Standing Together On Common Ground
Delivered by Rev. Trennie L. Williams, PhDc
Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
Sunday, March 4, 2018

Act 2:42-47 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.

Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

When do we come to terms, recognizing that God has a greater plan for our lives than what we set out to do of our worldly will? At times, our selfish plans appear to be satisfactory. The Lord, though, goes beyond satisfactory. He makes things totally new and powerful, and pleasing. To be complete is to be with God, standing together on common ground.

The Apostle Peter delivered a sermon at Pentecost. The power of the Holy Spirit swept through like a mighty wind. Peter exhorted the people to repent, be baptized, filled with the Holy Ghost. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” (Acts 2:38, 40) According to historical data in the Word of God, about 3,000 people were saved and baptized on that very day. This is what happens when people decide to stand together with God and other believers, on common ground. We shall bring this to pass by:

1. Being of One Heart and Soul.
Act 4:32-35 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.

2. Giving Testimony of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
Act 4:33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

3. Meeting the Needs of Those Among Us.
Act 4:34 There was not a needy person among them.
a. Act 4:34-35 …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.
i. Sell owned land and possessions.
ii. Bring all proceeds of the sale.
iii. Place proceeds at your congregation leader’s feet.
iv. Distribute to those in need.
v. Mat 19:21, 26 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me…With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”