Marks of a Thriving Genuine Christian Community Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [11] Acts 4:32-5:11 May 13, 2012 Pastor Paul K. Kim

TWO CONTRASTING EXAMPLES: ENCOURAGEMENT AND THREAT Contagious Encouragement: Barnabas was contagious and encouraging as a good example to follow in living out a genuine Christian fellowship. Subtle Threat: Ananias and Sapphira’s sins were a subtle yet deadly threat to the life of a thriving young church. Luke’s Purpose: By showing two contrasting examples, Dr. Luke aimed to portray the “spiritual authenticity & vitality” of the Early Church to the readers—including us.

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A THRIVING GENUINE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY? 1) UNITY & LOVE IN ACTION: They were of “one heart and soul,” sharing everything in common. 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common… 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (4:32, 36-37)  Their unity was relational oneness and their active love.  This was Jesus’ prayer and new command (cf. John 17 & 13).

Love in Action and Freedom from Materialism We must have hearts that are harder than iron if we are not moved by the reading of this narrative. In those days the believers gave abundantly of what was their own; we in our day are content not just jealously to retain what we possess, but callously to rob others... They sold their own possessions in those days; in our day it is the lust to purchase that reigns supreme. At that time love made each man’s own possessions common property for those in need; in our day such is the inhumanity of many, that they begrudge to the poor a common dwelling upon earth, the common use of water, air and sky. - John Calvin ( )

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A THRIVING GENUINE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY? 1) UNITY & LOVE IN ACTION: They were of “one heart and soul,” sharing everything in common. 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common… 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (4:32, 36-37)  Their unity was relational oneness and their love, active.  This was Jesus’ prayer and new command (cf. John 17 & 13).  Following Barnabas’ and their example, we are also to (1) be free from loving things, (2) be contagious in loving people, and (3) be generous in sharing our possessions for the needy.

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A THRIVING GENUINE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY? 2) VITAL LEADERSHIP & MINISTRY: “Great power” was the mark of the leaders [the apostles] and ministry in the Early Church. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus… brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet and it was distributed to each as any had need. (4:33a, 34b, 35)  The apostles were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and bold in preaching the risen Jesus.  Moreover, the integrity of their leadership and ministry was also fully trusted by the church members.  In our context, the equivalent mark is spiritual vitality of the church leaders (pastors & elders) and ministry of integrity.

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A THRIVING GENUINE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY? 3) GOD’S FAVOR & PROVISION: “Great grace” was another mark accompanied by God’s provision through their radical love.... and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (4:33b-35)  “Great grace” means God’s favor they were experiencing within and without—God’s inside-out favor on the church.  A significant part of God’s favor was the provision for the church—i.e., having “no needy person among them.”  For the 21 st century churches, this mark is shown by trust and obedience in God’s favor concerning the church’s needs.

Acts 5: But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and 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 for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

Acts 5: After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A THRIVING GENUINE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY? 4)FEAR OF THE LORD & PURITY: “Great fear” was the mark and need of their thriving young church. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit... 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it... 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. (5:3,5,9-11)  This was to “purify” the church in her beginning stage.  Ananias & Sapphira’s primary sin was not greed but hypocrisy—i.e., the deceitful motive for recognition/honor.  In our context, we are to (1) deal with sin seriously and early, and (2) rid of any first sign of hypocrisy in our church.

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.What could be your first step toward practicing the radical unity of “one heart and soul” at CrossWay (or at your own home church community)? 2.In what ways can you follow the example of Barnabas in radical generosity and love for people? 3.What warning do you need to heed in how the Holy Spirit dealt with Ananias and Sapphira’s sin?