One of Heart and Soul

In one paragraph

On the first Sunday of Advent, Carl preached from Acts 4:32 through 5:11, walking through what the early church actually looked like when believers gathered together. He drew out a positive example in Barnabas and a hard negative example in Ananias and Sapphira, and brought both to bear on the life of First Baptist Jackson today. Luke's account in Acts opens with the church already moving. The...

Read together

1. Matthew 2 wise men saw the star, were filled with joy, and worshiped Jesus
2. Romans 15:13 Advent candle of hope reading: God of hope filling believers with joy and peace by the Holy Spirit
3. Luke 2 angel appearing to shepherds, glory surrounding them, good news of the Savior born in Bethlehem
4. Acts 2:42 believers devoted to apostles teaching, fellowship, sharing meals and prayer
5. John 17 Jesus praying for unity among believers so the world would believe the Father sent him
6. Deuteronomy no poor among you, give generously, God will bless you, care for the poor was supposed to happen through the temple
7. Acts 4:32-5:11 main sermon passage: common life of the church, Barnabas, and Ananias and Sapphira
8. Romans 12:6-9 different gifts given by grace: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy
9. John 10 the enemy comes to kill steal and destroy; Jesus came that they might have abundant life
10. 1 Peter the enemy prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour
11. Ephesians 6 armor of God to stand firm against the strategies of the enemy
12. Luke 4 Jesus using the word of God to combat the enemy's attacks during temptation in the desert
13. Proverbs the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the holy one is understanding
14. Philippians 2 benediction: encouragement from union with Christ, being like-minded, humility, valuing others above yourself

Talk about it

1. Carl described the early church as being 'one of heart and soul' with a common purpose centered on Christ. What does that kind of unity look like practically in a local church today, and where do you see it happening or struggling?
2. Carl pointed to the four basics the early believers devoted themselves to: the apostles' teaching, fellowship, sharing meals including the Lord's Supper, and prayer. Which of those four do you find easiest to lean on, and which do you tend to neglect, and why?
3. Barnabas is described as a son of encouragement who came alongside a scattered and frightened church and also sought out Paul when others were still skeptical of him. Who has played a Barnabas role in your own life, and how have you had the opportunity to play that role for someone else?
4. The story of Ananias and Sapphira raises hard questions. Carl said he genuinely does not know why the punishment was so severe, but he pointed to the idea that God was protecting the integrity and unity of the community the gospel produced. How do you sit with a passage like this, and what does it change about how you think about honesty inside the church?
5. Carl closed with three application points: encourage one another, be alert to the enemy's work against unity, and fear the Lord. He described the fear of the Lord as reverence and awe rather than something negative. How does seeing God more fully, not just his grace and love but also his holiness and judgment, actually change the way you live day to day?