Community on Mission

Gene Staples

Acts

Sermon Only Sermon Audio

May 17, 2026

Acts 4:32-37

In this sermon, we were honored to hear from Pastor Gene Staples, our Groups Pastor, as he preached from Acts 4:32-37.
In this passage, we see how the early church lived in community. They lived generously by sharing their resources with one another, proclaimed the gospel to those who did not know Jesus, and met the needs of others. In the same way, we as a church are called to live generously in community.
What does this look like, and what is your next step toward living generously in community? Check out this sermon to learn more!

Sermon Notes

Acts | Community on Mission
Acts 4:32-37

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.” Acts 4:32-37

1. The Partnership of the People: A United Community
“…the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul…” Acts 4:32

2. The Posture of the People: Everything in Common
“…no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own…” Acts 4:32

“The church is the church only when it exists for others… not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Does my posture say: “This is mine!” or ask “What’s needed?”

3. The Power Amongst the People: Testimony and Grace
“…with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33

4. The Practice of the People: Communal, Not Coerced
“There was not a needy person among them… distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:34a & 35b

Communal Living
• Voluntary
Communist Living
• Forced

Communal Living
• Spirit-led
Communist Living
• Mandated

Communal Living
• Heart-driven
Communist Living
• Externally controlled

“Each one must give as he has decided… not reluctantly or under compulsion.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

5. Profound Generosity: Sacrificial Generosity
“Barnabas… sold a field… laid it at the apostles’ feet…” Acts 4:36a & 37

What’s your next step?

Does Your Group Reflect What We Just Saw in God’s Word Today?
• Are we united in heart?
• Are we living open-handed?
• Are we bold in our testimony?
• Are we meeting real needs?
• Are we living with sacrificial generosity?

Sermon Notes

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