1. What is the Church? Acts 2:41-47 Acts 2:41-47
OBJECTIVE: It is my objective to show the need for the church to be the church. How are we the church? How do we respond as the church? Is it only the job of the pastor?
Acts 2:40–47 (ESV) — 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. 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.

2. Who is the head of the Church? What are the activities of the Church?
What is the church?
Who is the head of the Church?
What are the activities of the Church?
If the church is the body of Christ, who are His hands and feet?
What are the cultural and what are the patterns for all churches?
The church manifested spiritual duties and spiritual attitudes, and the result was spiritual impact.
~~~1. What is the church?
~~~2. Who is the head of the Church?
~~~3. What are the activities of the Church?
~~~4. If the church is the body of Christ, who are His hands and feet?
~~~~5. What are the cultural and what are the patterns for all churches?
~~~~~~~They manifested spiritual duties and spiritual attitudes, and the result was spiritual impact.
Acts 2:41 (ESV) — 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

3. Spiritual Duties Acts 2:42
Acts 2:42 (ESV) And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Key elements to make it a church
~~~Acts 2:42 (ESV) And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
~~~~~~~Key elements to make it a church

4. It was a saved church
They were continually devoting themselves (2:42a)
3000 had genuine faith and were baptized
Continually
persecution did not stop them
Possessors and not just professors
Church should be composed of saved individuals
~~~they were continually devoting themselves (2:42a)
~~~3000 had genuine faith and were baptized
Continually
persecution did not stop them
Possessors and not just professors
~~~~~~~Church should be composed of saved individuals
Paul commended the Thessalonians in terms that leave no doubt that they were saved: 1 Thess 1:1-10
3. Should show a great love for each other.

5. It was a scriptural church
to the apostles’ teaching (2:42b)
Jesus is God
The Holy Spirit is in us and works through us
We are to grow daily in our life
We are to act like believers Romans 12:2
We must have knowledge Hosea 4:6
~~~~to the apostles’ teaching (2:42b)
~~~Jesus is God
~~~The Holy Spirit is in us and works through us
~~~We are to grow daily in our life
~~~We are to act like believers Rom 12:2
~~~We must have knowledge Hos 4:6
Hosea 4:6 (ESV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

6. It was a fellowshipping church
and to fellowship (2:42c)
Fellowship-stimulate each other to holiness & faithfulness
Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) — 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
The Christian life is never in isolation
Actively and intimately involved in the local assembly
~~~and to fellowship (2:42c)
~~~Fellowship-stimulate each other to holiness & faithfulness
One Another's-Encourage, care for, love,
~~~Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) — 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
~~~The Christian life is never in isolation
~~~~~~~Actively and intimately involved in the local assembly

7. It was a Christ-centered church
to the breaking of bread (2:42d)
Communion—
Self-examination
Drink—blood of Christ
Bread—Body of Christ
 Eating meals together
~~~to the breaking of bread (2:42d)
~~~Communion—
Self-examination
Drink—blood of Christ
Bread—Body of Christ
~~~~~~Eating meals together

8. It was a praying church to prayer (2:42e) Critical duty of prayer
Individuals
Corporate prayers
Jesus Command—Pray at all times
~~~to prayer (2:42e)
~~~ Critical duty of prayer
Individuals
Corporate prayers
~~~~~~Jesus Command—Pray at all times

9. Spiritual Character Acts 2:43-47a
Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) — 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. …
~~~~~~~~~Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) — 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. …
Spiritual duty produces spiritual character—Here’s 4

10. It was an awe-inspiring church
And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe (2:43a)
Greek word—Phobos—(Awe) or Fear (Holy terror)
Life was so genuine and spiritually powerful
Everyone inside the church
Everyone outside the church
Awe happens when spiritual gifts are properly operative
~~~And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe (2:43a)
~~~Greek word—Phobos—(Awe) or Fear (Holy terror)
~~~Life was so genuine and spiritually powerful
a. Everyone inside the church
b. Everyone outside the church
~~~~~~~Awe happens when spiritual gifts are properly operative
1 Corinthians 14:24–25 (ESV) — 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

11. It was a miraculous church
and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. (2:43b)
Reason for awe—signs and wonders
Designed to attract attention
Designed to point to a spiritual truth
John 14:10–12
Miracles were given as signs of the word being authentic.
~~~and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. (2:43b)
~~~Reason for awe—signs and wonders
designed to attract attention
Designed to point to a spiritual truth
~~~John 14:10–12 (ESV)
— 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
Ability to perform miracles was not given to all
~~~~~~~Miracles were given as signs of the word being authentic.

12. It Was A Joyful Church
with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God (2:46b–47a)
Gladness-Means to rejoice
sincerity- means “free from rocks”
“No stones of selfishness in their heart”
Praising—Full of great joy-God was the focus
~~~with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God (2:46b–47a)
~~~Gladness-Means to rejoice
~~~ sincerity- means “free from rocks”
“No stones of selfishness in their heart”
~~~~~~Praising—Full of great joy-God was the focus

13. and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles
and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. (2:43b)
 Reason for awe—signs and wonders
Ability to perform miracles was not given to all
Miracles were given as signs of the word being authentic.

14. It was a sharing church Acts 2:44–46a All who believed Were together
Had all things in common (Not communal living)
~~~Acts 2:44–46a (ESV)
— 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,
~~~ All who believed
~~~Were together
~~~~~~Had all things in common (Not communal living)

15. At that time, many pilgrims
Some came from far away, got saved and stayed
Some lost their jobs because of Christ
Some were poor and had ongoing needs
Some were widows or aged and needed help.
~~~ Some came from far away, got saved and stayed
~~~Some lost their jobs because of Christ
~~~Some were poor and had ongoing needs
~~~~~~~Some were widows or aged and needed help.

16. 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 (ESV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
~~~~~~~~1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

