Common Goods for a Common Bond

Dale Gooding - Acts 4:32-37

https://youtu.be/EfxyVWf80RM

We are Amazingly Graced!  

I) They were a Unified Church (Acts 4:32a)
     A) They were unified in heart & soul
     B) Were they unified in doctrine?

II) They were a Giving Church (Acts 4:32b,34-35)
     A) Their giving was:
           1) Universal = All who could, gave
           2) Voluntary = Not compulsory
           3) Sufficient = Enough for all (4:34a)
     B) The reason for need?
           1) There was general poverty
           2) Ostracization by family & employers
           3) Extent of travel

     Caution: Beware of “Christian Socialism”

III) They were a Changed People (Acts 4:33b)
     A) Became “the Church” of Jesus Christ
     B) Responded with Grace - “great grace”
           1) Grace Gives - Matt 5:45 (generally)
           2) Grace For-Gives - Eph 2:8 (salvific)
     C) Changed by the Apostle’s testimony
           1) The Apostles were obeying Christ
           2) Thousands came to Christ earlier

IV) The Introduction of Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37)
•  Acts 9:27 = Boldly introduces Paul to Apostles
•  Acts 11:22-30 = Encouraged Church at Antioch
•  Acts 13:1—14:28 = An Elder, as Missionary
•  Acts 15:2-4,12,22,36-41 = Man of Conviction
•  1 Cor 9:6-14 = Received "living from the Gospel"