Turning The World Upside Down: The Good... Acts 4:32-37

I. Unity vs. 32

A. The church is the believers, not lost people. The church is supposed to be for the saved, and to be the hospital where the lost get found. However, now statistics show us that at least 50% on any given Sunday is lost. Billy Graham, said that up to 70% were lost.

B. They were of one heart and soul. There was no division yet. “This does not mean these believers saw everything eye to eye. It is wrong to suppose, as sadly some do, that when believers dwell in unity they will carry the same Bible, read the same books, promote the same styles, educate their children the same way, have the same likes and dislikes—that they will become Christian clones. The fact is, the insistence that others be just like us is one of the most disunifying mind-sets a church can have because it instills a judgmental inflexibility that hurls people away from the church with lethal force. One of the wonders of Christ is that he honors our individuality while bringing us into unity.”- R. Kent Hughes.

C. They were not entitled to the ownership of anything, like we are today. They were in one accord, because they were humble. (My position, my class, etc.).

D. They saw everything as God’s property not their own. When we get our views of ownership, and stewardship right, then we are one step closer to revival!

II. Power vs. 33

A. Because they were of one accord, and in prayer and the word, the apostles could do with great power.

B. No power if you’re not ministering out of the overflow and the church has a great reputation (Brian and Arbendale Baptist Church ex)

C. The power comes from the gospel being preached.

1 Corinthians 1:21 NASB95

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

III. Love vs. 34-37

A. The church helped one another out without grumbling or gossip.

B. Joseph was priest. The priests were coming to Christ, as they realized what the scripture’s taught.

C. People were encouraging one another. The gift of discouragement ain’t in the Bible! Encouragement is.

John 13:34–35 NASB95

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

D. People minister/gave (giving is a ministry) out of the overflow.