The Value of Unity (Acts 4:32-37)

What is the value of unity? What would it be worth it to you to be a part of a unified community?

I can't give you a dollar figure, but I can tell you that a lack of unity (whether it is defined as active backbiting or passive apathy) is at the core of what drives many pastors out of ministry, missionaries off the field, and members away from churches.

So, if unity is that important, what value would we place on it?

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in the book of Acts looking at the topic of unity and looking at how it expresses itself in the financial lives of the early church. Specifically, we'll look at Barnabas (nicknamed the "Son of Encouragement") and what drove his passion and practice of generosity with others.

And before you say, "Oh we're talking about money at church; I think I'll skip it," please think about it. Acts 4:32-37 isn't really a passage just about money. It's a passage about where our hearts, what defines our connections to each other, and what we give our lives to.

Looking forward to opening up the Scriptures with you this Sunday!


In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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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.

- Acts 4:32-37