Note for 20250717

Acts

Four

Part 4 - Acts 4 - In Common

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The House of Bread · Note for 20250717 - Acts - Part 4 - Acts 4 - In Common

Acts 4:1-37 KJV

[1] And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, [2] being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. [4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. [5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, [6] and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. [7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, [9] if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; [10] be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. [14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. [15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. [17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. [18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. [22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. [23] And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. [24] And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: [25] Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, And the people imagine vain things? [26] The kings of the earth stood up, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord, and against his Christ. [27] For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, [28] for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. [29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, [30] by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. [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. [34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, [35] and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. [36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, [37] having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.4.1-37.KJV

Friends, to understand this better, in short, Peter and John got into trouble with the authorities of that time, for doing the right thing. They did which they were given instruction to do, to testify of Jesus Christ before all people. And when they were threatened, the whole congregation prayed together for baldness to speak. But, what we read today is not hard to hear, or to understand, is it?

I suppose, for some it may be heard to hear the nature of this early church, how they had all things in common and how owners of land sold it, and brought the money and laid it by the feet of the apostles. Some might even have issues with the fact that they were one in the Spirit, while others might find it hard to believe that the earth shook and all were filled with the Holy Spirit to speak with baldness.

I would like to look at the concept of "in common" plays out today. We have what is, and then what should be. What should be in the scripture today, but what is in place today? What do people have in common?

People congregate in stadiums, because they have a certain sport in common. In shopping malls, because they have shopping in common. In clubs they gather, because they have in common what they can have in that club. In party, because they have viewpoints in common. On the Frontline, because they have war in common. Do they have murder in common, friends?

But, today we no longer only have these types of congregations, since the internet expanded, people can also congregate in a virtual world. So those who have gambling in common will congregate to those sites, while others will congregate on platforms and forums. I am sure I do not have to expand further on that, enough can be read between the lines.

The question today to each of us is, what do we have in common with who? Let me quote a verse to you to show you an example:

Romans 7:7 KJV

[7] What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.7.7.KJV

So, what is the yearning of the heart? What is it that we feed in these congregations and have things in common with others? What is it that your soul lusts for? What are the things that you covet?

Peter and John and those that joined them at this shaking of the earth desired to have baldness to speak despite the threats from the council. Look how Peter answers them:

Acts 4:19 KJV

[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.4.19.KJV

Who do we listen to (or hearken unto?) Who do we want to please, man or GOD? Do we have that in common? Or do we have in common that we are served and pleased? For a full effect, let me write it in a way that might put you on your toes. Who's will do we want to be done? A President's, or maybe even a Minister's? I know, the last one is tricky, right? So, to be clear, do we follow a preacher or the One he preaches of? Where does your commonality lay? What makes people congregate in any of the forms that we looked at today? Even people that want to eat often eat together, don't they? And, while the next quote must be taken with understanding, it must be known:

2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV

[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.6.14.KJV

Sure, light is to lighten darkness, but we are given the light, not be snuffed out by iniquity. I hope you understand, I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in this with wisdom. To put in an easier phrasing, you must rub off on them, not they on you. You are there to bring light to a dark corner.

Today's title, "in common," is to alert you of the spirit in which things are done. In other words, do we walk after the Spirit or the flesh? (Romans 8:1 consider)

Friends, being saved, do not be lured into darkness again or have communion with demons.

1 Corinthians 10:20-21 KJV

[20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. [21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.10.20-21.KJV

Come out of her, friends. Is that said plain enough? Now, in our time, we are immersed into the mire, the filth of the wickedness of this age. So, question yourselves, what do you have in common with those you congregate with? Is it really as innocent as what you may think?

GOD has a Master Plan for the Salvation of the souls of mankind, but Satan has a master plan too. Don't think for one moment he is not encamped against you. We are protected by GOD, but still the enemy lusts to have you.

Selah, Shalom

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Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App (Expanded from verse 28)

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

[28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.11.28-30.KJV

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