“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 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 4:31-37
I. A PRAYING PEOPLE
“And when they had prayed…” (v. 31a)
“The story of every great Christian achievement is the history of answered prayer.” – E.M. Bounds
Spiritual Reality: God in His sovereignty has chosen to limit His activity to the prayers of His people
“God rules the world and His church through the prayers of His people. That God should have made the extension of His kingdom to such a large extent dependent on the faithfulness of His people in prayer is a stupendous mystery and yet an absolute certainty. God calls for intercessors: in His grace He has made His work dependent on them. He waits for them.” – Andrew Murray
II. A UNITED PEOPLE
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul…” (v. 32)
“He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” – Acts 1:3
“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer…” – Acts 1:14a
The Kingdom of God: God’s sovereign activity in the world resulting in people being in right relationship with Himself
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35
III. A WITNESSING PEOPLE
“And 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
“What lie of the enemy is leading me to believe that my neglect of inviting unbelievers to church and into a relationship with Jesus Christ is OK?”
IV. A GENEROUS PEOPLE
“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… 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, 34-37
1) It begins with a right heart towards God
2) It flows from a right view of things
3) It is motivated by the need of the moment Sometimes a Sacrifice: Spirit-led generosity that occasionally calls me to give more than I think I can to get in on what God is doing in the moment
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