Everything in Common
Announcements
- Juneteenth worship night next Wed instead of group here at the church
This Month's Topic: What is Church
Scripture Reference: Acts 4:32-37
Discussion Objective:
The church was growing rapidly as Paul is sharing in the book of Acts. With that growth continual "teaching moments" that he shared. This gave new insights as to how the global church was to function as believers were coming all backgrounds of religion.
We know that everyone in a local church body, much less the global kingdom, will be without conflict with one another - even in the matters of doctrine. What does it mean to you to be of one heart and soul as a disciple of Christ?
32 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.
33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
V32-33: Why is testimony such a critical part of a disciple's life?
How has your giving changed as you progress on your journey as a disciple emotionally?
34 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
35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
V34-35: While tithing is a command we should obey - how is that different than offerings that meet specific needs?
We are to give offerings without any expectations for ourselves yet that can be difficult. Have you ever given an offering (could be money or an object) and felt like the receiving person didn't make use of it correctly?
36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
V36-37: It can be hard on us emotionally if we take our expectations with an offering.
Ask Jesus to give you the strength to simply lay your offerings at His feet and trust those you give it to - could be the local church or someone directly - to be used for the kingdom without expectations.
Notes from same book of the bible
| File | Chapter | Resource |
|---|---|---|
| 1_Acts Overview | - | Bible Book Overview |
| Acension and Be My Witnesses | 1 | Discussion |
| Paul, John and the gift of healing | 3 | Discussion |
| Power of Corporate Prayer | 4 | Discussion |
| Ananias and Sapphira | 5 | Discussion |
| When we buy the magic trick | 8 | Teaching |
| Philip and the Ethiopian | 8 | Discussion |
| Annanias and His Response in Risking | 9 |
|
| Dorcas Raised to Life | 9 | Discussion |
| Peter Preaches to Cornelius and Family | 10 | Discussion |
| Angel Break Peter Out of Jail | 12 |
|
| Paul Brings Along Timothy | 16 | Discussion |
| Philippian Jailers Conversation | 16 |
|
| Lydia Converted | 16 | Discussion |
| Paul Before the Areopagus | 17 | Discussion |
| Leaders Are Stewards of God's Flock | 20 | Discussion |