Acts 4:32-33 (NIV)32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
I) (vs. 32) All the believers were one in heart and mind· Heart: center of affections and intellectual thought
· Mind: (soul) seat of life and will
· Center of personality that determines a person’s conduct.
. United in purpose and devotion
· No divisions
· So schisms
· No dissentions
- been with Jesus
- witnesses to the resurrection
- baptized with the Holy Spirit
- devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching, breaking of bread and fellowship
- worldview totally surrendered to Christ
· No longer Jewish worldview of the law
· No longer the Roman view of the Deity of Caesar
- Healings seem possible. Miracles seem possible in our time,
- this phrase seems like it is so difficult to imagine: one in heart and mind?
Our times are characterized by the polarization of opinions – this makes the economy go around, makes for controversy on TV and Radio talk shows – juicy press. The provincial election is a perfect example – whole system is built on official disagreement.
What would this have looked like, this one heart and mind? What would it have felt like to be part of this movement? All headed the same direction, not just because you have to, but genuinely, willingly – sincerely the same heart, the same mind! These followers of Jesus had these questions answered in their hearts and minds…
a) - who or what is the authority?
· Jesus established His authority, (all authority Matt 28:19) gave it to the apostles, those filled with the Holy Spirit
· There was a recognized spiritual authority that was evident, easily acknowledged,
b) - what is valued?
· The values of the kingdom
· Seek first the kingdom of God
· Go into all the world
· He who would be first must be the servant of all
c) - what is the purpose of this life? Where is it headed?
· To follow Jesus
· To please the Lord
· To live in obedience to His commands
d) – how will our personal needs be met?
· Food, shelter
· Safety
· Belonging, acceptance, love
· Respect, achievement
· Identity, spontaneity, creativity, decision making (identity and purpose)
II) (vs. 32b) Shared everything they had
No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
· No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own?
o The god of material things is a powerful idol in our time. If we live for this world only then this (sharing) does not happen, our stuff is what we live for. Those believers lived in the moment, believing that Jesus would return at any time….
Galatians 6:10 (NIV) 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
III) (vs. 33a) Great power to testify
33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
· Power of the Holy Spirit - signs miracles, testimony
· Resurrection of the Lord Jesus – continues to be the central theme of the message
· We are observing a church filled with the Holy Spirit - these are the marks of people who have come into this Holy Spirit fullness
·
IV) (vs. 33b) Much grace!
...and much grace was upon them all.
· Showered with rich blessings
· Evidence of the favor of the Lord upon them
- the evidence of the Holy Spirit working? – they cared about one another: vitally connected with others; visible through the connection with others; matures through the interaction with others; welcomed one another into their lives; loved being together (all who believed were welcomed into the fellowship)
· Open, not exclusive, or cliques,
· Ever expanding circles of care, acceptance
· New circles of care and acceptance
This description of the 1st church is immediately following the second filling of the Spirit: “all filled with the Spirit and spoke the word of God with Boldness”
The transformation of a life filled with the Spirit is shown in very practical ways: Kindness toward one another; generosity.
What divides us from our brothers and sisters? What causes dissention, quarreling, judgment? How do we view what we have?
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
1. How can I pursue more, be filled with more of the Spirit so that I can be one heart and mind with this body?
· Only comes by the Holy Spirit changing us from the inside out
· Re-ordering of my values
· Is my view of spiritual leadership Biblical or secular? (eph 4:11)
· Inner transformation that would change my view of this life
· Be willing to be “One in heart and mind”
· Flow from my heart – natural
· Seeking? First step
· Have I become a protector, selfish, closed hands?
2. What do I have that I can share?
· Actual stuff, (that I’m not using)
o Clothing, baby gear,
o Vehicle
o Food
o Electronics
· Don’t know people’s needs – get more involved with people
o Small groups
o Acts of kindness
o Food bank
3. Who is in need that I can care about?
· Sick?
· Hospital, prison,
· Discouraged,
· Visit to ease loneliness – Seniors
· Who haven’t I called in a long time
· Embrace of friendship (forgiveness)
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