"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put them at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." (Acts 4:32-35)

Notice that the apostles shared their witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus - they proclaimed the gospel of new life, eternal life, abundant life, as demonstrated in the victory of Jesus as Lord over death - which gave hope to the despairing and the power of a changed life to the oppressed. That resulted in "much grace" being upon them all. The spirit of God's generous gift-giving, as seen in the good news of Jesus, filled all the believers and overflowed in their concern for the needs of others. After their encounter with Jesus and his new life, the first Christians changed from being self-centered to becoming compassionate.

The pagan society took notice that their lives were different. One contemporary observer wrote: "Behold how they much they love one another." The evidence for the authenticity of the effect of Jesus on a person's life was to be seen on how much they loved their neighbor. Such love was seen in the sacrificial generosity modeled by Jesus.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 4:16-18)

As the Gospel of Jesus Christ permeated society and influenced political life, the principles of caring for the needy expanded the conception and role of government. The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America included providing for the common defence, promoting the general Welfare, and securing the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, as the purpose of the federal government. Over the years government has provided more and more for the general Welfare, while non-governmental charities, both secular and faith-based, have responded to specific needs.

Christians founded and developed ministries to those in need all over the world. Christian missionaries established hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, asylums, and schools. These institutions bear the name of their affiliation: Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, St. Luke's, St. Vincent 's and St. Jude's.

Today there are still needs which Christians are seeking to meet. Churches throughout the world are responding to people in need. At my church we dedicate thirty percent of our giving to outreach. This year we will share $221,000 to 23 or more ministries to the needy. We share everything we have with those who need support locally, nationally and internationally. Here is the breakdown.

Local Ministries
Barnabas Center
Boys Brigade
City Rescue Mission
Camp Consequence
Gordon-Conwell Seminary
Woman's Service
Joy to the Children
Kairos Prison Ministry
Habitat for Humanity
Prison Fellowship
Safe Harbor Boys Home
Salvation Army
Seamark Ranch
YMCA

Total: $120,000

National & International Ministries

Eagle Ranch
East/West Ministries
Haggai Institute
MAP International
Samaritan's Purse
United Christian Academy
Wears Valley Ranch
World Vision
Wycliffe Bible Translators

Total: $81,100

Undesignated Funds $19,900

Totals $221,000

I know that many of you are meeting the needs of others through other ministries in addition to sharing through your giving through your church. Thank you for your support. As we enter into the final weeks of this year remember that your giving will make a difference for good to all these ministries to the needy. As St. Paul said of the gifts that the Philippian church had sent him: "They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:18,19) By meeting the needs of others, we give God the opportunity to prove that he will meet our needs from the unsearchable, never-ending riches of Christ.