Things we see in the persicuted church...

Introduction

The Reading plan

The Mission - “We are a community of Christ-centered disciples who Love God, Love Others, and Make Disciples of Jesus Christ.”

The Pathway (Gather, Grow, Give, Go)

We see their commitment to gathering. (v 23)

Acts 1:13–14 “13 When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

Acts 2:1 “1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.”

Acts 2:46–47 “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, 47 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.”

We see their communication with God. (vv. 24-31)

Prayer verses 24-31

v.24 - “Lifted their voices to God with one accord”

v. 29

“take note”

Confidence/boldness

v. 31

shaken

began to speak with boldness/confidence

Francis Chan example

Exalting Jesus in Acts Conclusion (Acts 4:31)

This should make us ask, Why are we not seeing a move of the Spirit like we see here in Acts? Could it be that we’ve grown more concerned about our social standing or reputations than about Christ and his mission? Are we more interested in accumulating new toys and gadgets than in seeing the mercy of Christ being powerfully proclaimed to and embraced by our neighbors?

We see their confidence in the scriptures. (vv. 24-28)

v. 24 - Exodus 20:11 “11 “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.”

v. 25-28 - Psalm 2

We see their contribution to The Kingdom. (vv. 32-37)

Acts 4:32 “32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.”

Acts 4:34–35 “34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.”

vv. 36-37 - Barnabas

Time, Talent, Treasure (Bad family example)

Conclusion (Acts 5:1-11)

James 4:17 “17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”