Don’t Go To Church
June 16, 2019
We often talk about going to church, in the same way we talk about going to the mall. but church is not a place we visit and leave, but rather a reality we live every day.
The early church didn’t go to church to get a boost in the arm, but they were hooked up intravenously to the daily flow of spiritual life.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 NIV
We are to be a
Church
“devoted to the apostles’ teaching” v42
We are to be a
Church
“devoted to … fellowship” v42
koinonia= “something in common” or to “share something”
“And our fellowship (koinonia) is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3 NIV
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship (koinonia) of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Cor 13:14 NIV
Koinonia is a trinitarian experience. We are invited into the greatest and most powerful reality.
koinonia is also “sharing out something” (v44-45)
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” 1 John 3:17
We are to be a
Church
“devoted to … the breaking of bread and prayer” v42
There was both formal gatherings (meeting in Temple) and informal (meeting in homes). Acts 4:46; 3:1
We are a
Church
“The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47
The Holy Spirit is a missionary spirit, and this Spirit created a missionary church.
Why does a church grow? By having favour with people. They continued to rub shoulders with people in their community, meeting the needs of those both in and outside the church.