Title: The Church - The Learning and Committed Church
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
Date: 9-1-2024
Bible Version: NKJV
Facts About The Church:
1.The Church is a body of believers committed to Christ and living out His mission in this world.
[1Co 12:27 NKJV] Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
2. Jesus loved the church and gave Himself for her.
[Ephesians 5:25 NKJV] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
3. Paul considered it his greatest sin to persecute the church.
[1 Corinthians 15:9 NKJV] For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
BOTTOM LINE: The Early Church Was Committed and Hungry To Grow.
The History of The Early Church
1. The Beginning
[Act 1:15 NKJV] And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples - Peter took a natural leadership position. The first order of business was to choose someone to replace Judas Iscariot (he betrayed Jesus and later took his own life).
2. They had an encounter with the Holy Spirit
[Act 2:1 NKJV] When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
The Day of Pentecost had fully come, - Jesus told them to go to Jerusalem and wait on the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8). That day had finally come. The promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled.
They were all with one accord in one place - The early church was gathered together in the same place. They were sharing the same heart and the same love for God.
[Act 2:2 NKJV] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Suddenly there came a sound from heaven - God moved suddenly from Heaven. This was not manifest or created on the earth. This was a move of God.
As of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house - The Holy Spirit came full force and power and filled the whole house.
3. The Word was preached and the Church grew
[Act 2:41 NKJV] Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added [to them].
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized - In the early church, when someone got saved, they got baptized.
Three thousand souls were added - Peter taught on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. He also called on those who heard to repent and be baptized. The result was that the three thousand souls were added to those who were called believers in Christ.
The only thing that brings salvation is the message of Jesus Christ.
4. The Word was preached and the Church grew again.
[Act 4:4 NKJV] However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Many of those who heard the word believed…about five thousand- Luke gives us incredible perspective here. Many of those who heard the word believed. In order for them to hear the word there had to be others declaring it. The Church grew to 5,000.
The Word of God changed lives.
Acts 2:42-47 is referred to as the Birth of The Christian Church and a model for Christian community.
[Act 2:42 NKJV] And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
[Acts 2:43 NKJV] Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles
[Acts 2:44 NKJV] Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
[Acts 2:45 NKJV] and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
[Acts 2:46 NKJV] 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,
[Acts 2:47 NKJV] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Characteristics of The First Church
1. They Were Committed.
Continued steadfastly - Speaks of devotion. To be steadfastly attentive unto, To give unremitting care to a thing.
We have to have a devotion and love for the Church.
2. They Were Focused On Learning
Apostles’ doctrine - They not only received the Apostles’ doctrine, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were being changed by it.
The teaching of the apostles was to give believers God’s perspective on every matter so that they could learn, obey, and experience spiritual growth and make kingdom impact. —Tony Evans
You cannot grow beyond what you do not know.
Before we can be filled, we must recognize our emptiness; by gathering together for prayer, in obedience, these disciples did just that. They recognized they did not have the resources in themselves to do what they could do or should do; they had to instead rely on the work of God. —David Guzik
Six Reasons Why We Should Be A Committed and Learning Church:
- Foundational to the Christian faith
- For the transmission of Christ’s Teachings.
- Protects Against False Teachings.
- Provides Practical Guidance for Christian Living.
- Empowerment for Mission.
- It Documents The Good News of Jesus Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
- How can you be more devoted to learning and applying God’s Word in your life today?
- In what ways are you intentionally seeking spiritual growth through the teachings of the Bible?
- On a scaled of 1 to 10 (1o being the highest) how comfortabe are you with sharing Major Christian Doctrine with others? What can you do to become more comfortable doing so?
📖 7 Doctrines Of The Christian Faith. - [7 Day Devotional]
⛪️ Join the Mission - I want to serve