"Uniquely United"

EPISODE 126

Come Together in Christ

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In our politically and socially divided society, it's rare to find something which unites humanity together. Ideally, we'd be united, but practically speaking, it's far from a reality. But as Luke follows the beginnings of the Lord's church in Acts — amazingly — we see a very different story.

Singular Souls

"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 4:32).

Notice the absolute language Luke uses here: "full," "one," "no one," "any of the things," and "everything." All the earliest believers were united in both heart and soul! They didn't view their possessions selfishly but shared with others. What a refreshing description!

This kind of unity remains our pattern for the church today. It's more than just a "pipe dream," but something we practice together with our brothers and sisters. We're not wall-builders, but barrier-breakers in connecting with the community of Christ's faithful followers.

Powerful Preaching

"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 4:33).

If the apostles had a "hobby-horse" sermon topic, it was the resurrection of Jesus. And it makes sense that they'd continuously remind them of this. His resurrection from the grave after three days is of "first importance" to our faith (1 Cor. 15:3, 17).

The gracious gift of God, sending his only Son, binds his church together! Our worldly differences melt away when we remember his love and sacrifice for us. If you're struggling to keep the "bond of peace" with your brothers, maybe it's time for a refresher course on his resurrection!

Equity Established

"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 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need" (Acts 4:34-35).

We live in a "What's mine is mine" and "What's yours is yours" kind of society. But when the earliest believers came together, they abandoned that mentality and started sharing freely with each other. Following the words of Jesus and John, they identified their abundance and cashed it out for their brothers.

And it's the same in his church today. While we individually watch out for the needs of everyone, we have a special responsibility as a church to help the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). From our abundance, we supply our brother's lack, so they can provide ours when we have a need (2 Cor. 8:13-14).

So let's live together in unity like the early church did, knit together in our soul, taking care of each other's physical needs and focusing on Jesus.