Continuing in Single-Minded Life Together

One heart & one soul -

Keep in mind that the Lord has brought about this body of people who were of one heart and soul (). They were so committed to the way that they no longer found their worth and identity in the material possessions that they had, but they sold them and provided for those among the body who had need.

Obedient in heart and life to God - ,

This body of people had been obedient in heart to the gospel and now they had received the Holy Spirit who empowered the for an obedient life in the face of persecution.

Current Setting

The setting is one of growth, service, and murmuring. The solution requires men who are Holy Ghost empowered. Why?

First, this is in keeping with one of the Lucan themes. , , ,

Second, it is the Holy Spirit who has brought a unity among the people of God that previously did not exist. ,

Third, full of the Holy Ghost meant that they were able to live out this unity practically (under control) - direct contradiction of the division and ensuing murmuring.

I mean, think about it. You could come up with a solution that is purely logistical. Why not just do this? Why not just come up with a strategic plan with goals, measures, and metrics?

Illustration:

Have you ever self-diagnosed and been wrong? A couple of years ago, I began to feel a pain in my jaw. It continued to become worse and worse over several days. I thought that I simply needed to floss and that it was an abscessed tooth. In my prior experience, I had some food that needed to be flossed out and it corrected the problem. I flossed and there was no relief. The pain got worse. Finally, the pain had spread that that entire side of my head. I went to the doctor who diagnosed me with a “sinus infection” and prescribed for me some antibiotics. The wrong self-diagnosis led to further trouble and pain. Only when I was diagnosed by an independent source was I able to get healing.

Often times, when we are trying to diagnose a problem in the church, we allow our experiences to speak louder than the word of God. This can misdirect us from what appears to be a common problem that has plagued the churches in the first century and the churches in the 21st century.

Text Overview

(1) They would have seen this as a natural problem (v. 1)

(2) They would have put this natural problem in perspective of the greater purpose (v. 2)

(3) They would have encouraged a corporate accountability/responsibility (v. 3) - Why/How could they do this. The key is the Holy Ghost.

(4) They would have understood the primacy of continuing in prayer and the word of God (v. 4)

(5) They would have been pleased with others who had the same Holy Ghost (v. 5)

Notice what it is that did NOT hinder the increase of the word of God and the multiplication of disciples:

- it was not the preaching

- it was not the music ministry

- it was not the youth ministry

- it was not the senior saints ministry

Application:

We would do well to take heed. Often, it is not the teaching that is the problem, but it is the complaining conversations that take place that cause the problem.

- This was characteristic of the children of Israel in the wilderness -

Exodus 15:24 KJV 1900

And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

- It was evident in the church in Philippi -

Philippians 2:14 KJV 1900

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

And, it is something that we still struggle through today.

We often think that our conflicts can be simply fixed by some strategic, scientific, technological fix; but the truth is that for Christians in conflict, that correcting division at home, at church, at work does not begin with a strategic solution, it must begin with men and women who are controlled by the Spirit of God — men and women who are endeavoring to maintain the unity of the Spirit!

Proposition:

Let's people the Christian church who continue in single-minded life together! -

(1) They would have seen this as a natural problem (v. 1)

(1) They would have seen this as a natural problem (v. 1)

(a) It is natural in the sense that there is an ethnic divide -

(b) It is natural in the sense that there is a cultural divide -

Illustration: When Josiah was just a little boy, Catrina was standing with him in a grocery store, and a man walked up behind them to cash out. The man was dressed with biker style clothing, a bandana…etc. Because it was a time when Josiah was really into pirates, he said to Catrina, “Look, mom, it’s a pirate!”

Application:

There is innocence noted when a child does this, but when the Lord saves an individual, he gives to them a unity that is more than just skin deep, and while it may be ok for us to notice differences, it is not ok for us to allow those differences to bring about division in how we treat each other.

