Lean on Me - alternate (3)

 Lean on Me

The communal nature of the early church – ACTS 2:44-45

44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

If we have grace upon us we are to be gracious people (care for others) – ACTS 4:33

With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

Because of God’s grace on me, I care for others…

To promote [UNITY] in God’s family =

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had ACTS 4:32

To help share the [MESSAGE] of Christ =

6 They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. ACTS 6:6-7

To encourage [VOLUNTARY] selflessness =

34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. ACTS 4:34-35

Barnabas – “son of [ENCOURAGEMENT]” (helper of others)

·        Sold a field and gave proceeds to apostles – ACTS 4:36-37

·        Brought Paul to the apostles – ACTS 9:27

·        Strengthened Antioch church with Paul – ACTS 11:19-26

·        Represented Gentile Christians to Jerusalem church – AC15:1-33

·        Supported John Mark ACTS 15:36-40