All Things Common - Pastor Stacey Shiflett
All Things Common
Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Intro: The secret to a strong, influential, effective God-honoring church is unity.
But not just any unity.
· Sports teams have unity.
· Cults have unity.
· The business world has unity.
Unity is key when the church is unified in the right things.
Calvary Baptist Church has the potential to be used of God to make a difference – if we stay unified.
Last month I preached I preached a message entitled “Flying in Formation”.
We dealt with the importance of unity and the threats to unity.
This message is what we should be unified ABOUT.
Here is a short list.
All of us that believe should be together and have all things in common.
· That doesn’t mean drive the same cars.
· That doesn’t mean live in the same house.
· That doesn’t mean eat the same things.
So, what does it mean?
God never intended His people to be identical; He did intend us to have the same heart, the same purpose, and the same priorities.
We don't all have the same gifts, occupations, or personalities.
But - we ought to have the same convictions, the same direction, and the same burden.
I. A Common Doctrine
The first and most important area of agreement and unity is doctrine.
The Apostle’s Doctrine
· Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,
Sound Doctrine
· Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
· 1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
· 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
· Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
· Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
II. A Common Direction
Earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints.
· We are not looking for a new direction.
· We are not looking for a new Bible.
· We are not looking for a new songbook.
· We are not looking for a new dress code.
· We are not looking for a new ministry philosophy.
We are striving together in the same direction – old time religion.
Bible-based truth and conviction.
Churches are changing direction.
If you want to change direction, you’re at the wrong church.
If you want me to help you find another church, let me know.
III. A Common Directive
A. Fulfilling the Great Commission
The church was given one primary objective – reach the world with the Gospel.
We need to be unified in our heart for Missions; fulfilling the Great Commission
We need to be unified in our efforts for Soulwinning/outreach.
If you don’t support missions financially, we are not together and don’t have all things in common.
If you don’t participate in outreach and evangelism, we are not together and don’t have all things in common.
B. Families of Godly Character
Building strong marriages is a common directive at this church.
Raising godly children.
IV. A Common Desire
A. Where the Presence of God is Preeminent. It’s all about HIM!!
Isaiah 6
· 1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
· 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
· 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
· 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
B. Where the the Power of God is Perceptive. God is not dead!!
Acts 4
· 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
· 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
· 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
C. Where the Purity of God is Pursued. Stay unspotted from the world
· Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
1 Peter 1
· 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
· 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
D. Where Pleasing God is Priority. – not a seeker-sensitive church; but Savior-sensitive.
· 1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
· Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