What We Need is More Than Floss - An Honest Self-Assessment:

The establishment are those who are Christians in an orthodox, traditional manner. They, like the Hebraic Christians have been faithful Christians for a long time. Can this kind of problem really enter in among us? Yes.

What would this oversight/neglect look like?

* It would look like "greeting time fellowship" only with the newcomers.

* It would look like people who are more aware of unhappy establishment and not aware of the many visitors the Lord has brought this way.

Ask them who is unhappy at church, and they can tell you. Ask them the name of 5 outside families currently attending, they have a hard time answering.

* It would look like people who are living life outside of the church house with other establishment but not with other groups/cultured Christians

Are you one of the “establishment” Christians?

Have you fallen into the trap of intentionally or unintentionally neglecting the service of those who are not exactly like you?

A mis-diagnosis can be quite painful for the body of Christ here.

Transition:

CONTINUING IN SINGLE-MINDED LIFE TOGETHER: This would have been seen as a natural problem.

(2) They would have seen this as a spiritual problem

(a) The priority is made quite clear (v. 2, 4)

(b) The Spirit is central in the need. (v. 3)

We have to assume that the problem is such that purely logistical and strategic measures are simply not enough. What then are the problems beneath the problems? Because the truth is that surely there was a "nursery schedule" that could have been put in place to care for the problem.

Illustration:

A couple of years ago, we took our family to the ocean. There on the beach are so many beautiful things to see. From small crabs, to shells…Sometimes the beauty lies in the water. Josiah and I like to snorkel, and it’s like entering a different world.

The danger though, lies not in what you can see but in what you cannot see. Before we got into the water, I noticed some signs that gave us warning. There are these currents called RIP currents that flow under the surface of the water and can forcefully take you out to sea.

It was a caution for us.

In like manner, natural problems are often rooted in deeper spiritual problems. This means that the spiritual solution must be sought along with the practical solution, and while we are good at practical solutions, we often place our faith in the wrong thing. This leads us to overlook the real issue.

Application:

To the Unbeliever:

This is the plight of mankind in general.

Illustration:

There was a man living in Europe. He was living in a city that was primarily retired military. This city was highly patriotic. This had a good living, a family, a good career. At this stage in his career he had been given the job of being a security officer at the prison. He was a trusted man.

On one particular occasion, he received a prisoner who was a high profile prisoner. This high profile prisoner had been accused of organized crime. This high profile prisoner had become infamous in the entire country and then some.

This patriotic, hard-working, family man had been commanded to ensure that this prisoner did not escape. As a result of this, this officer not only put this prisoner into the prison but he physically chained this individual within the prison.

Now, this officer had seen natural disasters before, but on this evening, he was unprepared for what would happen. At midnight, an earthquake shattered the walls of the prison and loosed the prisoners.

The officer awakened to a startling reality, he had a serious problem on his hands. He supposed the prisoners were gone. He decided he would commit suicide. This would hopefully spare him and his family any further pain.

It was then that he heard this high profile prisoner yell from inside the prison, “Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.” In that moment, this officer became aware of a deeper problem. He asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

In similar fashion, the problem is deeper for many today. You have attempted to deliver your soul by living a good life....or being kind…or having a good family....or serving your country....but the problem you have cannot be solved by any of these...

Preach Jesus Crucified, Risen Again

To the Christian:

Illustration:

A couple of years ago, we took our family to the ocean. There on the beach are so many beautiful things to see. From small crabs, to shells…Sometimes the beauty lies in the water. Josiah and I like to snorkel, and it’s like entering a different world.

The danger though, lies not in what you can see but in what you cannot see. Before we got into the water, I noticed some signs that gave us warning. There are these currents called RIP currents that flow under the surface of the water and can forcefully take you out to sea.

It was a caution for us.

In like manner, many Christians are enjoying the benefits of Christian fellowship and failing to see the pitfalls of our human nature that exist. The natural problems are often rooted in deeper spiritual problems. This means that the spiritual solution must be sought along with the practical solution, and while we are good at practical solutions, we often place our faith in the wrong thing. This leads us to overlook the real issue.

