The 1st Century Church not known for their temples, their theology or even the miracles. The thing that caused their world to sit up and take notice was the crazy generosity and compassion that the followers of Jesus displayed toward one another and those around them. That counter-cultural characteristic of the early Christian Church propelled them to the forefront of the Greco-Roman world. They had no political, economic or religious clout yet they change their world and all of history since then.
No-strings attached generosity and compassion (not judgment) for the disenfranchised, marginalized and rejected of society, just like Jesus had done, was almost irresistible to the self-focused, self-indulgent culture that they lived in. A culture very much like the one we live in today.
It never ceases to amaze, how profoundly people are touched by the simplest acts of genuine care and selfless service. It is a clear witness to others of the grace that God has extended to us. A tangible unconditional love that not only is visible but is deeply felt. Service to others is part of the DNA of NineSevenZero Church whether the recipients are Christians or not. Love expressed in service is compelling and it naturally draws people into relationship with one another and with God. The Apostle Paul instructed the young pastor Timothy to:
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Tim 6:18
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