THE BOOK OF ACTS AUGUST 24, 2025
SHARING OUR LIVES

SCRIPTURE
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:32-35

This text clearly speaks about people sharing their finances, but it’s more… “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

They loved their community so much, they even shared their money!


THE CONCEPT OF KONONIA

“Koinōnia” is the idea of shared lives.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Eccl 4:9

All the believers devoted themselves to fellowship. Acts 2:42

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do. Hebrews 10:25

Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

Specific examples are Jonathan and David, Ruth and Naomi, Paul and Barnabas.

Meaningful relationships aren’t found. They’re forged.



WHY WE DON’T SHARE OUR LIVES

1/ Some of us feel insecure.


2/ Some of us feel wounded.

“Your past hurt can only be healed in the context of healthy relationships.” Cory’s Paraphrase of Bruce Perry

Whatever pain is not transformed will likely be transferred.

3/ Some of us feel too “busy”.



WHERE WE CAN SHARE OUR LIVES

1/ We can connect in the Sanctuary.


2/ We can connect at Events.


3/ We can connect on Serve Teams.


4/ We can connect in Life Groups.



HOW WE CAN SHARE OUR LIVES

Wherever we connect, here are some keys to forging healthy relationships:

1/ We should seek unity of heart (v.32).

At the Tower of Babel, God said nothing would be impossible because of their unity.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:3

Be aware that preferences are not principles.

Principle Preference
Discipline Children Grounding
Time Out
Spanking
Time in Scripture Five Chapters Quickly
One Chapter Slowly
Exercise Running
Lifting Weights

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

Be deliberate to connect over common interests not common enemies.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1


2/ We should share our hearts and hear their hearts. (v.32)

Be quick to listen.

Be slow to speak…but speak!
Be sure to hold confidence.

“What happens in Life Group, stays in Life Group.”


3/ We should seize spiritual opportunities. (v.33)

Be sure to invite the presence of Jesus into the room.

Be watchful for “God Moments”.

Be willing to practice your spiritual gifts.


4/ We should set a gracious atmosphere. (v.33)

Be quick to overlook offenses or frustrations.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

Love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Be willing to assume the best of others.

“Assume something is happening in their life that you aren’t aware of.” Pastor Chitty

Be a source of encouragement.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11


5/ We should serve with compassion and care. (v.34)

Be mindful of practical needs.

Koinonia says: “Lord, help me to see what needs I need to fill.”

Make the effort to contribute, not just consume.
Be mindful of personal needs.

Share each other’s burdens. Galatians 6:2



CLOSE

Remember Newton’s Cradle. You will get out what you put it.