The Spiritual Problem has been addressed but must be continually believed

What we have in Christ liberates us from ethnic division:

Galatians 3:16–29 KJV 1900

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:26–29 KJV 1900

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The apparel we have put on in receiving Jesus leaves us wanting nothing! You are no longer naked spiritually-speaking! The problem is that we often forget what we have in Jesus Christ.

Illustration:

Many of you have had this problem. You wander around looking for your glasses, only to realize that they have been on your head the whole time.

In like manner, Christians often forget that they don’t have to find their worth in their ethnic heritage, because the heritage they have in Christ is far greater.

Being in Christ is greater than being Jew

Being in Christ is greater than being Greek

Being in Christ is greater than being Brazilian

Being in Christ is greater than being German

Being in Christ is greater than being Puerto Rican

Being in Christ is greater than being African

Being in Christ is greater than being Canadian

Being in Christ is greater than being American

It is a natural problem to divide over ethnicity or culture, but the Lord has given to us his Spirit and brought about a supernatural unity.

Unbeliever, you will never be complete until you have received Jesus Christ. True acceptance is not found by being a better you. True acceptance is found when you lay down the wardrobe of your sin and self-righteousness and put on Jesus Christ.

Christian, times of murmuring and complaining often arise when we take up old, natural ways of relating to each other. This is a natural problem for which we should have no tolerance.

Revelation 5:9 KJV 1900

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

CONTINUING IN SINGLE-MINDED LIFE TOGETHER: This would have been seen as a natural problem.

(1) They would have seen this as a natural problem (v. 1)

(2) They would have put this natural problem in perspective of the greater purpose (v. 2)

CONTINUING IN SINGLE-MINDED LIFE TOGETHER: This would have been seen as a spiritual problem.

Conclusion:

(3) In spiritual and practical surrender, they enjoyed true produce (v. 5 - 7)

(a) They found pleasure in substitutes (v. 5)

One of the sure evidences that we have not dealt with our heart issues is when we are fixated on a man because of his position.

(b) They found produce in their surrender (v. 6 - 7)

They surrendered to the fact that there is something bigger at play than their own needs.

They surrendered to the fact that the real significance is found in the Holy Ghost - in the men.

Illustration:

When I began to take that anti-biotic for my sinus infection, I felt relief within the first 24 hours. It was quite amazing.

So, it is that if some “establishment” Christians would desire fruit, then we must yield to the Spirit of God. The murmuring ceases and unity prevails when we surrender.

* Established Christian, will you challenge some of your thoughts? Will you give in to the Holy Spirit for the sake of God’s glory among the nations?

For those looking for a place to belong, this is the place you want to be at. It is a place where the word will be preached. It is a place where “established” believers will step outside of their comfort zones to welcome you.

Most importantly, if you find yourself wondering if you are really even saved, the worst thing you can do is try to use dental floss to take care of a deeper problem. Today, would you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?

Surrender is what is needed! CONTINUING IN SINGLE-MINDED LIFE TOGETHER: This would require surrender.

Illustration:

Stories are told of people who have gone into surgeries. In some cases, they went in for an amputation of a right leg and awakened to a reality that the wrong limb had been amputated. In other cases, they went in for a surgery on some part of their torso. A time later after the surgery, they realized that a sponge or surgical instrument has been left inside of them.

When you surrender your body to someone to perform a procedure, there is trust.

How much more should we entrust our God with our souls and our bodies. Surrender to him today! He never makes any mistakes.

(a) This ultimatum makes the problem significant

(b) This ultimatum makes the priority crystal clear

Principle:

Service needs cannot come at the expense of what matters most: the word of God.

(3) They would have encouraged a corporate accountability/responsibility (v. 3) - Why/How could they do this. The key is the Holy Ghost.

(4) They would have understood the primacy of continuing in prayer and the word of God (v. 4)

(5) They would have been pleased with others who had the same Holy Ghost (v. 5)