The Church of Acts
(Acts 4:32-35)
- Considering Old Time Religion I wondered about some of the old church habits
- I wondered about how God would call us today to act knowing what He has already done
- Tonight, let’s examine the old church; let’s get honest about what we need to do
- Let’s prepare to follow … without wondering what others will think of us … let’s be the church
Acts 4:32-35
32All 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. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
Pray
Unity is Critical
- Repeat after me: We’re gonna be alright!
- Let’s just get the obvious out there: Where are you in agreement? Do you stir up issues?
- The church was founded upon a single thought: Jesus is Lord and people need to know Him
- Today, we have committees on committees to decide how God should be involved
- Church, we talk about old time religion; we sing about old time religion; but do we practice?
- When Paul and Silas were in prison, they knew nothing except Jesus was Lord
- They worshipped without fear of anything because they were certain of what Jesus had done
- They were able to worship because of the faith they had! (See the connection?)
- Because of the faith they had, they simply focused all their energy on the One who mattered
Filling the Need
- No one was needy in the early church because the church took care of the need!
- The church is going to be what turns this world around but let me tell you – we are failing
- How? Prayer in public places -- How about: Abortions, Adultery, Addiction …
- Families losing their homes and even their sanity and I am not talking about the economy
- These are the needs the church is called to fulfill and without the church this world fails
- I don’t care who is in the White House, I care about who is on the Throne
- We are called to be the church, to demonstrate what Paul preached, and who saved us
- That is Old Time Religion – that is the concept that we have to get our minds around!
- Repeat after me: We’re gonna be alright!
- We are going to be the ones who make the difference; but only if we get involved …
How do we measure up?
- Let me ask you to take a close examination of the church; right now
- You can start with Open Acres, but let’s expound on that further – nationally, globally
- Take a good look church; Take a good look at the social club we have created today
- “You don’t dress like us so you are not allowed …”; “You worship differently so …”; “I don’t like the music there so …”; “I wish we had this program or that event …”; it’s killing us today!
- Are we in agreement? (Acts 2:41) Are thousands being added to our numbers everyday?
- Church, until we see this vision – until we learn that we have to execute the vision …
- Theory: Until we are active in spreading the vision we won’t see the fulfillment of God’s plan; because He is the one who saved us to execute it!! (repeat)
- I understand that this world is a mess, I get it that there are issues, but we must continue!
- The church’s calling is to help, restore, and deliver – being mindful of the Spirit’s leading
- We are not headed for the Christian retirement home; there isn’t one – until we die
- Repeat after me: We’re gonna be alright!
Nevertheless …
Acts 5:12-14
12The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.
- There is one key word that I want you to see in these few verses – one word we need today
- This word is used 34 times in Bible – the word is: Nevertheless (means CONTINUE ON)
- No matter what is happening, the church continued on; they delivered the gospel unashamed
- Repeat after me: We’re gonna be alright!
- Being a believer has nothing to do with rituals. It has nothing to do with dressing nice.
- It has nothing to do with how many times you go to church or that you give in the plate
- Being a believer means that we carry on, no matter the personal cost or sacrifice
- Perfect example of selfless sacrifice in the face of tough times ahead:
- John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
- Jesus laid down His life for us. He freely gave of Himself so that we could continue on
- I ask you tonight to consider what are we doing to carry on? How are we unified?
- Do we continue to argue amongst ourselves and cause discord and junk among believers?
- Do we look for ways to judge one another or poke holes in what another believer says?
- Are we continuing on, nevertheless, in the face of this world because Jesus told us too?
(Invite singers)
- Tonight you have to decide – you have to decide what it is that you are going to do
- If you have never given your life to this Jesus I want you to come so I can introduce you to Him
- But, if you are a believer and you are not carrying on, then you have business to do with God
- It is your call church – are we going to follow the model of the church of Acts?
Pray
