Acts: So They May Hear – Are You Faking Your Faith?

Are You Faking Your Faith?

So They May Hear: Acts

May 25, 2025

Dr. Clayton Chisum

Acts 4:32 (CSB)

What makes a church truly great: people who are in heart.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (CSB)

The first church was unified in one belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and there is life in his Name.

John 17:21 (CSB)

Acts 4:33-35 (CSB)

The first church was .

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT)

We may be building great buildings, but are we building great people?

Acts 4:36-37 (CSB)

Be like !

Acts 5:1-11 (CSB)

Two things were most important to Ananias and Sapphira — their and their . And they wanted to keep them both.

Galatians 6:7 (CSB)

Revelation 3:16 (NLT)

Acts 5:1-11 (CSB)

Acts 4:33 (CSB)

John 17:21 (CSB)

Discussion Questions:

1. The early church was diverse yet unified in their belief in Jesus (Acts 4:32). How can we embrace diversity in our church while staying united in our faith? What challenges might we face in doing this?
2. The sermon highlighted the early church’s generosity, ensuring no one was in need (Acts 4:33-35). What are practical ways we can show generosity with our time, resources, or talents to support others in our church or community?
3. Barnabas gave generously without obligation, trusting the church to use his gift well (Acts 4:36-37). What does cheerful giving look like in your life? How have you seen that in others?
4. Ananias and Sapphira faked their faith by lying about their giving (Acts 5:1-11). What are some ways we might be tempted to “fake” our faith today, and how can we guard against this?
5. The sermon mentioned “great grace” being on the early church (Acts 4:33). How have you experienced God’s grace in your life, and how can it motivate us to generously care for others?
6. The sermon noted that our faith (or lack thereof) impacts those around us, like our kids or friends. Discuss this truth with your group.
7. The early church’s unity and generosity pointed others to Jesus (John 17:21). How do you think this works today?