Acts 2:37–41 – [37] Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” [40] And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” [41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (ESV)

 

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

 

1. The anointed presentation and reception of the Gospel.

• The Spirit Came
• The Proclamation Came

 

2. 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

 

The Word, Prayer, Worship.  Keys to hearing and having communion with God.  THIS IS THE MEANS TO COMMUNION WITH GOD.  TO TRULY KNOW HIM!!!!!!

 

• Apostles teaching
  • God Spoke, Prophets Spoke, Jesus Spoke, Apostles Spoke, Scripture Speaks.
    • This is who God is.
    • This is who you are based on who God is.
    • This is how I live based on who I am in relation to who God is. How to have a relationship with God.

 

1 Peter 2:2 – [2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— (ESV)

 

2 Timothy 2:2 – [2] and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (ESV)

 

• Breaking of bread – Lord’s Supper
  • His blood.  His body.
  • Remembering, reflecting.

 

• Prayer (see previous verses Acts 6:4, Romans 12:9-13)

 

Romans 12:2 – [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV)

 

1 Timothy 4:6–16 – [6] If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. [7] Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. [9] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. [10] For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

 

[11] Command and teach these things. [12] Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. [13] Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. [14] Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. [15] Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (ESV)