My sermon notes for Sunday, Sept 30th. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net
Acts 2:42–47 – [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. (ESV)
First things first. Acts 2: 1-41 (a quick look back)
- The anointed presentation and reception of the Gospel.
- The Spirit Came
- The Proclamation Came
- It was boldly shared. It was gladly received
- Repentance
- For the forgiveness of your sin
- Turn from your sin.
- Confession
- Public profession
- I have been born again.
- Sins are washed away and raised in newness of life.
- Repentance is turning from sin. Faith is turning to Christ
- Empowerment
- Filled with the Holy Spirit
- The means and ability to live the life of a Christ follower/disciple.
- Identification
- Added to.
- I belong to the family of God.
- Me, God, and others. The biblical relationship when one come to faith in Christ. (LOVE GOD. LOVE OTHERS)
Acts 2:42-47
Life Together – The faithfulness of His Church
They were a faithful
They devoted themselves v. 42
Proskartereō – to be earnest towards.
Usages in the NT
Acts 6:4 – [4] But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (ESV)
Romans 12:9–13 – [9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (ESV)
- Continue, remain, endure, persevere
- Completing a task. With the in mind. (a goal)
- REMAIN FAITHFUL.
- THEY WERE A FAITHFUL CHURCH, BECAUSE THEY WERE FAITHFUL PEOPLE
- Remaining faithful was key for the early church both corporately and individually.
They were faithful to the things of God – part 1 (sermon for Sept. 23)
The Word, Prayer, Worship. Keys to hearing and having communion with God. THIS IS THE MEANS TO COMMUNION WITH GOD. TO TRULY KNOW HIM!!!!!!
They were faithful to one another – part 1
(the body of Christ, His Church)
- Koinonia 42 – (right side of bulletin) – fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation
- Partnership and sharing.
- Spiritual fellowship. (Communion with God and with others)
- Stimulating each other to holiness and faithfulness
- GIVING AND RECEIVING. ONE ANOTHER (see insert)
1 John 1:1–4 – [1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—[2] the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—[3] that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. [4] And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (ESV)
Hebrews 10:19–25 – [19] Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20] by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)
Key phrases/words in the passage
41 – They
43 – Awe came upon every soul
- Holy terror due to divine presence. GOD WAS ALL OVER THEM!!!!
- We do not know what this means, because we seldom experience it.
44 – All who believed were together and had all things in common
45 – their possessions. Proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 – attending the temple together. Breaking bread in their homes. WITH GLAD AND SINCERE HEARTS.
- Formal – in the church
- Informal – in the home
47 – Praising God. Having favor with all people. Lord added to their number.
46, 47 – day by day
- More than a day of the week. Every day
- Not just a special program or ministry. RATHER A LIFESTYLE.
- Just do the Christian life (church planter’s story) Talk to people about the things of God.
e faithful to one another
(the body of Christ, His Church)
- Koinonia 42 – (right side of bulletin) – fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation
- Partnership and sharing.
- Spiritual fellowship. (Communion with God and with others)
- Stimulating each other to holiness and faithfulness
- GIVING AND RECEIVING. ONE ANOTHER (see insert)
1 John 1:1–4 – [1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—[2] the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—[3] that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. [4] And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (ESV)
Hebrews 10:19–25 – [19] Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20] by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)
Key phrases/words
41 – They
43 – Awe came upon every soul
- Holy terror due to divine presence. GOD WAS ALL OVER THEM!!!!
- We do not know what this means, because we seldom experience it.
44 – All who believed were together and had all things in common
45 – their possessions. Proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 – attending the temple together. Breaking bread in their homes. WITH GLAD AND SINCERE HEARTS.
- Formal – in the church
- Informal – in the home
47 – Praising God. Having favor with all people. Lord added to their number.
- The Apology of Aristides. To Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD)
46, 47 – day by day
- More than a day of the week. Every day
- Not just a special program or ministry. RATHER A LIFESTYLE.
- Just do the Christian life (church planter’s story) Talk to people about the things of God.
Closing thoughts:
- When is the last time we could say we saw God’s manifest His faithfulness in our life. (probably the last time we truly stepped out and lived a life of faithfulness.) As we are faithful with our life we get the privilege of seeing the manifestation of GOD AND HIS FAITHFULNESS.
- The power of the church is found in faithfulness. Our faithfulness to the Lord and our faithfulness to one another.
- WE know He is faithful, but are we willing to be faithful?
And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved v. 47