2005 Message Archives
2006 Message Archives
2007 Message Archives
Order Messages
October 21, 2007
"Power for Our Witness"
Discovering The World's Most Important Book—Part 5
Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-33
Unity's Incredible Power
1. Where does unity come from?
- One heart, one mind, and one Spirit
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
—Romans 15:5-7
Is Christ divided?...
—1 Corinthians 1:13
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
—Acts 2:42
All the believers were one in heart and mind...
—Acts 4:32
2. How do we know unity is at work?
- Radical love, sharing, ministry, maturity
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
—Acts 2:43-45
...No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
—Acts 4:32
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
—Ephesians 4:3-7
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
—Ephesians 4:11-13
Question: Is it possible today?
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
—Colossians 3:13-15
3. Why do we need unity?
- To empower our witness
I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
—John 17:23
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people...
—Acts 2:46-47
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
—Acts 4:33
4. What does unity accomplish?
- Attracts others to faith
...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.
—Acts 4:4
A fractured church results in a fruitless witness!
"Unity and Witness"
Personal and Small Group Study
Getting Started
- At what point and with what group have you sensed the most unity?
- Read Acts 4:23-31. How are your prayers during crisis, like or unlike this prayer? Why is it beneficial to recall God's character and past actions?
Digging Deeper: Read and Reflect
- The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47) What do you know about the Holy Spirit? How have you sensed the Holy Spirit at work in your life?
- Growth and Persecution (Acts 3:1-4:37) What is your view of the church today? Why does it exist? What is its mission? What would you suggest as a growth strategy for your church today?
- The First Martyr (Acts 6:8-8:8) Why were the religious leaders so threatened by Stephen's sermon? How does Christianity threaten people today? Have you ever been ridiculed for what you believe? What happened?
- Sharing the Word (Acts 8:26-40) Some people say, "Religion is important but it should be kept private." What motivates this kind of thinking? What do you think? Have you ever shared your religious beliefs with another person? How did you feel and what happened?
- Good News for All (Acts 10:1-11:18) What is the "good news" of the gospel? Do you think the church is inclusive or exclusive? Why?
Applying It To My Life
- Share a time in your life where you had to stand with God when others were pressing you to go a different direction?
- What could you do to help your church grow in unity?