The unity of the first...
Illustration
The unity of the first Christians gave witness to the power of Christ's life and resurrection, and their love for each other was expressed by the sharing of worldly goods. As the number of Christians increased and the congregations became more diverse, the church as a shared community became more unpopular. Yet, the act of giving to support the needy, missions, and various Christian causes remains as an important witness to the validity of a Christian faith. It is probably significant that almost half of the parables of Christ are concerned with property and stewardship.
A small church in a depressed coal-mining town was greatly surprised when it received a check from a woman in Chicago for $100. An enclosed letter said: "Please share this money with all the needy people in the community as you see fit. My family once lived in your town for just a few weeks and my father worked at the local coal mines. When the mines shut down, we were destitute, but even though we were strangers to the area, your congregation, though also very poor, fed us for many weeks and even bought us bus tickets to Chicago when a distant relative offered my father a job. I have never forgotten your love and generosity. Even though you had little, you were willing to share it with strangers. Now I want to share what I have with others. Thank you for the material gifts you gave, but most of all, thank you for sharing your Christianity."
-- Byrd
A small church in a depressed coal-mining town was greatly surprised when it received a check from a woman in Chicago for $100. An enclosed letter said: "Please share this money with all the needy people in the community as you see fit. My family once lived in your town for just a few weeks and my father worked at the local coal mines. When the mines shut down, we were destitute, but even though we were strangers to the area, your congregation, though also very poor, fed us for many weeks and even bought us bus tickets to Chicago when a distant relative offered my father a job. I have never forgotten your love and generosity. Even though you had little, you were willing to share it with strangers. Now I want to share what I have with others. Thank you for the material gifts you gave, but most of all, thank you for sharing your Christianity."
-- Byrd
