Scripture Reading Luke 22:54-62 Acts 2:42-47

 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. Acts 1:6,7

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Acts 1:9

 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10,11

 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?”  Acts 2:37

 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. 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.”   Acts 2:38,39

 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:40,41

The church is not a building.

The church is a community of people.

“The church would be perfect without people.” -Harry Dennard

The church is a community of imperfect people saved by grace.

What is the purpose of the church?

 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  Acts 2:42

 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. Acts 2:43

And all who believed were together and had all things in common  And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44,45

 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 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 2:46,47

The people and pursuits we are devoted to change our lives.

The purpose of the church is to share the Kingdom of God thru teaching, community, worship, prayers and service to others.