Our Faithful Expectation as a Community of Believers
The Biblical Pattern of Partnering with the Church
Welcome, thank you so much for considering partnership with us. It’s our faithful expectation that New Life Christian Ministries functions both as a family and community of believers. Partnering together to serve the world as the body of Christ. Scripture outlines for us what it looks like to become part of a local church. Someone must first belong to the Lord’s Church, also referred to as the body of Christ.
Acts 2:36-41 details how the first Church added believers through a four-step process. It’s our desire to follow God’s pattern as we endeavor to solidify ourselves as His church and function as partners in His Kingdom.
Acts 2:36-41 New Living Translation
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they
said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[a]—all who
have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Acts 2:36-41 details how the first Church added believers through a four-step process. It’s our desire to follow God’s pattern as we endeavor to solidify ourselves as His church and function as partners in His Kingdom.
Acts 2:36-41 New Living Translation
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they
said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[a]—all who
have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
How They Were Added to the Church
1. There was the preaching of Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah. Acts 2:36
2. The hearer responded to the message by believing and desiring to receive Jesus as their Lord and Messiah. Acts 2:37
3. The person desiring salvation willingly repented of their sins and turned to God. Desired baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and
received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
4. Those who believed were baptized and added to the church. Acts 2:41
2. The hearer responded to the message by believing and desiring to receive Jesus as their Lord and Messiah. Acts 2:37
3. The person desiring salvation willingly repented of their sins and turned to God. Desired baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and
received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
4. Those who believed were baptized and added to the church. Acts 2:41
The Faithful Response of Believers
After being added to the local church they then devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, fellowship, sharing meals and communion, and to prayer. This devotion inspired a community of believers to form. Within this local church they met regularly at the temple, shared everything, worshipped God, met in homes, and praised the Lord!
Acts 2:42-47 New Living Translation
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[b]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[c]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 New Living Translation
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[b]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[c]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
The Fruit of Partnering with a Local Church
1. Believers devoted to the apostle’s teachings. Acts 2:42
2. Believers devoted to fellowship. Acts 2:42
3. Believers devoted to sharing meals, communion included. Acts 2:42
4. Believers devoted to prayer. Acts 2:42
5. Believers meeting together in one place. Acts 2:44
6. Believers sharing everything they had. Acts 2:44
7. Property and possessions sold, and money shared with those in need. Acts 2:45
8. Worshiped together at the temple each day. Acts 2:46
9. Met in homes for communion, shared meals with joy and generosity. Acts 2:46
10.Praised God and enjoyed the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2:47
2. Believers devoted to fellowship. Acts 2:42
3. Believers devoted to sharing meals, communion included. Acts 2:42
4. Believers devoted to prayer. Acts 2:42
5. Believers meeting together in one place. Acts 2:44
6. Believers sharing everything they had. Acts 2:44
7. Property and possessions sold, and money shared with those in need. Acts 2:45
8. Worshiped together at the temple each day. Acts 2:46
9. Met in homes for communion, shared meals with joy and generosity. Acts 2:46
10.Praised God and enjoyed the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2:47
The Fellowship, Foundation, and Function of our Partnership
While in prayer at the church one day the Lord began to speak to my heart. Saying there were three things that would cause New Life Christian Ministries to be strong. Foundation, Fellowship, and Function. The foundation of the church must be built on Jesus, the word of God. There must also be active fellowship displaying great love for each another. Finally, there must be people functioning in their purpose, which is to do the work of ministry within the church, and the Kingdom. By using the model of the first church in Acts we'll find seven partnership principles outlined below. Our Fellowship, Foundation, and Function will be strengthened by implementing and obeying His words with all of our hearts.
Partnership Principles for the Local Church
1. Partners in Christ
God designed the human body in such a way that each part of the body was dependent upon others. The body of Christ, also referred to as the church, is no different. During the time Jesus ministered on Earth, He partnered with disciples to accomplish His purposes. Each of us is specially equipped by God and positioned to play a necessary part. Our individual purposes are interwoven into His powerful plan of the redemption. That plan was brought about through Jesus Christ, and He chose to call us together as a family in Him, as His body.
