NEW YEAR, SAME VALUES: THIS IS US

Acts 2:42–47 CSB

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Introduction:

The church is God’s idea, not ours. Everything about it and the way it functions ought to be in line with what He says about it.

Matthew 16:18 CSB

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

WHO ARE “THEY”. THIS IS US (who they are and what they were doing. vs. 42-47 gives us an insight on communal life of they believers)

Same : “they”

Acts 2:37–38 CSB

37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

What is community?

common union with God expressed through common union with each other (who they were/what they did)

HELD ALL THINGS IN COMMON-EVERYTHING SHARED EQUALLY (THIS IS SO DIFFERENT FROM OUR “WHAT DO I GET OUT OF IT MENTALITY TODAY”)

Acts 2:44–45 CSB

44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.

WHAT THEY DID. THIS IS WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO

Acts 2:42 CSB

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

TEACHING-We need The Word

church

RC Groups

time with smaller groups (do a devotional together)

FELLOWSHIP

church

RC Groups

don’t try to go at this alone

BREAK BREAD

communion

fellowship dinner

PRAYER

prayer and praise report (we come together for this)

We are to be a community of disciples making disciples