Acts 2:37-47

42 …And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers…”

 

What were the characteristics of the New Testament Church in the 1st Century that made it powerful?

 

1. God’s True CHURCH PREACHES THE RIGHT                        .
2. v. 22-37  About The Savior– This message affirms that Jesus is God in the flesh. v. 22; John 1:1; 14. It affirms His crucifixion and His resurrections, v. 23-32. 
3. v. 23, 36  About Sin– It warns the sinner to turn from his/her sins, v. 40. 
4. v. 38-40  About Salvation– It calls everyone to repent and believe the Gospel. 

 

1. HIS CHURCH IS MADE UP OF THE RIGHT                           .
2. v. 37, 40-41  Its Members Are Saved– This church is made up of people who have had a “new birth” experience with Jesus Christ and fear the Lord, John 3:3, 7, Acts 2:43; 
3. v. 42  Its Members Are Separated– This church walked in “the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship”. 2 Cor. 5:17. 
4. v. 42  Its Members Are Steadfast– They were faithful! 1 Cor. 4:2; Heb. 10:25.
5. v. 44-45  Its Members Are Servants– This church was marked by selflessness. 1 John 3:17–19. 

 

III.  HIS CHURCH FOLLOWS THE RIGHT                                  .

1. v. 42, 46-47  They Worship Together As A Family– This church met together for prayer, for instruction in the Word of God and for worship.
2. v. 44-45  They Work Together As A Team – This church had as their common goal the common good. Eph. 2:10; James 2:18.
3. v. 42, 46  They Walk Together As Friends – This church enjoyed “fellowship”, “breaking of bread”, and “singleness of heart. 
4. v. 47  They Witness Together As Saints– They all spread the Gospel to a lost world. Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20.

 

1. HIS CHURCH OBEYS THE RIGHT .
2. v. 41, 43, 47  Their Lord Is Powerful– He manifested His power through “wonders and signs”. 
3. v. 47  Their Lord Is Personal– They personally knew Him and were consumed with love for Him. Rev. 2:1-7; Matt. 22:37-39; John 13:35.

 

• Are we the kind of individuals God can bless and use to make His church was He designed it to be?

 

• Are you saved? If not, come to Jesus right now!
• Are you surrendered to the Lord? If not, come and surrender all to Him now.
• Are you faithful to the church? If not, repent of that sin and get faithful to the Lord.
• Are you committed to the ministries of the church? If not, repent of that sin and get busy.
• Are you a servant of the Lord and His church? If not, repent of that sin and go to work.

•  If you are in a position of leadership, are you doing what you need to be doing? If not, repent of that sin and set the right example for the rest of the church and for the watching world.