
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. —Acts 2:42-47
Big Idea: Our God invites us to be a
Introduction: It is a great joy for me to step into the role as your Senior Pastor knowing that I am not alone in this endeavor. God is with me, our Elders are with me, and you as a congregation have communicated that you are with me. Over the last year in our study of the Gospel of John and the letters of John we learned that God’s heart for us as His disciples is that we would experience His presence amidst our committed worshiping community. The most frequent promise in the Bible is “I will be with you.” This morning we will look at the early Church as they responded to the message of the Gospel and experienced God’s presence in the form of His Spirit TOGETHER. There is much for us to know, think, feel, and do as we seek to understand what it means for us to BE church.
1. Know: Church is people (v.36-41)
a. Ekklesia: A called out assembly or congregation (Acts 11:26, 1 Cor 15:9)
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. —Acts 11:26
For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. —1 Corinthians 15:9b. Church is not someplace we go or something we consume; it is who we are.
The early church was dynamic not because of location, buildings, or programs; it was because church was not a
, it was . —Dr. John Talley III
- c. Gathering provides disciples with the opportunity to experience God’s presence in a unique way.
Let’s Be a people who gather to
2. Think: What has your attention is who you become (. v42)
- a. They gave priority to the revealed Word of God
- b. Fellowship (koinonia) with God and with one another
- c. Breaking of bread as an act of remembrance
- d. Prayer
- e. Posture often determines experience.
A healthy Church postures their
3. Feel: In the presence of God, we experience love and fulfillment (v.46b-47)
- a. The unity of the spirit (v.44)
- b. The love of God contains provision, gladness, and peace.
Let’s be a people who
4. Do: Arrange your life to be with God and His family. (v.45-46)
- a. Pursue God
- b. Pursue His People
- c. Pursue His Mission
Let’s Be a Church who intently pursues to
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
The early church was committed to four things in this passage: Scripture, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Which of these areas are you strong in and which do you sense God calling you to personally grow in?
How could you help in bringing people to experience the joy of fellowship in small groups?
Spend time praying that we would be a people who grow in delighting in the presence of God and His love.