Which One Of These Kids Are Doing There Own Thing?
Acts 4:32-37
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:1-11
5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fearseized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
This Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, September 17, 2023
Hello NewDay Friends!
I hope no matter what this week has been like for you, you will remember you are loved by God, and are part of a group of people who love Jesus, and care for you. This week we will focus on just that- love and care for one another, which are remarkable and radical distinctions of Christianity. When I was younger, I learned a song at Sunday School called, “We are One in the Spirit,” or “They will Know We are Christians by our Love.”
The lyrics go like this: “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; And we pray that all unity will one day be restored. Chorus: And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land. We Will work with each other, we will work side by side; We will work with each other, we will work side by side; And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride.All praise to the Father, from whom all things come; And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son. And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.”
This song embodies Christian community, and the tangible love that we have for one another because of Jesus, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. As we will read in Acts 4:32-37, the early Church flourished, they lived very differently than the rest of the world around them, and it was noticeable. May it be the same for us- that we live, care for one another, and for those that Jesus places in our path, that they see Jesus, experience Jesus, and take note that we have been with Him, and His love in us has made all the difference!
Some things for you to start thinking about, that I will be mentioning on Sunday: The last week of October, we will launch new small groups, for a 4 week study together, on Francis Chan’s book, Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Need for the Holy Spirit. This study will bring us right up to the beginning of Advent.
As we journey through the book of Acts, Francis Chan’s book will give us even more to think on, and apply to our dependence on the Holy Spirit, and attentiveness to His Work in our lives. For existing small groups, I am asking that you pause what you are currently studying, and engage with this resource. And, for people who have wanted to be part of a small group, now is your time. :) There is a sign up through QR code below. The early Church grew and thrived through small groups that met together in homes, shared life, and prayed together. We will use this simple model as well. Please let me know if you have questions.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, and our continued growth together as Jesus followers.
In Christ,
Pastor Kari