What Kind Of Church Should We Be?

Introduction: Would you rather be a goose or an eagle?

Read Scripture/Pray

Background: Church directly after Pentecost @ about 120

Purpose Statement: If we are to be a Biblical church then we must…

I. Be Devoted (v. 42)

A. To the Word

1. Apostle’s teaching was foundation of the NT

2. Note the adverb continually

3. Not just hearing, but doing – Career Student*

B. To the Fellowship

1. We must not overlook this aspect of the church – Moody Illustration*

2. People are lonely – Arthritis illustration*

3. Both inward and outward

C. To the communion

1. We need to take back the word communion

2. Early church practiced communion every day/church isn’t just for Sunday’s anymore

D. To Prayer

1. Why show up at business meeting… not prayer meeting/ prayer is the fuel of the Xian

2. They were depending upon God, not themselves

II. Be in Awe (v. 43)

A. Where is the awe for God?

1. Sports events, stars, royalty… What about God? (Genuine worship)

B. Where are the signs and wonders?

1. Grudem Definition*

2. Have the gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased?

C. When was the last time you trusted God for the impossible?

1. Negative member illustration*

2. The Road of Life Illustration*

III. Be United (vs. 44-46)

A. Principle of sharing

1. What does it mean to hold all things in common?

2. Dr. Polhill missionary refrigerator illustration

3. They were losing their selfishness

B. Becoming a family

1. meeting together

2. Henri Nouwen quote*

C. Their hearts were sincere

1. There was a genuine desire for the kingdom of God on earth

2. Parasites versus leukocytes

IV. Be Ready (v. 47)

A. Be ready for God to bless you & His church

1. Army psychology experiment*

2. Do you consider lost people coming to Christ to be a blessing?

B. Be ready to reach lost people for Jesus

1. Everywhere the early church went they preached Christ

2. If your church is not experiencing Acts kind of growth you need to ask why

C. Be ready to grow - evangelism

1. Acts 2:41*

Conclusion: If we are to be… work together, devoted to His teaching, ready for Him to accomplish…

ILLUSTRATIONS:

Geese vs. Eagles

Flying v formation

Honking for encouragement

Flying by God given compass

Career Student

I read about a man in New York City who died at the age of 63 without ever having had a job. He spent his entire adult life in college. During those years he acquired so many academic degrees that they “looked like the alphabet” behind his name.

Why did this man spend his entire life in college? When he was a child, a wealthy relative died who had named him as a beneficiary in his will. It stated that he was to be given enough money to support him every year as long as he stayed in school. And it was to be discontinued when he had completed his education.

The man met the terms of the will, but by remaining in school indefinitely he turned a technicality into a steady income for life—something his benefactor never intended. Unfortunately, he spent thousands of hours listening to professors and reading books but never “doing.” He acquired more and more knowledge but didn’t put it into practice.

Moody Illustration

D.L. Moody once called on a leading citizen in Chicago to persuade him to accept Christ. They were seated in the man’s parlor. It was winter and coal was burning in the fireplace. The man argued that he could be just as good a Christian outside the church as in it. Moody said nothing, but stepped to the fireplace, took the tongs, picked a blazing coal from the fire and set it off by itself. In silence the two watched it smolder and go out. “I see,” said the man.

Does Anybody Ask About My Arthritis?

Mamie made frequent trips to the branch post office. One day she confronted a long line of people who were waiting for service from the postal clerks. Mamie only needed stamps, so a helpful observer asked, “Why don’t you use the stamp machine? You can get all the stamps you need and you won’t have to stand in line.” Mamie said, “I know, but the machine can’t ask me about my arthritis.” People still need human contact.

Grudem Definition of Miracles

“A miracle is a less common kind of God’s activity in which he arouses people’s awe and wonder and bears witness to himself.” He justifies this definition by awe, or amazement in such a way that God bears witness to himself

Negative Member

Baily Smith, an evangelist said he had a man in his church once that never had a positive thing to say. In a business meeting he called on the man as if to pray but this is what he said, "Brother so and so would you please stand and lead us in a word of discouragement at this time."