An Introduction To The Disciplines

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE DISCIPLINES

Acts 2:42-47

Key Verse and Theme: “praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

1. Real church growth: From the outside in. (Acts 2:1-41)

A. The apostles received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-4)

B. The gospel was proclaimed. (Acts 2:14-36)

C. The people repented and were baptized. (Acts 2:37-41)

2. Real church growth: From the inside out. (Acts 2:42-47)

A. The church was devoted. (Acts 2:42)

B. Wonders and miraculous signs were performed. (Acts 2:43)

C. The church grew daily. (Acts 2:47)

3. What are the disciplines? (From Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.)

A. The inward disciplines.

1. Meditation

2. Prayer

3. Fasting

4. Study

B. The outward disciplines.

1. Simplicity

2. Solitude

3. Submission

4. Service

C. The corporate disciplines.

1. Confession

2. Worship

3. Guidance

4. Celebration

4. The pattern of real church growth.

A. Preach the gospel.

B. Disciple through devotion.

C. Teach through disciplines.

D. Send them out to preach.