The Spirit-Filled Church: Giving What We Have in Christ's Name

In the early days of the Christian church, a remarkable event unfolded that would set the stage for understanding what it truly means to be a spirit-filled community of believers. As we explore this pivotal moment, we'll uncover profound truths about the power of faith, the importance of giving what we have, and the transformative impact of acting in Christ's name.

Picture this: Two disciples, walking towards the temple in Jerusalem at the hour of prayer. It's a significant time - the ninth hour, the very moment when Christ had uttered His final words on the cross: "It is finished." As they approach the temple's Beautiful Gate, they encounter a man who had been lame from birth. This wasn't just a temporary ailment; his feet and ankles were deformed from the moment he entered the world.

Day after day, this man had been carried to this spot, relying on the generosity of temple-goers for his survival. As he spots the disciples, he begins his familiar plea for alms. But what happens next is anything but ordinary.

One of the disciples looks directly at the man and says, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." With those words, he reaches out, takes the man by the hand, and helps him to his feet.

In that instant, a miracle unfolds. The man's ankles and feet, which had never functioned properly, are suddenly made whole. It's as if years of muscular development happen in mere seconds. The scene that follows is one of unbridled joy - the once-lame man leaping, walking, and praising God with every step.

This miraculous healing draws a crowd, astounded by what they've witnessed. It's a perfect opportunity for the disciples to share the good news about Jesus, which they do with conviction and clarity.

So what can we learn from this extraordinary event? Two key principles emerge that define what it means to be a spirit-filled church:

1. We Give What We Have

The disciples didn't have money to offer the lame man. But they had something far more valuable - the power of Christ working through them. Too often, we focus on what we lack rather than recognizing the incredible gifts we do possess. As followers of Christ, we have been given the most precious gift of all - the transformative power of the gospel.

The spirit-filled church understands that its primary mission is to give Christ to the world. This doesn't mean we ignore physical needs or social issues. But it does mean that our first and foremost offering should always be Jesus. When we give Christ, we impart healing for body and soul, joy for heart and mind, and a sense of wonder that draws people to the Lord.

There's a poignant story about Thomas Aquinas visiting Pope Innocent II. As the Pope counted money, he remarked that the church was no longer without silver and gold. Aquinas's response was profound: "Yes, and we no longer raise the lame either." This serves as a stark reminder that our true power and purpose lie not in material wealth, but in the spiritual riches we have in Christ.

2. We Give in Christ's Name

The second principle is equally crucial - we give in the name of Jesus. The disciples were quick to redirect the crowd's amazement away from themselves and towards Christ. They emphasized that it wasn't their own power or piety that healed the man, but faith in the name of Jesus.

This humility and focus on Christ's power, not our own, is essential for the spirit-filled church. We are merely conduits for God's work in the world. When we act in faith, relying on Christ's power rather than our own abilities, we open the door for the Holy Spirit to move in miraculous ways.

It's worth noting that governments and organizations have poured trillions of dollars into addressing global issues, often with limited success. Why? Because lasting transformation comes not through human effort alone, but through the power of Christ working through His people.

The book of Acts shows us that the same Spirit that moved powerfully in the early church is still at work today. The question is: are we positioning ourselves to be used by that Spirit? Are we giving Christ to the world and acting in faith in His name?

As we reflect on these truths, let's consider how we can apply them in our own lives and communities:

1. Recognize Your Gifts: What has God given you that you can offer to others? It might be a talent, a resource, or simply your time and presence. Remember, the most valuable thing you have to give is Christ Himself.

2. Act in Faith: Don't let feelings of inadequacy hold you back. The disciples didn't heal the lame man through their own power, but through faith in Christ's name. What seemingly impossible situation might God be calling you to step into with faith?

3. Keep the Focus on Jesus: In all you do, strive to point people to Christ rather than drawing attention to yourself. Let your words and actions be a reflection of His love and power.

4. Expect the Miraculous: The spirit-filled church believes that God still moves in powerful ways today. Pray boldly, act in faith, and watch for God to work in and through you.

5. Seek Transformation, Not Just Information: It's not enough to simply know these truths; we must allow them to change us from the inside out. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh, giving you the strength and courage to live out these principles daily.

As we embrace these truths and seek to be a truly spirit-filled church, we open ourselves to experiencing God's power in unprecedented ways. May we, like the early disciples, give what we have in Christ's name, and watch in awe as lives are transformed for His glory.