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A Church Of Unity
Contributed by Kevin Keeling on May 8, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: Acts 2:42-47 On the day of Pentecost, 3,000 new members were added to its membership, making a total of 3,120 members. 1:14-15
1 It Was a Church That Studied the Bible
2 It Was a Church of Christian Fellowship
3 It Was a Church That Worshipped Christ
4 It Was a Church That Evangelized the World
A Learning, Studying Church
I Thay Had a Love for The Bible
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine
"They devoted themselves to the "apostles’ teachings".
They were a learning, studying church -
Yes, it was a joyful, growing church - But the most important thing to be mentioned was that it was a Bible Studying Church!!!
Not Just A Bible Beliving Church but studying
The church could have been tempted to "Look Back to Pentecost" and to "Focus on Past Accomplishments".
They might have been tempted to pray, "Lord, do something miraculous again!"
But instead, we find them not relieving the past, but rather relying on the Word of God!
God’s word Was more important Than The Past experience,tradition, we have never did it that way be for Preacher
Just because our parents did it dose’t make it wright
This is the first mark of a Spirit-filled church!
The "Apostles’ Doctrine (Teachings)"
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Why should we belive study and have Faith in the Bible
It is Cleary God Word “Is is inspired of God”
2 Peter 1:21 clearly states, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
It is Given For Studing ,Teaching, Preaching .
2 Tim 3:16- All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
It Is God who Spoke Every Word
2 Sam 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
Being a Spirit-Filled Christian and Studying the Word of God go hand in hand!
God has provide ways for us to understand his Word
Holy Gost inspires us to understand God Word through Preaching, Teaching, Bible Classes, Bible School, Home Bible Studies, Dally Devotion etc. are all ways that God has provide opportunity for people to know Him through his Word.
II Christian Fellowship
They Had a Love for Each other
Not only did they devote themselves to the "apostles’ doctrine", but they also devoted themselves to "Fellowship".
"Fellowship" literally means to "have common interest” Love “For Christ’"
1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Thay Had Fellowship in the Gospel,God, Gods Son Not just Eating, but praying for one another, discussing strategies to win the lost, etc.
I belive we should Fellowship with God and Fellowship with one another go together.
“Whenever we are out of fellowship with God, we will not desire to fellowship with others - and the opposite is true as well.”
Shake some one Hand / Huge some one Neck Pray for each Outher/ Not just menbers of your family “ Now is the time to Serve Not to Be serve”
III A Worshiping Church v 42 46
Thay had a Love for Jesus Christ
There was the "breaking of bread" and "prayer".
The breaking of bread refers to communion service; prayer was done corporately in services.
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
When one member is absent, We all are affected.
Thay Had A Respect for God , & God House
Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: we don’t fear God read Acts 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
They were together, / had all things Common /were in Unity
Unselfish Full of Joy
IV Evangelizing Church Had a Love For The Lost
vs. 47 reveals that they were a people who took their faith seriously enough to share it with others.
Notice that they were "Praising God" and "Having Favor with all the people".
The mark of a Spirit-Filled Believer is that there will be "gladness and singleness of heart".
Notice too that God richly blessed their efforts of evangelism - "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
May God help us to be such a church in the community in which we minister .