Unstoppable: The Story of the Church in Acts The

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Unstoppable: The Story of the Church in Acts The Genius of Generosity Acts 4:32-37 Dr. Stephen Rummage, Senior Pastor Bell Shoals Baptist Church April 15, 2018 Acts 4:32 (ESV) 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. Acts 4:33 (ESV) And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:34 (ESV) 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 Acts 4:35 (ESV) and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Generosity reflects love and unity in the body of Christ. Acts 4:32 (ESV) Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul … Graphic: Refrigerator picture Generosity acknowledges that everything we have belongs to God. Acts 4:32 (ESV) … no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own … 1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV) Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head above all. Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV) For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Generosity meets needs.

Acts 4:34 (ESV) 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 Acts 4:35 (ESV) and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Christ has no body now on earth but yours. — Teresa of Avila Generosity encourages other people. Acts 4:36 (ESV) Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Acts 4:37 (ESV) sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Generosity breaks the power of money over us. Acts 5:1 (ESV) But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, Acts 5:2 (ESV) 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. Luke 12:15 (ESV) And He said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Acts 20:34 (ESV) You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. Acts 20:35 (ESV) In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Graphic: Generosity Ladder Moving forward in generosity … (build list) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Praise God daily for providing your needs. Create a “generosity project” for your family. Determine to get out of debt. Move up one rung on the generosity ladder. Adopt the habit of “now.”