am022408-Christianity, As God Designed It - Acts series-chapter 4-5

CHRISTIANITY AS DESIGNED

BY GOD

The Book of Acts is often referred to as an account of the activities of the apostles, but it may be better called the activities of the Holy Spirit. This book written by Luke is so unique because it reveals to us through his writings of how Christians, these new members of the royal family were empowered by the indwelling Spirit. These royal members of the King’s family were to prepare the world for the coming of Christ to this earth to establish His kingdom and it is the same today as we make disciples of all nations.

In the beginning of the Church there was no New Testament Scriptures for guidance except verbally through the apostles who were teaching on a daily basis at the Temple and from private house to private house. In matter of days, they have grown in number from 120 to over 5,000!! In these early weeks we observe Christianity as it was designed by God.

This is important to us; it’s like a street car that has been modified to run on a race track. It is no longer useful as a family car running around town in fact it can be so greatly modified that it no longer functions as it was designed to do when first sold to the owner.

What is God’s design for Christianity? Christianity is designed for unity among the disciples, reverence for God, and to withstand the opposition.

It is designed for unity – Acts 4:32-37

Acts 4:32-37
32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. 36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

        It acts in oneness.  

        It holds all possessions as dispensable.

        It believes in the resurrection of Christ.   

        It meets the needs of all disciples.

It is designed to reverence God – Acts 5:1-11

Acts 5:1-11
1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. 6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. 7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

        It reveals God’s displeasure with sin, particularly dishonesty,   in His body, the church.

                It was the individual’s choice to sell.

                It was the individual’s choice to give.

                Note: How many of us this morning as members signed we                      would support the church according to New Testament                            principles.

                How many of us supported a budget yet refuse to give?

                How many of us supported Matthew Hill yet refuse to give.

                How many of us take communion and are dishonest with our           giving?

                How many of us vote ‘no’ on a decision; yet, the majority vote                        yes and we feel justified not to support the decision?

                How many of us designate our regular giving to individual                                ministries or benevolence or other ministries and feel                              justified.

                How many of us do these things of dishonesty and experience

                        weakness, sickness, and a waiting for death?

1 Corinthians 11:30
For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep.

1 John 5:16
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.

1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

        It indicates God’s presence in the church body.

                        Attendance, ministries for everyone, buildings are no                               indicators in and of themselves of God’s approval on                               any church. Purity is the indicator, confession of sin,                               sacrificial giving to meet needs are indicators of God’s                            working in our midst.

It is designed to withstand opposition – 5:12-42

Video:  Acts 5:12-42 (7 minutes)

        It continues to proclaim the truth – 12-28

                It will offend

Acts 5:28
28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

        It continues to obey its purpose – 29-42

                It will cost you everything

Acts 5:40-42
40 They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Challenge:  Is your Christianity according to His design?

        How do you promote and encourage unity in the body of Christ?

        Where are you dishonest in your personal life?

        When was the last time your godly life offended someone?

        Is your Christianity designed by God or culture?

        Are you making disciples?