Money cannot replace being there in person!
A. Scriptures for this study:
1. Acts 2:41-42-->
They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added in that day about 3000 souls.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread and the prayers.
2. Acts 20:7-->
Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,
Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
3. 1 Cor.16:1-2-->
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia,
so also do ye. Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store,
as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
4. The Lord’s disciples came together on the first day of the week in-->
a. Listening to the preaching of the word.
b. Fellowship such as participate in lunch fellowship, Bible study…
c. Giving of their money to support the Lord’s work and help the poor.
d. Breaking of bread in remembrance of the Lord’s death.
e. Prayers for each other.
All these are to be done in person on the first day of the week together!
B. Paul, Philemon and Onesimus.
1. Philemon was a rich man with a house big enough for church meeting.
He was converted by Paul and become a fellow-worker in person for a while!
He gave money generously to the work of the Lord also.
2. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon. He was a pilferer to Philemon.
He ran away and went to Rome and was converted by Paul!
He became very useful in the Lord’s work with Paul in Rome!
3. It is ironic, the name Onesimus means profitable, helpful and useful!
But as Paul put it--> Philemon 1:11
He once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me.
4. It took personal involvement together on both sides to know this!
This is the difference between one is converted or not really converted!
May be Philemon bought Onesimus to be his slave because of his name!
But very soon he found the opposite to be true of him!
Philemon was blessed Paul converted Onesimus to become useful to Philemon!
C. Giving money is important but personal involvement is also essential!
Paul to the church in Philippi--> Phil.2:25-27, 4:18
1. I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my bother,
fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger,
whom you sent to take care of my needs.
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
Indeed he was ill, and almost died.
But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
2. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied,
now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.
They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
3. For Cornelius, an Italian centurion to be known as a righteous and God- fearing man,
who is respected by all the Jewish people. Acts 10:22
His giving generously to those in need is not enough. Acts 10:2
His personal involvement is evidence!
The angel said to him:
Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Acts 10:4
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this on Dec., 25, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V9BOdh3O3U