Preached on 9.21.08 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes
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 ESV
Guiding Thoughts:
- This passage doesn’t say everything that could be said about the Church.
- We are not looking for a prescription but for principles.
“they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” For them, live. For us in the Scriptures
Am I in a regular rhythm of reading, studying and reflecting on the Bible? If not, why not?
“and the fellowship” expansive word, signifying a partnership in/with. Life together!
“to the breaking of bread” fellowship meals and/or taking the Lord’s Supper.
Am I in the rhythm of celebrating meals with other believers? (More than just getting together.)
“and the prayers” times of prayer, they were a people of prayer.
We want to grow in this area as a church. Stay tuned. God is at work!
Am I in the rhythm of praying for my pastors, our mission, those in my life who don’t know Christ?
“awe came upon every soul” they were a people who we consistently in awe of God.
Do I have a sense of awe for who God is and what He is doing?
“and had all things in common, selling possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all as any had need” they were concerned with meeting the needs of others and were willing to meet them.
Am I in the seeing and meeting the needs of others around me both inside and outside the church?
“temple together…in their homes” Large group, small group – ish.
Are Sunday worship and community groups an integral part of our lives?
“praising God” They were a people of praise.
“having favor with all the people” They had influence and favor in their community.
Do I have favor and influence among the people in my community?
“those who were being saved” People were turning from their sins and trusting in Christ and being added to the Church.
Why am I not seeing more of this? What is God calling me to do?
Works Consulted : Expositor’s Bible Commentary, A.T. Robertson’s Word Pictures
