Evidence of Grace
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Social
Everything in common
Everything in common
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. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 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 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
This is the second time we see the idea of having ‘everything in common’
And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Acts 2:44-
Is this communism?
People still owned things like their homes:
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
(and lots of other examples)
And, as we’re going to see later with Ananias and Sapphira
While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”
Peter indicates selling the property was voluntary.
Motivation
Motivation
What motivated Barnabas to sell the land?
‘as any had need’
Cause
Cause
What caused Barnabas to sell his land?
And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
The grace that they experienced, an answer to prayer:
:32
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
They were witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit through them, and seeing the Grace of God in each others lives, in the lost, and in their own lives, and witnessing that Grace was changing them.
What is
What is the difference between Mercy and Grace?
Mercy - when you don’t get the punishment you deserve; Grace - when you get the reward you don’t deserve. The two often occur together, instead of being punished for our sins we are rewarded with the presence of God.
When have you experienced grace?
If this isn’t communism what is it?
Answer = Family
The Holy Spirit was binding believers into a family.