One Heart, One Soul, One Spirit

Ephesians 4:1–3 ESV

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

For the Church to have an impact on the world, there must be:

A Oneness of Heart and Soul

Four things that unify a church for community impact

A Unified Belief

Acts 4:32 ESV

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.

They found purpose and meaning in Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The Life.

They had found their purpose for living. King Jesus was the only thing that mattered.

They found family and communion in the Spirit of God.

Ephesians 4:4–6 ESV

4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

A Unified Body

Acts 4:32 (ESV)32 ...and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

Pooling resources promotes unity.

God promotes unity.

Adam and Eve were seen as one flesh.

Modern day couples do pool resource so they can make a clean brake if it doesn’t work out.

When you through all in your heart is in as well.

Pooling resources promotes the gospel.

Modern-day pooling of resources at Reliant.

Create financial health and stability for the church and our family.

Pool a 3-month savings account of $75,000 by the end of 2023

Each family saves an emergency fund of at least $1000

In 2024 we are asking God for $1,000,000 to begin our building project.

God will use all of us to bring in these funds.

There is no telling how God will do it.

A Unified Mission

Unity of the People Is power for the preacher

Acts 4:33 ESV

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 Preaching was unified around the resurrection of Christ.

A unified Grace

God blesses unity with grace.

Acts 4:34 ESV

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

God's grace is tied to the heart of the giver.

2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:7–8 ESV

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:10–12 ESV

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

A Unity of the Spirit

A Honest Heart

Acts 4:36–37 ESV

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.

God does amazing things through a person with the right heart.

Barnabas was never known as Joseph again.

The Spirit called out Barnabas as his first missionary.

Acts 13:2 ESV

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

A Deceptive Heart

Acts 5:1–2 ESV

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

The Work of the Devil

Acts 5:3 ESV

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?

Devilish Wisdom

James 3:14–15 ESV

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

Satan is the father of lies

John 8:44 ESV

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

The Conspiracy

Acts 5:4 ESV

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.”

You can’t pull one over on God?

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The Consequence

Acts 5:5–6 ESV

5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

The Corruption

Acts 5:7–11 ESV

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.