Opening Reflection: Declaring Allegiance and New Life
The journey of faith begins with a profound declaration of allegiance. Just as ancient Israel declared “The Lord our God, the Lord is one,” pledging to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, so too, in the New Testament, baptism serves as a similar declaration. In baptism, we declare our allegiance to Jesus, pledging to follow Him with our entire being.
Baptism is a visible picture of the gospel. It symbolically represents being buried with Christ in His death and then rising out of the water, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and a new life. God calls everyone who has trusted in Jesus to take this “next step” as a public declaration of their faith.
Consider the powerful testimony of Blake Henry, who was raised in a Christian household and accepted Jesus at a young age. Though previously baptized by sprinkling in the Presbyterian church, he sought to be baptized by immersion at Station Hill to publicly profess his faith and set a strong foundation for his coming baby girl. This act symbolizes a deeper commitment and new beginning.
The Call to Proclaim and Praise
Our faith is not meant to be timid. Psalm 107 encourages, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so; let the redeemed tell, proclaim boldly, joyfully tell about what Jesus has done.” This bold, joyful proclamation of God’s work, known as Shabbach, is a shout of praise and a holy roar of thanksgiving for who God is and what He has done.
This spirit of praise extends to how we live and give. We are called to be imitators of God, walking in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice. Our giving is a response to what He has done for us. Whether our hands are empty or challenges surround us, we are called to give ourselves wholly in a sacrifice of praise, for He is worthy of all our praise.
What Makes a Church Healthy? Generosity.
A healthy and growing church is built on several key characteristics. It begins with the power and purpose Jesus gave through the Holy Spirit. It is fueled by prayer, rooted in truth, devoted to scripture, courageous in sharing the gospel, marked by sacrifice, unshaken by persecution, and celebrates new life through baptism and strengthened discipleship.
The world often portrays health as consumption—prioritizing oneself, accumulating possessions, and living a “curated, filtered version of health and wellness.” In this view, generosity can seem like a threat because “it costs you something; it means letting go instead of grabbing more.”
However, God’s definition of healthy is entirely different. A healthy Christian and a healthy church are not defined by how much they consume but by how freely they give. Generosity is the fruit of a heart changed by the gospel. Acts 4:32–37 is clear: a healthy church is marked by radical generosity.
The Radical Generosity of Early Believers
In the early church, believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak boldly about Jesus. Immediately following this, Luke describes their remarkable generosity. When the Spirit fills a person, one of the sweetest fruits produced is generosity.
The early believers:
- Freely: There was no compulsion to give.
- Joyfully: They were united in desire and gave without grumbling.
- Sacrificially: Many sold property and gave the proceeds to those in need—even when it was costly or inconvenient.
Modern parallels might include selling a vacation home, foregoing a luxury purchase, or skipping a vacation to support others.
Gospel-Motivated Giving
True generosity is not driven by guilt or pressure, but by a supernatural recognition of the grace God has shown us in the gospel. As the apostles preached with great power, great grace was on them all—and generosity was the fruit.
“Great grace was clearly on the first believers because there wasn’t a needy person among them.” They understood that Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake, so we might become rich in Him.
When we truly grasp the cost of God’s grace—His own Son—we become more willing to release our grip on possessions and give for the good of others.
Changing Our Relationship to Possessions
The gospel changes how we view our stuff. Early believers claimed that no one’s possessions were truly their own. We move from asking, “What do I own?” to “What have I been given, and how can I use it for others?”
We are stewards of God’s property, not owners. Misusing our gifts reveals a spiritual issue—a desire to be self-sufficient rather than dependent on God.
But God responded not with wrath, but with grace. Jesus paid the price for our selfishness on the cross. He rose again to offer grace, forgiveness, and new life. He invites us to open our clenched fists and receive Him.
The real question is not “Can I spend on myself?” but “How has God blessed me, and how can I use that abundance to bless others?”
Practical Expressions of Generosity
In any church, needs arise: car repairs, job loss, house fires, or medical bills. These are moments when the church should step in, locking arms to meet those needs in Jesus’ name.
Ways to give generously:
- Time: Helping someone move or listening to someone in need.
- Skills: Offering your unique talents to serve.
- Homes: Hosting and creating space for others.
- Words: Encouraging someone with a call or message.
- Presence: Simply showing up.
Whether it’s loaning a car, cooking a meal, or going on mission, everyone has something to give. Generosity is about offering your life as a tool in the hands of a generous God.
The Importance of Sharing Needs
For generosity to happen, needs must be shared. The early church responded because no one hid their struggles. It takes humility to say, “I need help.” But that’s what the church is for.
If you’re struggling—financially, emotionally, spiritually—don’t carry it alone:
- Speak with the Next Steps team after a service.
- Fill out a connection card with your prayer request or need.
- Email any staff member (contacts are on the website).
- Talk with your life group—they’re a vital part of church community and care.
If you’ve shared a need before and felt let down, we’re sorry. Don’t let that stop you from reaching out again. The enemy wants to isolate you—God calls you into community. And while you’re sharing your needs, ask: “Who can I lift up this week?”
A Call to Prayer and Action
A healthy church is one where needs are shared, burdens are carried, and generosity isn’t just believed but lived.
Take a moment to reflect and pray, asking yourself two questions:
- What do I need to repent of? Am I holding too tightly to what I’ve been given?
- How is God calling me to live? Whose needs can I meet today?
May we live with open hands, seeking to meet the needs of those around us—propelled by the riches of God’s grace received through the gospel.