I. Unity V. 32a
A. All Christians Are United In Christ
1. Similar to human body; diverse, yet unified
2. 1 Cor. 12:12,13a
B. Keep The Unity
1. Recognize the truth of unity
2. Keep the spirit of unity
3. Motivated by truth, not emotion
4. Turn to Ephesians 4:1-3
a. Lowliness- humility of mind; not proud
b. Gentleness- meekness, not weakness; power restrained by love
c. Longsuffering- to patiently suffer long
d. Bearing in love- to repetitively suffer with and put up with someone, but with a loving attitude, not with resentment or bitterness.
e. Endeavoring- to diligently make an effort; not passive, but active
C. Result- Jesus Recognized By World
John 17: 21 21that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
II. Mutual Care Vs.32b,c; 34-37
A. Right Understanding Re. Things V. 32b
1. No Ownership
2. Instead, Stewardship
B. Aware Of Other’s Needs
1. More Than Blind Generosity
2. Provision With Understanding Vs. 34,35
a. They understood Unity of the Body of Christ
b. Provision according to need
C. Not Communism, But Commonism V. 32c
Christianity vs. Communism
1. Communism: What’s yours is mine.
2. Christianity: What’s mine is yours.
3. Communism: Enforced, regulated, legislated.
Established and maintained by man and laws.
4. Christianity: Motivated by love, prompted by the Holy Spirit, not by law.
Spontaneous, as needed. Comes b/c people notice and care.
5. Communism: Give because you have to, leads to resentment, bitterness.
Takes away the joy of giving.
6. Christianity: Give because you want to, leads to joy and freedom.
7. Communism: Doesn’t require Ephesians 4:1-3 in the heart.
8. Christianity: Built on Ephesians 4:1-3
III. Witness V. 33a
A. They Announced Gospel, Resurrection
B. Resurrection Central To Christianity
1. A Proof Of Who Jesus Was
Matt. 12:40 40For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
2. No Christianity W/o Resurrection
1 Cor. 15:17 “… if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!”
3. Resurrection Of Jesus Driving Force In Early Church
4. Resurrection Of Jesus Foundation Of Today’s Church
5. Unique Among All Religions
6. Christian has hope for a glorious future and eternity.
7. Resurrection Never Disproved: Christian Has Confidence
IV. God’s Grace V. 33b
A. What Grace Is
1. Undeserved favor, benefit, good will
2. Charm, beauty, that which brings joy
3. The Divine influence upon the heart
4. great grace- megas– exceeding, great, large.
5. A lot of God’s grace was present among, upon this church
B. Grace In Salvation
1. Turn to Ephesians 2:8,9
C. Grace For Daily Living
1. 2 Timothy 2:1 1You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2. be strong– be empowered by relying on God’s grace, favor, influence.
D. Living In God’s Grace
1. Regarding Salvation
a. Remember- saved by grace, not by works
b. Kept by God’s grace
c. Brings pace of mind, thanksgiving
d. Brings assurance of God’s love and acceptance.
e. Brings relief and hope for the future.
1. Regarding Godly Living
a. Purpose to rely upon God’s grace, choose to be strong in His grace.
b. 2 Cor. 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
V. Things To Consider
A. Christians
1. Recognizing, striving for unity?
2. Mutual provision, aware of other’s needs?
3. Witnessing, speaking of Christ?
4. Relying on God’s grace, or own strength?
B. Unsaved Friend
Will you receive God’s gracious offer of forgiveness and salvation?