Audio tape: MATERIALISM by Bro. C.R. Curtman on 7- 13-98.
Text: Acts 4:32-37; 5:1-16.
"(32)And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (33)And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (34)Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, (35)And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (36)And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, (37)Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." (Acts 4)
"(1)But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, (2)And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. (3)But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? (4)Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (5)And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. (6)And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. (7)And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. (8)And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. (9)Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. (10)Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. (11)And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. (12)And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. (13)And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. (14)And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15)Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. (16)There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." (Acts 5)
Great power, great grace, great fear. A Pattern is given here. Subject -- Early church. Great fear. -- History of Revival in the Bible. Exodus 18:21-22 (Moses is about to call forth some men for leadership roles.) "...able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness..." (Exodus 18:21) 1. "hating covetousness" N.T. --> Not be greedy for filthy lucre. -- Employers are not to defraud their employees. -- How does God view Success? -- Barnabas was apparently a very rich man. -- Stewardship. Colossians 3:1 --> Set your Affections on things Above. -- Covetousness is idolatry. examples: $100 tennis shoes. $50 cologne bottle. You can't be spiritual and materialistic minded at the same time The Great Contrast -- 1. Acts 4:32 Great Unity of the Spirit John 13:34-35 Love one another. Love will get hold of lost people. John 17:21 Acts 19 (Paul at Ephesus) 1st Doctrine (Belief) and then 2nd Deportment (Behaviour). Ephesians 4:28 Honest Employment...working enough to being able to give to others. 2. Great Generosity. II Corinthians 9:6-8 God loveth a Cheerful Giver. 3. Great Grace. Acts 5:1 --> "But..." A pretense spiritually. Matthew 24:1-2 Jesus at Jerusalem near the temple with the disciples. The URGENCY of the hour hanging over Jerusalem -- Death was soon to come by 70 A.D. with Titus, etc. -- Life's Shortness... -- No one will ever regret their Christian giving. -- 3 things Riches can do. 1. They can Deceive you. -- Deceitfulness of riches.