This morning as we continue to work our way through the first 9 chapters of the book of Acts…I want to focus our attention on the common ground we stand as believers in Jesus Christ. When someone mentions common ground—it needs to be put into context because it can mean different things to different people.

For example; to an electrician—common ground means one side of a circuit. To a politician—common ground is a destination often spoken of but rarely ever visited. To the early Christians here in the book of Acts…it refers to the unique connection they experience as believers.

The common ground these believers stand on here in Acts 2…is Jesus Christ. He’s the reason they have come together first place (v38). As a matter of fact—faith in Jesus has produced a common bond between them…the Holy Spirit (v38). God’s Spirit then goes on to create a new relationship among those who place their faith in Christ. Relationships that will overcome all the barriers established by ethnic distinctions and social-economic differences.

This is why on any given Sunday morning in the house of God there will be white collar and blue collar workers worshipping together. There will be musicians, morticians and mechanics as well. You’ll find black, white, brown and any other color God has created together praising His wonderful name. Surly this will be true of us. Therefore, having a right response to the gospel message will open up a wide range of new relationships. Relationships that are meant to bring honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

In verses 42-47 Luke gives us a summary of what the early church is doing in light of the fact that they now are standing on common ground. Notice if you will—3 new characteristics among these new believers.

1. They have become a new creation.

Peter’s message in the middle section of chapter 2 has served its purpose. Many are “cut to the heart” (37). In other words they have been convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit. “What shall we do” is their reaction. Peter’s reply is simple—“Repent and be baptized…in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (v38). Now notice what happens—those who accepted the gospel message where added to the number of believers (v41). As a result of all of this—they have become a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).

This is why Luke starts verse 42 with the pronoun they. They—these new believers…they have become a new creation and what we read here in verses 42-47 is a summary of their fellowship’s testimony. The things we’ll be looking at here in these verses characterize who and what they are now as believers. This invites a question, “What would be written as the testimony of Parkwood?” Remember—our testimony will include both, who we were before coming to faith in Christ…plus, how we have lived following our conversion. We have an individual testimony and a corporate testimony as a fellowship. What will be the things that characterize us?

2. They begin to have new convictions.

They devoted themselves, Luke says, to certain things. You get the sense that perhaps there’s been a change in priority. We know very little about the personal habits and character of these believers before they become a new creation in Christ. Peter calls them “Fellow Jews and all those who live in Jerusalem” in verse 14. Therefore, perhaps they are faithful to the practice of Judaism. Ex: church goers

But—I want to focus on what we do know about these folks from verses 42-44. Since they have become a new creation in Christ—they have devoted themselves to at least 4 things. The word translated devoted carries the idea in the original language of being steadfast and single-minded to a certain course of action. In other words—their hearts have become fixed on certain things. Luke mentions at least 4 here.

1)     Growing in their relationship with Christ through the teaching of the apostle’s doctrine.

2)     Being actively involved in the life of the fellowship.

3)     Being reminded of what Jesus accomplished for the believer at Calvary through a meal.

4)     Coming together to lift their cares and concerns to God in prayer.

What I hope we see from this passage is a definite priority change in the lives of these people when the Holy Spirit came into their hearts as a result of becoming a new creation (v38). What we see is this, where the presence of God is—the things of God…will become the priority. There’s no doubt that the presence of God was among these believers—everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were being done by the apostles (v43).

Do the things of God have first priority in our lives? Has the presence of God’s Spirit in your heart brought new convictions to your actions and attitudes? When these people were saved they began to have new convictions. The amazing thing is, when that happens to you—you won’t have to tell anyone…it will show up in the things you make first priority in your life.

3. They enjoyed being part of a new community.

n verses 44-47 Luke reveals for us how these people—as a result of becoming new creations and beginning to have new convictions…interact with each other as a community of believers. Notice how this worked

1)     They were community minded. In Acts 4:32 Luke says they were “in one heart and mind.” Personal preferences were replaced with common ground that pleased God.

2)     They met the needs of the community. Providing for the family pictures the work of the Father and speaks to a lost world.

3)     They worshipped as a community. Luke tells us they continued to meet together in the temple courts…but now, they had a new understanding of worship through Christ.

4)     They enjoyed community fellowship. Spending time together was a priority.

They were a new community within the larger community of the city of Jerusalem and their actions and attitudes did not go unnoticed by their neighbors. Luke says “they enjoyed the favor of all the people” (v47). All of this is a testimony to the power of God’s Holy Spirit to change lives. This is also an example of “letting your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Mat 5:16).

Close: When the church stands on common ground—empowered by a common Spirit…the words of David ring loud and true, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).  Pray that these things are what characterize us as church…Amen.