INTRODUCTION
Outline.
Remarks.
1. This is the first lesson in this sermon-series: “The First Day of the Week.” In it, we will consider that the church assembled on the first day of the week, as a means of worship and fellowship. Luke wrote: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized...about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and the breaking of bread and prayers," Acts 2:41-42. Luke continued: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” Acts 2:46.
2. The church convened both in the temple; and, from house to house in fellowship, to break the bread, and worship daily, in its infancy. Worship, fellowship, and the breaking of bread were not limited to a single location; but, wherever the church has assembled. This gathering was the practice of the early church for worship on: "the first day of the week." We like the apostle John, who is in the “Spirit” on the Lord’s Day, Revelation 1:9-10. With this introduction, let's consider lesson 1, "Day of Congregation,” in this sermon-series.
BODY OF LESSON
I DAY OF CONGREGATION
A. I know that someone will ask about church assembling. To most saints, this lesson is elementary. I should not have to remind my brethren; that Jesus settles the place of worship while talking with “the woman at the well.” She spoke proudly of her place of worship to God, in the holy mountain. Jesus said: "Woman, believe me, the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father...But the hour cometh and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth,” John 4:20-24. Observe--
1. It is in “spirit and truth” we worship; that magnifies the name of the Lord: not the mountain, the temple, the riverside or, even in the sanctuary.
2. It is “who” and “when” we worship, that is important. It is not the place; but, our worshipping the Father in “spirit and in truth,” John 4:24.
3. This kind of worship is what our Father seeketh of the: true worshippers to worship Him, and to glorify the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father by Him, Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15-16.
4. In these, God is well pleased.
B. The day of worship. The early church assembled for worship on the “first day of they (the disciples) continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and prayers," Acts 2:41-42.
1. Luke wrote, further: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” Acts 2:46: Acts 4:31-36.
2. The church was gathering both in the temple; and, from house to house in fellowship, in breaking bread, and worship daily. Worship, fellowship, and the breaking of bread cannot be limited to a single location; but, wherever the church decides to assemble.
3. These things which are being done on this day; are more important than where they are happening. The church building is not holy unto the Lord. The church is!
C. All teaching and preaching must originate from the basis of “sound doctrine.” Sound doctrine means: “healthy or good teaching,” Titus 2:1. Notice--
1. Efforts of the early church were to strengthen and grow the body of Christ. These were founded upon two primary principles. They were the saints are to continue in:
a. One, “The apostles’ doctrine,” or the teachings of the word of God.
b. Two, “And in fellowship, in breaking of bread, and in prayers,” Acts 2:42
c. We know the meaning of "doctrine," so let's consider the word: "fellowship."
d. It has a different meaning; and purpose than what many saints perceive.
2. Fellowship of Philippi, in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. The word fellowship is communicating, communion, contribution, and distribution. It involves giving and receiving from each other's bounty, Philippians 1:3-7; Philippians 4:15-17.
a. The word “fellowship” in the Gr., is koinonia or koi-no-ne'-ä, which means to be in partnership, i.e., participation, or (in social) affairs, or share:—to communicate (-ation), communion, (contri-) distribution, to contribute.
b. To contribute. Paul wrote: "For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution (in fellowship) for the poor saints, which are at Jerusalem,” Romans 16:25-26; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
c. Fellowship meant to participate in contributing to the work of Christ, in support of the apostles, the church, and to all the saints. We will return to this later in the lesson. But for now, consider--
4. B. W. Johnson wrote: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine...the things taught by the apostles...And fellowship ... (In the contribution) to the common fund and its distribution. (In the) breaking of bread...the Lord's Supper. It (was)...observed as an ordinance of the church...And (in) prayers of the regular worship. These four items are all features of the public church life (or worship), Page 269. Comments on Acts 2:42. (--) Are mine. We thank him for his wisdom. Recall, Brother Johnson was a contemporary, of Alexander Campbell.
5. B. W. Johnson also noted: “In the beginning of the gospel... (After) you first received (it) (Acts, chapter 16). When I departed from Macedonia...no church communicated with me...had fellowship (except Philippi). Those who sustained him were partners of his labors, Acts 17:14. Even in Thessalonica...Paul’s next labor (Acts, chapter 17). While (there), the newly-founded church of the Philippians sent him contributions at least twice. They also aided him later while he was in Corinth (2 Cor. 11:9),” Page 493. Comments on Philippians 4:15-17. B. W. Johnson notes that Philippi communicated; had fellowship with him, in their contributions sent for his work in preaching Christ.
6. Conclusion: Hence, the real meaning of "fellowship" includes giving or contributing to the work and service of Christ, and His ministers, teachers, as well as, the widows and the poor saints, Acts 6:1-3; Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-26. The church must take care to support its ministers, evangelists, and missionaries; and their families: that align themselves in the work of Christ, among them. This, too, is the commandment of the Lord, 1 Corinthians 9:14. We will speak more of this in the last point of the lesson.
D. They were all together. Luke wrote: “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common...And they, continuing daily with one accord...from house to house...having favor with all the people,” Acts 2:44-47. Summary--
1. Believers were together in the assembly.
2. Believers continued from house to house.
3. These were not all bible studies; but also social visits. These were periods of instruction, as well as times of encouragement to each other (during persecutions and trials of their faith).
4. These saints were: "Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” Acts 2:47; Acts 5:14.
5. Men and women were being added to the faith daily, by the Lord. No one joined this assembly; they were “added to the church by the Lord.”
E. Teaching from house to house. Paul taught the elders and the church at Ephesus from “house to house.” Paul’s teaching: “And how I kept back nothing profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,” Acts 20:20; Acts 5:41-42. Paul mentioned that:
1. Paul taught them, in a public forum, the assembly.
2. He instructed them, from house to house, among members and others.
3. He taught and mentored them in all things, Acts 20:26-27.
4. He taught them to do the same unto the entire church, Acts 20:28-32.
5. Conclusion: The weekly worship service and fellowship were done both in the assembly; and from house to house. Many congregations of the Lord, met "in the house.” Paul commended these churches:
a. To the Romans: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church in their house,” Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19.
b. To the Colossians: “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house,” Colossians 4:15.
c. To Philemon: “And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philemon 1:2-3.
d. Conclusion: In the early church, worship and fellowship gatherings were held in the saints' homes. During this time of the pandemic, there is no reason for a while, at least, we cannot do the same, and still, glorify the name of the Lord. As I conclude, let me review quickly what was discussed. Recall we...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Day of Congregation
B. Summarize main points.
1. We discussed that the church came together on the “first day of the week,” to observe the communion (the Lord’s Supper). Luke wrote: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight,” Acts 20:7.
2. The apostle was passing through Troas, enroute to the city of Jerusalem. He abode there for seven days. The practice of the early church was to observe the communion, the Lord's Supper upon: "the first day of the week." The apostles directed and example, that the church congregated upon “the first day of the week.” This was done to fellowship, breaking of bread, and contributing their substance, unto the Lord.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. The Pastor’s Manual, by James Randolph Hobbs, D.D., L.L.D., Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, TN, Copyright renewal, 1962.
8. The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, by Edward T. Hiscox, D.D., American Baptist Publication Society, 1701-1703 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, Published, June 1903.
