Amal Arrasul 11 - NMNT93 & GNTD

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Giving is a powerful act that reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to live generously. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous teachings that emphasize the importance and impact of giving. Whether it’s through offering our time, resources, or love, the act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the power of giving and encourage us to embrace a life of generosity.

1. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When we give to others, especially those in need, we are not only helping them but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. It reminds us that true happiness is found in selflessness.

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The emphasis on giving cheerfully reminds us that our attitude matters. God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions can lead to abundant blessings.

3. Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity is not just about meeting the needs of others; it also brings personal renewal and prosperity. When we give, we often receive in return, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual and emotional well-being. The act of giving refreshes both the giver and the recipient.

4. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus emphasizes the abundance that comes from giving. The imagery of a generous measure being returned to us illustrates that our giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. When we give with an open heart, we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives.

5. Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We should give quietly and humbly, without seeking recognition or praise. The focus is on the sincerity and purity of our giving. God sees our acts of kindness, even when they are done in secret, and He will reward us accordingly. It reminds us that true giving is done for the benefit of others, not for personal glory.

6. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Sharing what we have with others is a sacrifice that pleases God. This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of others’ needs and taking action to meet them. It serves as a reminder that our acts of generosity are not just good deeds; they are expressions of our faith and love for God.

7. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

All we have comes from God. Recognizing that every gift we receive is from Him encourages us to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. When we give, we are participating in God’s work, distributing His blessings to those around us.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that giving is a powerful way to express our faith, love, and gratitude. These verses reveal that generosity not only impacts those we help but also enriches our own lives, bringing us closer to God and His purposes. Whether through our resources, time, or compassion, giving allows us to reflect God’s love in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of blessings that extend far beyond what we can see. By embracing a spirit of generosity, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that God desires for us.

Ŋen Buṯrus gəŋeicu led̶a ŋen ikanisa alo yi-Ursalim

Peter: Defending that church is for everyone

God’s love is for all people, regardless of background, and we are called to embrace diversity within the body of Christ. Peter came from a culture where other people were ritually unclean and he couldn’t even eat with them. Thanks to his faith in God, he understood that all Christians, regardless of background or nationality are his brothers and sisters in Christ.

1 Led̶a ləd̶wemu na lorəba ləkanisa ləfo alo Yuḏiya, lano ṯa led̶a ildi gerṯe laɽo Yawuḏ ləŋënṯu ŋen ŋə-Rəmwa com. 2 Na ndə Buṯrus gəbəɽo alo yi-Ursalim led̶a ildi ləfo eŋen ŋəd̶uɽəd̶ənia ṯalɽwataid̶o Buṯrusga, 3 ldaṯa, “Agabəɽo eled̶a lero luɽəd̶ənia nəñasəlda ed̶a?” 4 Nṯia Buṯrus gaɽwatiṯəlo ŋen pred̶ lgətərria nəŋaṯa, 5 “Ŋen egəfo alo yi-Yafa ṯiṯurṯu Rəmwa, na ŋen nəŋəñəmiñiṯi ṯiseicu wagənəŋ girəwu elo garno alfarəd̶ia yoɽra gëndənu alo marldwan nəŋəñirəwuṯi nano. 6 Na ṯiseicu ŋopia nenwane laŋge ɽrugud̶u, d̶wala d̶ed̶əñwa na d̶irnuŋ na imwa yeicia na ndəfia nelo. 7 Na nene olia geiṯiñi ṯa, ‘Buṯrus, twod̶o ŋaɽiñe ŋase!’ 8 Orn niyaṯa, ‘Ndo Eləŋ Yesu! Wagero gənəŋ gətaŋa geicia gënṯiñi ëiñua lomanəŋ kwai kwai.’ 9 Orn olia igi geṯəñe nano təŋ nəŋaṯa, ‘Waŋge Rəmwa rid̶u gatəɽe gerṯe agabaṯa ṯa gataŋa’. 10 Na olia nəŋupbeiniau ñoman ñiɽijin na waŋge nəŋoɽəbaṯe elo d̶əge laŋgela pred̶. 11 Na iliga lakəl d̶urri led̶a liɽijin larəmaṯo eɽa igei egəfau, ləd̶weinṯiñi alo yi-Gaisariya. 12

