"Pandemic" - Acts 4:32-37
- Series: "Pandemic" - The Gospel Unleashed
- by: Chris Mayfield 11/22/09
All Things in Common
Acts 4:32-37
The first Christians loved each other sincerely and sacrificially. Though they were of different ages, temperaments and stages in life yet, they were knitted together by Christ’s love through faith. Just as they spoke boldly before the religious leaders, so they lived boldly and resolutely—especially towards the poor and those among them in need. Truly, they obeyed the commands of Christ to love their neighbors, to consider others better than themselves and believed that it is better to give than to receive. Instead of storing all their goods up for themselves, they sold what they had and gave it away, thus storing up treasure in heaven.
Engage the Text
- What prompted the church to act this way towards one another?
- Was the selling of fields, houses and sharing of goods voluntary or made mandatory by the Apostles? Were they coerced into giving?
- What was the goal of living this way?
- Some twist passages such as these to support Communism or Liberation Theology. Why is that incorrect? Is this what the text is prescribing?
From Thought to Action
- What possessions do you cling to and why? What possessions could you give to the Lord? Is God calling you to do anything extraordinary with your possessions, but you find yourself hesitant or afraid to be obedient?
- What is an example of a time the body of Christ has provided for you? At the Journey? In your neighborhood? At your work?
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