What the Church Looked Like
[ READ ] Acts 2:42-47
The Fellowship of the Believers
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.
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.
Acts 2 is one of the most monumental chapters in the Bible. We see the birth of the church of Jesus through the incredible events surrounding Pentecost, followed immediately by the Apostle Peter’s first sermon where 3,000 people surrender their lives to Christ. Right on the heels of these two events, Luke describes how these initial followers of The Way conducted themselves. Even to this day, it is a model for those who call themselves Christians to follow!
This is God’s prescription for church growth. If we take care to follow the example of Acts 2:42-47a, God will take care of growing the church Himself. (The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Gusik)
- Chris Adomanis
This is God’s prescription for church growth. If we take care to follow the example of Acts 2:42-47a, God will take care of growing the church Himself. (The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Gusik)
- Chris Adomanis
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ How does the act of giving reflect the condition of my faith and walk?
+ Do I consider my resources as “mine” or as God’s resources for whom I am the steward?
+ How does the act of giving reflect the condition of my faith and walk?
+ Do I consider my resources as “mine” or as God’s resources for whom I am the steward?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Have I ignored the Spirit’s urge to give more? Am I robbing God?
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Have I ignored the Spirit’s urge to give more? Am I robbing God?
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, my income is not mine; my possessions are not mine. The earth is yours and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalm 24). I am your servant and steward, enlarge my heart for your kingdom and bless me with the gift of giving generously (Romans 12:8). Thank you for your love, goodness, kindness and daily mercies. Amen.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, my income is not mine; my possessions are not mine. The earth is yours and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalm 24). I am your servant and steward, enlarge my heart for your kingdom and bless me with the gift of giving generously (Romans 12:8). Thank you for your love, goodness, kindness and daily mercies. Amen.
[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who is a spiritual mentor with whom I can discuss this passage?
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who is a spiritual mentor with whom I can discuss this passage?
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