Danger Zone, week 8, November 30, 2025. Acts 2:44-47 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Simplicity of heart creates space for God to work and grow our lives. Psalm 92:13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. Simplicity of heart. A state of undivided, genuine, and pure devotion to God and to one another. Free from pretense, hidden agendas, or worldly anxieties.  Literally means "not stony ground.” Simplicity of heart cultivates : Contentment. Gratitude. Generosity. Joy. Community. 1. Contentment. (Acts 2:44-45) Simplicity of heart creates space to be satisfied in God. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Contentment is tied to God’s presence. Contentment gives life and health to our bodies. (Proverbs 14:30) Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Contentment is found in Christ, and Christ is enough. The Danger Zones of contentment: jealousy, envy, greed and comparison. The envious man feels others fortunes are his misfortune; their profit, his loss; their blessing, his bane; their health, his illness; their promotion, his demotion; their success, his failure. - LB Flynn 2. Gratitude. (Acts 2:46) Simplicity of heart creates space to see, recognize and thank God for His goodness and gifts. Gratitude gives spiritual clarity and recognizes God’s hand of grace in ordinary things. (Psalm 103:5) The Danger Zones of gratitude: grumbling, entitlement, forgetfulness and busyness. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 3. Generosity. (Acts 2:45) Simplicity of heart creates space to give freely and bless others. A heart willing to share what it has creates life-giving space for others to thrive; strengthens others. Mark 12:41-44 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” 1 Chronicles 29: 3 Because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver. 1 Chronicles 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly. How we give willingly, freely and joyfully. Recognition. (1 Chronicles 29:14) Simplicity of heart. (1 Chronicles 29:17) Deuteronomy 15:7–8, 10 If there is among you a poor man of your brethren…you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him… 2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. The Danger Zones of generosity: fear, anxiety, materialism and selfishness. The more self-centered we become, the more disconnected we become. Distance blinds us to see the needs around us. 4. Joy. (Acts 2:46-47) Simplicity of heart creates space to receive lasting joy from Christ Jesus. Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The Danger Zones of joy: anxiety, distraction, comparison and circumstantial happiness. Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Joy comes from the Spirit of Christ within us, not circumstances around us. (John 15:11) His Spirit produces joy that does’t fade. 5. Community. (Acts 2:44-47) Simplicity creates space to invest in others and grow together. Definition : A unified body of individuals with common characteristic or interests. Faith runs in community. The Danger Zones of community : isolation, gossip, consumer mentality, expectations, judgement, offense and bitterness. Unity is the environment where the glory of God dwells.