Vision 2024
LORD GIVE US POWER
Acts 4:31-5:16
Great Commission Church
Intro:
Why did the earliest church have so much power?
(1) THEY PRAYED TOGETHER
Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
(2) THEY PROTECTED THEIR UNITY
Acts 4:32 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.
Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
(3) THEY WERE PROFOUNDLY GENEROUS
Acts 4:34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
Acts 4:35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Acts 4:36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
Acts 4:37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
Acts 5:2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, “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 5:4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Acts 5:5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last.
What were the results?
1. THE FEAR OF THE LORD WAS PRESENT
Acts 5:11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
2. THEY WERE VISITED BY THE SUPERNATURAL
Acts 5:12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
Acts 5:15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
Acts 5:16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
3. THEY WELCOMED MANY NEW CONVERTS
Acts 5:14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women
