Power of Acts: Power of a Generous Church – March 17, 2024

Pastor Jeremy Mayol 

Acts 4:32-37 (CSB)

32 Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.

33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.

34 For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold,

35 and laid them at the apostlesʼ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement),

37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostlesʼ feet.

2 Timothy 3:1-2 (CSB)

1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.

2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

Joshua 24:13-14 (CSB)

13 I gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build—the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them.

14 So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone.

Ingredients of a Generous Church:

1. Unusual Unity

Acts 4:32-33 (CSB)

32 Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.

33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.

2. Abundance Mindset

Acts 4:34-35 (CSB)

34 For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold,

35 and laid them at the apostlesʼ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.

3. Surprising Sacrifice

Acts 4:36-37 (CSB)

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement),

37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostlesʼ feet.

Mark 8:36 (NKJV)

36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

If you said YES, click Here.