Na Usila gə-Rəmwa nəñəlwaɽəṯi ṯa ñaɽəlda yerṯe egəməlad̶ia ŋenŋa. Na nəñaɽe lorldaiñala ildi ləɽo d̶enəŋ nəŋəməñe gonto nəñënṯi eɽa gə-Karnilius alo yi-Gaisariya. 13 Na nəŋəndəlwaɽəṯi fəṯau gəseicu malaiyəka d̶əd̶uru egeɽa gəlëɽəŋu, nḏəmeiṯi ṯa, ‘Đwaṯo led̶a alo yi-Yafa aɽe alundəd̶i Siman igi gəbërnia Buṯrus, 14 Gënəŋu gid̶i aŋəndəlwaɽəṯi ŋen iŋi agəyëbərnia na led̶a pred̶ legeɽa gəlaɽəŋa’. 15 Na ŋen egabəṯa nole egəɽwata, Usila Gətəɽe nəŋəliruwəṯi nano ŋen ŋarno nanda ananoŋ. 16 Oro niləŋəd̶eini eŋen ŋ-Eləŋ Yesu gəlwaɽo, ‘Yuanna gananaid̶o mamuḏiya ŋawaŋa, orn ñaŋ ñagid̶i ñananeini mamuḏiya Usilaga Gətəɽe’. 17 Na ndə Rəmwa rənaicəlo d̶ənaica d̶urri ŋen ŋarno rənaicəndr ndə ləgëndr ŋen ŋ-Eləŋ Yesu Almasiya, na igënəñi fəsëgi ṯa egad̶aməca Rəmwa eŋen rəlwaɽo.” 18 Na ŋen ləno ŋen iŋi ldəbwaiñe ŋəma, na ldənaice Rəmwa ŋaɽrwa ldaṯa, “Ndə ŋen ŋəfəṯia Rəmwa ranaico led̶a ŋen ildi gerṯe laɽo Alyawuḏ com ṯa aləŋgəd̶eini ŋen eŋen ŋeicia aloɽəbaṯe Rəmwa nano na alme d̶əməṯia!”

Ŋen ŋəkanisa d̶əled̶a ildi gerṯe laɽo Alyawuḏ alo y-Anṯakiya

19 Na led̶a ildi lëndu ŋen lalaldëd̶ənu alo ŋen ŋanṯa ŋen ŋubwa iŋi ŋətwod̶o eŋen ŋ-Isṯəfanus, labəɽo nwaldaŋ alo yi-Finigiya, na yi-Gubrus, na y-Anṯakiya, orn lderṯe ləbërrəŋaicia led̶a ŋen ŋə-Rəmwa illi Alyawuḏ rətod̶. 20 Orn ləmaṯan iŋulu lalo yi-Gubrus na yi-Girəwan, ndə lënṯu alo y-Anṯakiya, ldërrəŋaici led̶a ildi ləɽo Alyunaniyin ŋen ŋ-Eləŋ Yesu, 21 na d̶əŋ d̶-Eləŋ Yesu lafəlda na lwaiña lëndu ŋen ldred̶eṯe Eləŋ Rəmwa nano.

