2. Characteristics of Christ’s Church How shall we tell the difference?

3. Fellowship, koinonia, Thayer’s 1.Association 2.Communion 3.Community 4.Joint-participation 5.A gift jointly contributed 6.Contribution 7.Sharing (summation) And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 What were they “devoted” to?

4. 1 Peter 4:8-9 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Acts 2:46 And 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… NASV And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

5. 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.. Acts 2:44-45 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. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

6. James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

7. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

8. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

9. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

10. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

11. Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

12. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

13. Fellowship “models” need to be applied Partnership and Participation is needed on every hand. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 Outreach Teaching classes Worship preparation Building hospitality Funds to be sent Calls, cards, visits Serving fellow Christians Etc., etc., etc.

14. What is the effect of this “devotion” ? And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 On the world? 1 Timothy 3:15 – holds up the truth Mt. 5:14-15 – a light to the world Jn. 13:35 – present the “evidence”

15. What is the effect of this “devotion” ? And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 On the world? On the church? Defeats discontent Promotes unity Builds momentum

16. What is the effect of this “devotion” ? And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 On the world? On the church? On US as individuals? We grow in knowledge We’re built up in love Righteous action is encouraged Joined together in caring relationship

17. Some attend worship like going to the movies… i.e., polite, not disturbing, and asking, “What’s in it for me?” And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 Others are “devoted” to joint-participation.