Week 13 (23 - 29 Mar) - One Heart, One Soul

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers. Peter and John exemplify the courage that came from faith after the Holy Spirit fell on them. The early Christian community is described as being of one heart and soul, sharing everything they had. Their fellowship and generous sharing with one another reflects the communal life of the early church.

Pastor Angela shared a testimony of how she faithfully planted seeds of salvation with a New Zealander, Aunty B, and her family. Her love and compassion culminated in the family coming to the Lord and being water baptised. Ps Angela's example echoes the early church's spirit of generosity and devotion, showing how faith, expressed in action, transforms lives.

We also reflected on how various church events last year - such as church camp, mission trips, and the Christmas party - brought the church together in unity of spirit to carry out His agenda.

Acts 5:1-11 - Integrity Over Appearance: Honesty before God Matters

In Acts 5, the Holy Spirit revealed to Peter that Ananias and Sapphira kept part of the proceeds for themselves but presented the remainder as though it were the whole amount. Peter exposed their lies and both died as a result. Their deaths could have been avoided had they told the truth. We reflected that integrity before God matters more than outward appearances.

Acts 5:12 – 42 - Boldness is Courage Under Pressure

Both apostles were arrested at the temple court and brought before the Sanhedrin. Peter insisted, “We must obey God rather than men.” He proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection, His exaltation to God’s right hand as Prince and Savior, and the forgiveness of sins offered to all. The apostles and the Holy Spirit are witnesses, given by God to those who obey Him.

When the council heard this, they were enraged, and resolved to put the apostles to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, advised the Sanhedrin to let them go, cautioning that if their preaching was from God, it could not be stopped.

During last year's mission trip to Surabaya, Indonesia, Jeff Kwan shared that, for the first time, he boldly laid hands in prayer together with the group for those who came to the front of the pulpit. Like the apostles, faith and courage grow when we step out in obedience under the Spirit's leading. When we follow Him, God's agenda cannot be stopped.

Acts 6:1-7 - Spirit-Led Organisation

In Acts 6, as the number of Christians increased, the Grecian Jews began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

The Twelve gather the whole community and explained that their chief calling was “prayer and the ministry of the word.” They asked the church to select seven reputable, Spirit-filled men to oversee the practical relief work. The result: “The word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).

Jeff Kwan shared that our home fellowship setup with food, love and sharing in unity followed the example of Peter and Paul as described in Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 5:12. Just as the early church organised itself under Holy Spirit's guidance, may our fellowship continue to grow in love and devotion to God's mission.

All glory to God for the work of His Spirit in shaping our Home Fellowship into one mind and soul in Christ, reflecting our Abba Father's heart of love for the world.

Regards

Jacob’s Well