All Things in Common

Northwest Bible Church - July 1, 2018 - Book of Acts - Alan Conner

Acts 2:44-45

All Things in Common

Intro

A. THE SHARING OF THE EARLY CHURCH (Acts 2:44-45).

1. “All things in common” - Cf. Acts 4:32-35.

2. “Sold their property and possessions” -

3. Should we be doing the same today? Does apostolic practice mean apostolic precept?

B. THEORIES OF PRIVATE PROPERTY.

OWNS CONTROLS

1. Communism/Marxism -

2. Fascism -

3. Socialism

4. Capitalism

C. THE FOUNDING FATHERS AND PROPERTY RIGHTS.

1. Declaration of Independence.

a. “the pursuit of happiness”

b. “liberty”

c. The purpose of government

d. “No taxation without representation”

2. The right to vote.

C. THE BIBLE AND PRIVATE PROPERTY.

1. “You shall not steal.” Ex. 20:15

2. Is the practice in Acts 2 and 4 a model for all ages? Acts 2:45-46

3. Peter affirms the right of believers to own private property. Acts 5:4

4. “Sell all” in Lk. 18:22.

5. The Bible does not forbid prosperity. Deut. 8:18; Prov. 10:4; 22:2

6. The Bible exhorts us to generosity. Deut. 26:12; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 2 Cor. 8:3; 9:6-7; Jas. 2:16; 1 Jn. 3:17-18; 2 Thess. 3:10

7. The essence of life is not our property. Lk. 12:15; Acts 20:35.

Conclusion