Acts 5:1-11

Heritage Addition church of ChristBy Jim Bradshaw

Sunday Evening, May 31, 2015

Some gifts are better than others.

2Co 13:5 ESV Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Requires Giving

What is Fellowship?

(koinonia) 1) fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse1a) the share which one has in anything, participation1b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy1b1) the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office)1c) a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship

Requires Giving

Read Acts 4:32-35

The Early church had great fellowship: Read Acts 2:42-47

“All things in common” -- common (koina)

Requires Giving

Rom 15:26 NKJV For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

2Co 8:4 NKJV imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

2Co 9:13 NKJV while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,

Requires Giving

In the Early church – No One lacked their needs.

Christians gave freely

When we give something it is no longer ours!!!

Great Givers are an Encouragement

Act 4:36-37 NKJV And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, (37) having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Encouragement – (paraklesis) lit. a calling near; means exhortation, admonition, encouragement, consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment

Great Givers are an Encouragement

Act 9:26-27 NKJV And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Act 11:22-26 NKJV Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. (23) When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. (24) For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (25) Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. (26) And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Great Givers are an Encouragement

2Co 8:5 ESV and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

Heb 10:24-25 ESV And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, (25) not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

How Not to Give, Acts 5:1-11

1. Ananias and Sapphira gave, isn’t that all that is important.

2. However, they held back, do you hold back from God?

3. They lied, wanted to enjoy the praise of men.

4. No matter what you cannot lie to God; HE knows!

What Have YOU Given to God?

Have YOU given your all? Mar 12:41-44 NKJV Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. (42) Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. (43) So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; (44) for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

What Have YOU Given to God?

We must do ALL in the name of the Lord

Col 3:17 NKJV And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Col 3:23 NKJV And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Have YOU given your all? Mark 12:41-44We must do ALL in the name of the Lord; Col. 3:17,23

There is a GREAT REWARD for giving ALLMar 10:28-30 NKJV Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." (29) So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, (30) who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.

Jesus GAVE His AllAre YOU giving your ALL – Now don’t Lie!