22 Ndə led̶a lalo yi-Ursalim ləno ŋen iŋi, nṯia ldəd̶waṯe Barnaba ṯa aŋəɽe alo y-Anṯakiya. 23 Ndə geṯo nəŋəseici d̶ənaica d̶ə-Rəmwa, nəŋəreṯe nano, nəŋəlërrəŋaici ŋen kaiñ ṯa ald̶uri ŋopia eŋen ŋ-Eləŋ Yesu araga gonto ŋenŋa ŋwonḏəṯo. 24 Ŋen ŋanṯa Barnaba gaɽo ed̶a gəŋəra na gwunḏəjeinu Usilaga Gətəɽe na d̶wonaṯa. Na led̶a lwaiña laɽəjaid̶o eg-Eləŋ Yesu. 25 Oro Barnaba nəgabəṯa alo yi-Ṯarsus ṯa aŋəpwaiñe Sawul. 26 Na ndə gəfid̶əma nəŋəmamaṯe alo y-Anṯakiya. Na lënəŋulu ldərraid̶e led̶ala ləkanisa iṯəlia d̶urri ldërrəŋaici led̶a ŋen lwaiña kaiñ. Na alo y-Anṯakiya iliga lakəl led̶a lëndu ŋen lënəjənu Masiyin ŋen ŋəɽənda. 27 Na eñoman ñakəl anəbiya yeṯo alo yi-Ursalim yebəṯa alo y-Anṯakiya, 28 na ed̶a gənəŋ iŋulu gəbërnia Agabus nəŋətwod̶e nəŋəlwaɽe ŋabəɽaŋa ŋ-Usila gə-Rəmwa ṯa ŋorwaṯa ŋid̶i aŋela ŋoɽra aŋëndi alo pred̶ (na ŋorwaṯa iŋi ŋeṯo iliga lə-Kuluḏius eləŋ goɽra gə-Roma). 29 Na ṯaləmis niyëɽi ŋen enare ṯa yid̶i aiyaməd̶aṯe lorəba ləkanisa alo Yuḏiya laŋgela, ŋen ŋarno laŋge Rəmwa rənaicəlo ɽetəɽeteo. 30 Na ṯaləmis niyid̶i ṯia niyəd̶waṯe Barnaba na Sawul laŋgela enələŋ nəkanisa alo Yuḏiya.

Peter's Report to the Church at Jerusalem

1 The apostles and the other believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 When Peter went to Jerusalem, those who were in favor of circumcising Gentiles criticized him, saying, 3 “You were a guest in the home of uncircumcised Gentiles, and you even ate with them!” 4 So Peter gave them a complete account of what had happened from the very beginning:

5 “While I was praying in the city of Joppa, I had a vision. I saw something coming down that looked like a large sheet being lowered by its four corners from heaven, and it stopped next to me. 6 I looked closely inside and saw domesticated and wild animals, reptiles, and wild birds. 7 Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat!’ 8 But I said, ‘Certainly not, Lord! No ritually unclean or defiled food has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 The voice spoke again from heaven, ‘Do not consider anything unclean that God has declared clean.’ 10 This happened three times, and finally the whole thing was drawn back up into heaven. 11 At that very moment three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. These six fellow believers from Joppa accompanied me to Caesarea, and we all went into the house of Cornelius. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send someone to Joppa for a man whose full name is Simon Peter. 14 He will speak words to you by which you and all your family will be saved.’ 15 And when I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came down on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 It is clear that God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; who was I, then, to try to stop God!”

18 When they heard this, they stopped their criticism and praised God, saying, “Then God has given to the Gentiles also the opportunity to repent and live!”

The Church at Antioch

19 Some of the believers who were scattered by the persecution which took place when Stephen was killed went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message to Jews only. 20 But other believers, who were from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and proclaimed the message to Gentiles also, telling them the Good News about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's power was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

22 The news about this reached the church in Jerusalem, so they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw how God had blessed the people, he was glad and urged them all to be faithful and true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and many people were brought to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he took him to Antioch, and for a whole year the two met with the people of the church and taught a large group. It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.

27 About that time some prophets went from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and by the power of the Spirit predicted that a severe famine was about to come over all the earth. (It came when Claudius was emperor.) 29 The disciples decided that they each would send as much as they could to help their fellow believers who lived in Judea. 30 They did this, then, and sent the money to the church elders by Barnabas and Saul.