ACTS SERIES WEEK 3: THE CHURCH IS BORN
Scriptures: ACTS 2:42-47
The BIG Idea: The Church is not a place; the Church is a movement gathered around a mission. Movements move! If we are not moving, we’re not part of God’s movement.
What does the church look like?
Acts 2:42-47 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 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, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO…
- TO THE APOSTLES TEACHING
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42
- DEVOTED = Gave themselves to; abandoned themselves to The Word of God.
Your word have I hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You, O Lord! For Your Word has given me life. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:11,50,105 (NKJV)
QUESTION: “Are you giving yourself to God’s Word daily?”
- TO EACH OTHER = Fellowship
- Koinonia: They shared life together.
- They met in BIG and SMALL groups.
Acts 2:46a So continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house…they ate their food gladness and simplicity of heart.
- They devoted themselves to each other, they were in unity.
- In a small group, you give yourself away-(Authenticity & Vulnerability)
- They were a diverse church.
- Great spiritual growth and fellowship takes place in circles rather than rows.
QUESTION: “Are you living out your Christian life isolated or in community/fellowship?”
- TO GOD’S PRESENCE
Acts 2:42 …breaking of bread…
- The Lord’s Supper = COMMUNION
1Cor. 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
- They came together expecting to be in God’s presence and expecting to be used by God.
QUESTION: “When we come together, are you expecting to meet with God?”
ACTS 2:43 Then fear(awe) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
- TO PRAYER
- They prayed all the time. They were intimate and dependent on the Lord.
Matthew 21:14 Jesus said… “My house shall be called the house of prayer…”
Acts 2:43b … many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Acts 2:44-46 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… with gladness and simplicity of heart.
- Glad = with Joy & Satisfied.
- The evidence of the gospel is a generous heart.
- The heart of the matter IS the matter of the heart!
Acts 2:47 Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
- They worshiped God in SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.
- They were captured by the message and yielded to The Spirit
- They were devoted to loving, praying, serving, giving & sharing life.