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Saturday 3 September 2016

Oneness of Heart and Soul

ONENESS OF HEART AND SOUL
Just a moment ago I came out from the "sanctuary" where I had been enjoying the good Word of God. One of my "readings" was in Acts 4, reminiscent as it appeared to me, of the close up of the second chapter.
I quote: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common, and sold their possessions and substance, and distributed them to all, according as any one might have need." Acts 2:44 & 45.
"And the heart and soul [both singular!] of the multitude of those that had believed were one, and not one said that anything of what he possessed was his own, but all things were common to them; and with great power did the apostles give witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. For neither was there any one in want among them! [my punctuation] for as many as were owners of lands or houses, selling them, brought the price of what was sold and laid it at the feet of the apostles; and distribution was made to each according as any one might have need." Acts 4:32-35.
A very godly saint commented thus: "Without pretending to return to this happy beginning, let us strive to put into effect the spirit of it in laying aside our selfishness and in seizing every opportunity to sacrifice ourselves for our brethren."
I fully appreciate what he is saying, and I do not wish to denigrate him in any way.
By why should it be a pretence? Do we not long for halcyon days, days of "heaven on earth?" Is our spiritual bankruptcy and low condition of heart and soul attributable in some degree to our failure to "return to that happy beginning?"
Ah, brethren, do we think it is impractical, impossible or just too imposing upon us now? If so is this not a reflection upon our poverty-stricken appreciation of our God and His only-begotten Son?
Finally, were the blessings enjoyed then the response of heaven, and commensurate with the display of their oneness of heart and soul!