CONN ECTING Acts 2:42-47 NASB Bishop Flynn Johnson Atlanta Metro Cathedral

Acts 2:42-47 NASB They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;

Acts 2:42-47 NASB and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

1.The Church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to fellowship. 2.Many signs and wonders were taking place by the hands of the leaders (vs. 43) 3.Believers were together with all things in common (the believers) (vs. 44)

4.They were selling and sharing their possessions (vs. 45) 5.They continued in one mind daily in the temple and in homes having fellowship with one another as they ate together (vs They were praising God and having favor with all the people (vs. 47). 7.The Lord added to their number daily (vs. 47).

1.Spiritual Growth - Growing Deeper - (vs ) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number. - Acts 5:14

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. - 1 Thessalonians 4:1

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. - Hebrews 10:25

For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. - 2 Corinthians 4:15

2. Community Life - Connecting together - (vs. 44,46) And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 46. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart. - 1 Peter 1:22

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. - Ephesians 4:15–16

3. Stewardship Life - Sharing Greater & Better - (vs.45) And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45. And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

But just as you abound (excel) in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. - 2 Corinthians 8:7

Now as you abound and excel and are at the front in everything—in faith, in expressing yourselves, in knowledge, in all zeal, and in your love for us—[see to it that you come to the front now and] abound and excel in this gracious work [of alms giving] also. - 2 Corinthians 8:7

4.Outreach Life - Going Wider - (vs ) Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number those who were being saved.

1.According to the prayer of Christ. (John 17:20,21) 2.Is with a)God. (1 John 1:3) b)Saints in heaven. (Hebrews 12:22-24) c)Each other. (Galatians 2:9; 1 John 1:3,7) 3.God marks with His approval. (Malachi 3:16) 4.Christ is present in. (Matthew 18:20) 5.In public and social worship. (Psalm 34:3; 55:14; Acts 1:14; Hebrews 10:25)

6.In the Lord’s supper. (1 Corinthians 10:17) 7.In holy conversation. (Malachi 3:16) 8.In prayer for each other. (2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18) 9.In exhortation. (Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:25) 10.In mutual comfort and edification. (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11) 11.In mutual sympathy and kindness. (Romans 12:15; Ephesians 4:32) 12.Delight of the Lord. (Psalm 16:3; 42:4; 133:1-3; Romans 15:32)