RISE: TURN YOUR SETBACKS INTO COMEBACKS, Step 6

Step 6: Your Comeback Coalition: Build Your A-Team to Bounce Back Faster (Acts 4:1 - 5:16 Early Church + Ananias & Saphira)

Act 4:32(NKJV) Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

Today I will be giving you the last sermon in our series, SLIDE 1. RISE: TURN YOUR SETBACKS INTO COMEBACKS. But don’t worry, there is more to come. For there is another step after today’s step, but you will hear more about that later. Today we will explore step #6. SLIDE 2. Your Comeback Coalition: Build Your A-Team to Bounce Back Faster. Let’s start by looking at the people you have around you.

You can Have the Wrong Community Around You: People Who Oppose You and Want to Stop You

Peter and John faced this exact challenge in Acts 4. After healing a man and preaching boldly in the name of Jesus, they found themselves in hot water with the authorities. These were religious leaders, people who should have been on their side and excited at what they were doing with their lives. But the wrong community around you doesn't do that. They can hurt you in these ways that I’m going to share with you:

They try to intimidate you into silence.

Acts 4:18 (NKJV): "So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus."

The Sanhedrin were not just displeased; they actively threatened Peter and John, commanding them not to speak in Jesus’ name. The wrong people in your life may pressure you to compromise your faith, values, or purpose.

The wrong people, they dismiss and discredit your calling.

Acts 4:16-17 (NKJV): "saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."

Instead of rejoicing in the miraculous healing, the religious leaders were more concerned with preserving their authority. Some people in your life may see your progress as a threat rather than something to celebrate.

The wrong people, they create an environment of fear.

Acts 4:3 (NKJV): "And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening."

Peter and John were thrown into prison before their trial. A toxic community will keep you in emotional or spiritual bondage, making you afraid to step out in faith.

The wrong people, they resist the work of God in your life.

Acts 4:16 (NKJV): "For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it."

The authorities acknowledged the miracle but still refused to accept it. Some people in your life will see the evidence of God's power but still refuse to support your growth or transformation.

The Power of the Right Community

But here’s where the story takes a turn—instead of facing it alone, they returned to their community, who lifted them up with fervent prayer and support. Acts 4:23 says, "On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them." Notice what they did first—not retreat, not complain, but go straight to their people. This emphasizes that they had a spiritual support system in place. Who do you turn to when you're under pressure?

In Acts 4:24-31, their community didn’t just listen; they responded in corporate prayer. And what happened? Verse 31 tells us: "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." (Acts 4:31, ESV)

When you have the right people around you—people of faith who seek God together—the result is boldness, power, and divine intervention.

The diagnosis

Here’s the reality check—sometimes, we're surrounded by the wrong crowd. We might cling to relationships out of habit or fear, relationships that drain rather than fill us. Or perhaps we avoid seeking help because we don’t want to seem weak. But Peter and John’s experience demonstrates the critical importance of community: when threats came, their first stop was their supportive friends.

The next section of Acts 4 shows how the early church lived in radical unity (Acts 4:32-37). They shared everything they had, making sure that no one in their group was left in need. Verse 32 states: "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." This is more than generosity—it’s a kingdom mindset of mutual support, trust, and accountability.

The Good News in the Text

The early Christian community didn’t just pray; they acted. Those who had resources sold what they had and brought the proceeds to support each other. Imagine that level of commitment to one another's success! In this community, no one was needy because everyone was ready to contribute to the well-being of others.

But then comes Acts 5:1-11—the story of Ananias and Sapphira. While Barnabas was an example of genuine generosity (Acts 4:36-37), Ananias and Sapphira tried to appear generous without true integrity. They sold a piece of property but kept back part of the money while pretending to give it all.

Peter, being filled with the Holy Ghost, confronts them: "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? (Acts 5:3 NKJV) And at that moment he fell down dead! And it wasn’t enough that he lied but his came in a short while later, not knowing that her husband was dead and she lied and died. A side note here is don’t be a part of another man’s sin.

Why was this such a big deal? Because their deception threatened the unity and purity of the community. God was establishing a new kind of people, built on honesty, faith, and mutual commitment. When dishonesty entered, it was judged severely.

The Good News in Our Lives

This isn’t just an ancient ideal; it’s a blueprint for us today. When we surround ourselves with the right people—those who truly care and are willing to support us physically, spiritually, and emotionally—we are stronger. Our setbacks become comebacks faster because we are not alone. We have a network that uplifts and pushes us forward.

Acts 5:12-16 tells us the results of this strong, unified community: "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people." (v.12)

"More and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number." (v.14)

"People brought the sick into the streets… so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by." (v.15)

When we build the right community, miracles happen. When we walk in unity, generosity, and truth, we see God move supernaturally.

SLIDE 3. Here is your Call to Action

Evaluate - Who’s Around You?

Are the people around you building you up or pulling you down? Are they committed to honesty and integrity, or are they like Ananias and Sapphira—pretending to give but holding back? Do they encourage your faith and help you grow, or are they distracting you from God’s purpose?

Enlist the right Team

It’s time to surround yourself with a Comeback Coalition—people who will stand with you in faith, pray for you, and help you move forward. One of the best ways to build your A-Team is by putting God first. Asking God to give you the Spirit of discernment. So that you will be able to discern the evil from the good. And then be part of an in-person church fellowship where people can truly know you and support you in times of need. In other words, go to church consistently and be involved. *

Exclude - Let Go of the Wrong People

Not everyone can go with you into your next season. Some relationships are toxic or counterproductive to your growth. It’s okay—and sometimes necessary—to distance yourself from those who are keeping you stuck. *

Your Challenge

Surround yourself with the right people and watch how quickly you bounce back from whatever life throws at you. With the right people, your recovery isn’t just possible; it’s inevitable. Let’s build that community, starting now. SLIDE 4. WHO’S ON YOUR CREW? DO YOU HAVE AN A-TEAM?

The Outcome of a Strong Community

In Acts 5:12-16, we see the result of their unity: "many signs and wonders were done among the people." When you build the right coalition, God moves in powerful ways. Your comeback isn’t just for you—it’s a testimony of God’s power to those around you. So, who’s on your A-Team?

Closing: SLIDE 5

Surround yourself with the right people. Build Your A-Team to Bounce Back Faster. *