Acts 2:38-39 New Living Translation
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[a]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Ephesians 1:5 New Living Translation
5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Romans 6:1-11 New Living Translation
6 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by
baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:13 New Living Translation
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
John 15:4-5 New Living Translation
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
2. Partners in Community/Church Family
As believers partner together in Christ at a central location, a community is developed. The love of God abounds, and they begin the practice of faithful fellowship. A family atmosphere is there as they begin caring for the spiritual and physical needs of one another. Their focus is on praising and serving God and He continues to add to their number.
Acts 2:44-47 New Living Translation
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[a]— 47 all the while praising God
and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Galatians 6:9-10 New Living Translation
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Ephesians 2:19-22 New Living Translation
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy
temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
Amos 3:3 New Living Translation
3 Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?
3. Partners in Ministry
Ministry is the responsibility of the entire body of Christ, not just a few designated leaders. God designed ministry so that everyone had a role to play. While also divinely joining us together for that purpose. Jesus gave gifts to the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, with their duty being to equip the saints for the work of ministry together.
Ephesians 4:16 New Living Translation
16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and
full of love.
Ephesians 4:11-12 New Living Translation
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
4. Partners in Worship
The Father seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and truth. We partner together as the body of Christ as those called to glorify Him and obey His desires. We join together in reverence of Him in song, service, and the devotion of our lives. Loving Him with all of our heart, mind, and strength.
Acts 2:46-47 New Living Translation
46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[a]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Romans 15:5-7 New Living Translation
5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can
join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
5. Partners in Serving
Everyone who is a part of the church has a God given part to play. These parts benefit the church as a whole, as gifts are used to serve each other well. This service is not at all limited to a Sunday gathering, but rather to the health and well-being of all partners at all times. God has equipped us to empower others as they serve Him, their families, and the community. With such a big responsibility everyone is needed for the church to function as God intends.
Acts 2:42-47 New Living Translation
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Romans 12:4-18 New Living Translation
4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, [a] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. [b] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and
weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 New Living Translation
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in
different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice[a]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. [b] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, [c] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
1 Corinthians 12:28 New Living Translation
28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have
the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
1 Peter 4:10-11 New Living Translation
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Philippians 1:3-6 New Living Translation
3 Every time I think of you; I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good
News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on
the day when Christ Jesus returns.
6. Partners in Prayer
The Lord encourages us to pray together with great faith and expectation. We’re promised that if we ask in agreement, He’ll do it, as well as be present in our gatherings. This is absolutely encouraging and shows that we can’t afford not to partner in prayer. Those things we’ve prayed about alone without success, may be answered when we are obedient to partner in prayer.
Acts 2:42 New Living Translation
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer.
Matthew 18:19-20 New Living Translation
19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my
followers, [a] I am there among them.”
James 5:13-16 New Living Translation
13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has
great power and produces wonderful results.
Acts 12:1-5 New Living Translation
12 About that time King Herod Agrippa[a] began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration. [b]) 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
7. Partners in Giving
Without a doubt it takes finances to operate anything and that includes a ministry. Feeding and clothing the poor and ministering to prisoners are a few of the things that come with a cost. There are also operating expenses associated with maintaining a building and staff. The wonderful thing about being partners in giving is that we’re blessed to share the burden. God is faithful to bless us first and has an expectation that we’ll cheerfully give back towards the work of ministry. There are blessings for obeying the principles of giving, that will not fail. While finances are a critical need it’s not the only thing that can be given. The church needs the liberal giving of giftings, talents, compassion, and sacrifices of time as well.
Acts 2:44-45 New Living Translation
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
2 Corinthians 9:6-13 New Living Translation
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”[a] 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” [b]
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity[c] in you.11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem[d] will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.
1 Timothy 5:17-18 New Living Translation
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, [a] especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” [b]
God designed the human body in such a way that each part of the body was dependent upon others. The body of Christ, also referred to as the church, is no different. During the time Jesus ministered on Earth, He partnered with disciples to accomplish His purposes. Each of us is specially equipped by God and positioned to play a necessary part. Our individual purposes are interwoven into His powerful plan of the redemption. That plan was brought about through Jesus Christ, and He chose to call us together as a family in Him, as His body.
