The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Disciplines Spiritual Character Spiritual Impact 1

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Disciplines (42) It was a saved church. “continually devoting themselves” Believers and unbelievers but … It was a Scriptural church. Content of the church is God’s revealed Word. Commitment to “apostles’ teaching” is foundational to growth and spiritual health. Scripture is our spiritual food for growth, power, and enrichment – 2 Timothy 2:2. 2

2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB) 2  The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Disciplines (42) It was a fellowshipping church. The way believers encourage each other in holiness and faithfulness – Hebrews 10:24-25 3

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB) 24  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25  not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Disciplines (42) It was a fellowshipping church. The way believers encourage each other in holiness and faithfulness – Hebrews 10:24-25 Fellowship means partnership or sharing. It was a Christ-centered church. Communion reminds us to meet at the foot of the cross. Communion levels the playing field. Communion promotes unity on all levels. 4

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Disciplines (42) It was a praying church. This was a distinct mark of the first church. It was a priority. A promise to which the early church clung – John 14:13-14 5

John 14:13-14 (NASB) 13  Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Disciplines (42) It was a praying church. This was a distinct mark of the first church. It was a priority. A promise to which the early church clung – John 14:13-14 It was individual and corporate prayer. It is the pulse of power of the church. Spiritual Disciplines (42) It was a praying church. This was a distinct mark of the first church. It was a priority. A promise to which the early church clung – John 14:13-14 It was individual and corporate prayer. It is the pulse of power of the church. 6

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Character (43-47) It was a church that was full of awe. Phobos – fear or holy terror related to a sense of God’s presence This was a continual state. Everyone inside and outside the church The miraculous was present. People saw God’s hand in everything. This speaks to perspective. 7

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Character (43-47) It was a sharing church. This is not only spiritual unity but also practical unity. This is not Christian communism! Selling and sharing is in the imperfect tense, indicating continuous past action. Needs were being met (physical and spiritual). This was a process of great discipline. They met in the temple and in people’s homes. They were in unity!!!!! 8

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Character (43-47) It was a joyful church. Gladness – noun form of rejoice This came from their hearts. It was a product of their hearts. It produced praise to God, which in turn produced more joy – Philippians 2:1-2. 9

Philippians 2:1-2 (NASB) 1  Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2  make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Impact It was an attractive church. Their spiritual disciplines and resulting character became attractive to others. Their love and unity was the attraction – John 13:35; 17:21. 10

John 13:35 (NASB) John 17:21 (NASB) 35  “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 17:21 (NASB) 21  that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Spiritual Impact It was a growing church. Their spiritual disciplines and resulting character became evangelistically effective. Imperfect tense again tells us people were continually being saved. We also see God’s sovereignty in salvation! 11

The Authentic Christian Life Acts 2:42-47 Application Are you a healthy believer? What are you doing to improve your health and raise the bar in your own spiritual life? Are we a healthy church? What are we going to do to raise the bar in the spiritual life and outreach of our church? 12

Prayer of St. Patrick “As I arise today, may the Strength of God pilot me, the Power of God uphold me, the Wisdom of God guide me. May the Eye of God look before me, the Ear of God hear me, the Word of God speak for me. May the Hand of God protect me, the Way of God lie before me, the Shield of God defend me, the Host of God save me . . .”

Prayer of St. Patrick “. . . May Christ shield me today. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen.”