A Place With So Much Grace

Sermon. Carlisle Evangelical Free Church. Shad Baker.

Acts 4:32-37

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. 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. 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.

-generous community
3 pitfalls to passage:
1. "all believers were one in heart and mind" does not mean they were all clones
- they were individuals, all with the mind of Christ
2. not a commune/marxist community
- gave to those in need out of what they were given
3. no needy does not mean no poor

What made this community great?
- they believed
- they received God's grace (v32)
-- much grace (how do I see God's grace in my life?)
-- changed by grace

Effects of grace
1. one in heart and mind (v32)
- Christ's
2. it's not mine, so I share it (v32)
- it all came from God (part of God's much grace)
3. great power to testify (v33)
- about the resurrection of Christ (more proof of God's much grace)
4. no needy (v34)
- gave to those in need
5. because they are generous (v36)
- if I'm not, then have I been changed by God's much grace?
- people will be attracted to this generosity
--they won't come if they don't see a reason
- generosity = intentional, not random/casual
--great generosity does not need to people to ask for it, it gives regardless
- generosity = sacrifice
--amount doesn't matter; heart does
- God is generous, gives much grace
--covers all my sins

Application:
Individuals
- receive God's grace to fill my needs; then I can give
- must admit need and learn!
Church
- great grace
- seeing need (must be constantly vigilant)
-- caring for need around us once we see it