Acts 2:38-39 New Living Translation
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[a]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Ephesians 1:5 New Living Translation
5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Romans 6:1-11 New Living Translation
6 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by
baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:13 New Living Translation
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
John 15:4-5 New Living Translation
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
2. Partners in Community/Church Family
As believers partner together in Christ at a central location, a community is developed. The love of God abounds, and they begin the practice of faithful fellowship. A family atmosphere is there as they begin caring for the spiritual and physical needs of one another. Their focus is on praising and serving God and He continues to add to their number.
Acts 2:44-47 New Living Translation
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[a]— 47 all the while praising God
and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Galatians 6:9-10 New Living Translation
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Ephesians 2:19-22 New Living Translation
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy
temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
Amos 3:3 New Living Translation
3 Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?
3. Partners in Ministry
Ministry is the responsibility of the entire body of Christ, not just a few designated leaders. God designed ministry so that everyone had a role to play. While also divinely joining us together for that purpose. Jesus gave gifts to the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, with their duty being to equip the saints for the work of ministry together.
Ephesians 4:16 New Living Translation
16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and
full of love.
Ephesians 4:11-12 New Living Translation
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
4. Partners in Worship
The Father seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and truth. We partner together as the body of Christ as those called to glorify Him and obey His desires. We join together in reverence of Him in song, service, and the devotion of our lives. Loving Him with all of our heart, mind, and strength.
Acts 2:46-47 New Living Translation
46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[a]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Romans 15:5-7 New Living Translation
5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can
join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
5. Partners in Serving
Everyone who is a part of the church has a God given part to play. These parts benefit the church as a whole, as gifts are used to serve each other well. This service is not at all limited to a Sunday gathering, but rather to the health and well-being of all partners at all times. God has equipped us to empower others as they serve Him, their families, and the community. With such a big responsibility everyone is needed for the church to function as God intends.
Acts 2:42-47 New Living Translation
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Romans 12:4-18 New Living Translation
4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, [a] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. [b] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and
weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 New Living Translation
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in
different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice[a]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. [b] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, [c] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
1 Corinthians 12:28 New Living Translation
28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have
the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
1 Peter 4:10-11 New Living Translation
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Philippians 1:3-6 New Living Translation
3 Every time I think of you; I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good
News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on
the day when Christ Jesus returns.
6. Partners in Prayer
The Lord encourages us to pray together with great faith and expectation. We’re promised that if we ask in agreement, He’ll do it, as well as be present in our gatherings. This is absolutely encouraging and shows that we can’t afford not to partner in prayer. Those things we’ve prayed about alone without success, may be answered when we are obedient to partner in prayer.
Acts 2:42 New Living Translation
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer.
Matthew 18:19-20 New Living Translation
19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my
followers, [a] I am there among them.”
James 5:13-16 New Living Translation
13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has
great power and produces wonderful results.
Acts 12:1-5 New Living Translation
12 About that time King Herod Agrippa[a] began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration. [b]) 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
7. Partners in Giving
Without a doubt it takes finances to operate anything and that includes a ministry. Feeding and clothing the poor and ministering to prisoners are a few of the things that come with a cost. There are also operating expenses associated with maintaining a building and staff. The wonderful thing about being partners in giving is that we’re blessed to share the burden. God is faithful to bless us first and has an expectation that we’ll cheerfully give back towards the work of ministry. There are blessings for obeying the principles of giving, that will not fail. While finances are a critical need it’s not the only thing that can be given. The church needs the liberal giving of giftings, talents, compassion, and sacrifices of time as well.
Acts 2:44-45 New Living Translation
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
2 Corinthians 9:6-13 New Living Translation
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”[a] 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” [b]
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity[c] in you.11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem[d] will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.
1 Timothy 5:17-18 New Living Translation
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, [a] especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” [b]