there been a time when God divinely intervened in your life? 2. Set aside time to pray and thank God for his power and goodness. Faith Step: Write down some practical ways that you can be a witness in your everyday life. Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for stepping into our broken world to change our circumstances for good. Your Word is full of miracles that display your love, power, and goodness. I pray that you would open my heart to truly believe you can do all things. You are the Almighty, kind and worthy of praise, and I am ready to see you at work in my life and through my life this week. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Day 1
Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:14–17, Acts 2:9–41, Exodus 4:10–12
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?’ But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.’” — Acts 2:1–8, 14 In Jewish tradition, the Feast of Pentecost was a time to thank God for the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. In Acts 2, the disciples celebrate a different kind of harvest at Pentecost: a harvest of people who respond to the gospel. Jesus tells the disciples in Acts 1 that they will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth, and then in Acts 2, he gives them the power of the Holy Spirit, a gift necessary to fulfill that calling. The Holy Spirit is the gift of God himself, dwelling within believers and empowering us not only to live a Christian life but also to be conduits for miracles. Each sign and wonder that the Holy Spirit does through believers points us back to the miracle of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But let’s rewind to the Great Commission. Jesus gives his followers the command to go and make disciples of all nations. That may sound impossible, but here’s where we rely on God’s power with faith and obedience. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what we cannot. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples receive this incredible gift. What we see at the beginning of Acts 2 is a miracle. The Holy Spirit falls on the disciples and they begin speaking in new tongues—new languages—in such a way that everyone hears the gospel. The crowds are amazed as each person hears “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) spoken in their native tongue. More people begin to gather and, even as some skeptics doubt what’s happening, God gives Peter the ability to preach effectively, and through preaching, 3,000 people repent and accept the gospel! This same gift—the indwelling and empowering of the Spirit—is available for us today. But this gift isn’t just for us. It’s so the world would know the one true God. He gives us the ability to share his gospel with accuracy and boldness. The call of the Great Commission may make us feel ill-equipped or unqualified, but God doesn’t give us his mission without the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Through this gift, God can use us in miraculous ways to advance his kingdom. Reflect: 1. Have you ever had a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit? When was the last time God filled you afresh with his Spirit? 2. How does depending on the gift of the Holy Spirit change the way you think about sharing the gospel? Faith Step: Have an intentional gospel conversation with someone and trust the Holy Spirit to help you speak with boldness and clarity. Pray: God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. I welcome him into my life by faith and with expectation. Thank you for the power to live a fruitful Christian life with boldness and sincerity. I receive your call to take the gospel to my neighbors and the nations. I know that you are with me. Show me how to live a missional life so others would know the grace and goodness of your gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.