17. How to meet needs of others
2 Corinthians 8:13–14 (ESV) — 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.
2 Corinthians 8:12 (ESV) — 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.  
~~~2 Corinthians 8:13–14 (ESV) — 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.
~~~~~~~2 Corinthians 8:12 (ESV) — 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.  

18. They met in the temple and house to house
No NOtes

19.  1 John 3:16–18 (ESV)
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
~~~~~~~~16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

20. Spiritual Impact
and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (2:47b)
they were an attractive church
and having favor with all the people (2:47b)
An apology written by the philosopher Aristides early in the second century:
~~~and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (2:47b)
~~~they were an attractive church
~~~and having favor with all the people (2:47b)
~~~~~~~~~An apology written by the philosopher Aristides early in the second century:
Now the Christians, O King, by going about and seeking, have found the truth. For they know and trust in God, the Maker of heaven and earth, who has no fellow. From him they received those commandments which they have engraved on their minds, and which they observe in the hope and expectation of the world to come.
For this reason they do not commit adultery or immorality; they do not bear false witness, or embezzle, nor do they covet what is not theirs. They honor father and mother, and do good to those who are their neighbors. Whenever they are judges, they judge uprightly. They do not worship idols made in the image of man. Whatever they do not wish that others should do to them, they in turn do not do; and they do not eat the food sacrificed to idols.
Those who oppress them they exhort and make them their friends. They do good to their enemies. Their wives, O King, are pure as virgins, and their daughters are modest. Their men abstain from all unlawful sexual contact and from impurity, in the hope of recompense that is to come in another world.
As for their bondmen and bondwomen, and their children, if there are any, they persuade them to become Christians; and when they have done so, they call them brethren without distinction.
They refuse to worship strange gods; and they go their way in all humility and cheerfulness. Falsehood is not found among them. They love one another; the widow’s needs are not ignored, and they rescue the orphan from the person who does him violence. He who has gives to him who has not, ungrudgingly and without boasting. When the Christians find a stranger, they bring him to their homes and rejoice over him as a true brother. They do not call brothers those who are bound by blood ties alone, but those who are brethren after the Spirit and in God.
When one of their poor passes away from the world, each provides for his burial according to his ability. If they hear of any of their number who are imprisoned or oppressed for the name of the Messiah, they all provide for his needs, and if it is possible to redeem him, they set him free.
If they find poverty in their midst, and they do not have spare food, they fast two or three days in order that the needy might be supplied with the necessities. They observe scrupulously the commandments of their Messiah, living honestly and soberly as the Lord their God ordered them. Every morning and every hour they praise and thank God for his goodness to them; and for their food and drink they offer thanksgiving.
If any righteous person of their number passes away from the world, they rejoice and thank God, and escort his body as if he were setting out from one place to another nearby. When a child is born to one of them, they praise God. If it dies in infancy, they thank God the more, as for one who has passed through the world without sins. But if one of them dies in his iniquity or in his sins, they grieve bitterly and sorrow as over one who is about to meet his doom.
Such, O King, is the commandment given to the Christians, and such is their conduct. (The Apology of Aristides, translated by Rendel Harris [London: Cambridge, 1893])

21. They were a growing church
And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (2:47c)
God added to the church
Day by day
~~~And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (2:47c)
~~~ God added to the church
~~~~~~~day by day

22. Practical for us today:
Do we love one another? Stay and visit
Do we share our joys, needs, beyond the weather?
How are we caring for one another
Meal Train
Helping with practical projects
~~~ Do we love one another? Stay and visit
~~~ Do we share our joys, needs, beyond the weather?
~~~~~~ How are we caring for one another
--Meal Train
--Helping with practical projects

23. Is it Jesus first and central?
Houses that need fixing up in the church and community. Are we helping?
There are those who are mourning-Are we mourning with them?
There are single parents who desperately need help. Are we helping?
Jobs are such in Jackson that a single mom needs two jobs to make a living and then how does she care for her babies?
There are people who have hurts, habits and hang-ups.
There is a need for a meeting place for larger groups. Can we build and help?
~~~-There are houses that need fixing up in the church and community. Are we helping?
~~~-There are people needing rides to doctors—Are we helping?
~~~-There are those who are mourning-Are we mourning with them?
~~~-There are single parents who desperately need help. Are we helping?
~~~-Jobs are such in Jackson that a single mom needs two jobs to make a living and then how does she care for her babies?
~~~-There are people who have hurts, habits and hang-ups. There is a ministry called Celebrate Recovery that ministers. If this were to happen, there would need to be a champion.
~~~~~~~~-There is a need for a meeting place for larger groups. Can we build and help?