February 19, 2017

Gospel Transformation and Money

Ron Lutz ~ Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37

Sermon Quotes

Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 4:32-37
32 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. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 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 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
-Galatians 3:28

“In those days the believers gave abundantly of what was their own; we in our day are content to jealously retain what we possess….  Those sold their possessions in those days; in our day it is the lust to purchase that reigns supreme…”
-John Calvin

Wealth provides for our needs, yet it can become poison if we become obsessed with it.  It promises to fulfill us, yet it can leave us empty.  It promises to satisfy, yet it can leave us hungry for more.  It is morally neutral, yet it can be harmful.  It is a gift to enjoy, yet it should be given away freely.
-Scott Sauls

“I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all.  But whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”
-Martin Luther

“As base a thing as money is, it yet can be transformed into everlasting treasure.  It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor; it can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transform itself into heavenly values.  Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth.  Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.”
-A.W. Tozer