Great Grace

Since the LORD has not asked us to live in a commune style of existence, a lot of followers become selfish and think they don’t have to give to the work of the ministry at all.

Notice, “Neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own” In the original language this says, not even one person.

Because these early believers believed so desperately that people needed Jesus, there was no selfishness or disunity in their ranks.

These early followers believed that all they possessed belonged to and came from, the LORD.

II. Great power and grace.

Read Acts 4:33

I do not buy into all of the mysticism we hear in certain circles of Christianity however, there are certain truths and promises that we are taught in scripture.

Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! NKJV

Why is it good and pleasant for Christians to dwell together in unity?

Christian unity is good because it shows others God’s intent and purpose for His children.

In His High-Priestly prayer, Jesus said in John 17:20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;

John 17:21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. NKJV

Christian unity is pleasant because it makes life together with other believers more enjoyable than times of bickering and conflict.

Because the Holy Spirit was moving and the Christians were submitted to Him, the LORD gave Great power to the church.

According to the Greek Lexicon, the word Great is the Greek word “megas” (English for Mega), meaning big, exceedingly great, large, high, loud, mighty, or strong.

H. Leo Boles said, “Great power means the force of argument (preaching) accompanied with spiritual power.” (Boles)

Like we learned a couple of weeks ago…

Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

Matthew 10:20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. NKJV

This word great or mega is the same word in Mark 4:37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.

Mark 4:38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" NKJV

Windstorm means a tempest, wind, a violent agitation, and stream of air, or a very strong tempestuous wind. So, this wasn’t just a little storm, this was a Mega-storm.

What is ironic about the narrative in Mark 4 is that the Disciples obeyed and got into the boat, but Jesus still allowed a mighty, exceedingly great, mega storm during their obedience.

Jesus’ love, power, wisdom, and foreknowledge are mightier than we could ever imagine, and He allows mega-storms in our lives to teach us the things we need to learn.

Then notice Acts 4:33, And great grace was upon them all.

Just as the LORD allows trials into our lives, He also offers us Mega-grace as well.