Where Do I Go From Here? 2

Essentials For The Journey Forward

Text: Acts 2

Introduction

United we stand divided we fall.

Jesus knew something about humanity as if He himself created them to need others to thrive. HE DID CREATE THEM THAT WAY!

Quote: Stephen Braren, Ph.D. wrote, “We all know that humans are social creatures. But our drive to connect with other people and form relationships is not just a whimsical motivation or casual coincidence. Social connection is a basic human need that is essential to our overall health and wellbeing [1-4]. It is as important as food, water, and shelter when it comes to laying the foundation for our ability to thrive and survive. Our need for social connection is rooted deep within us biologically—not just as individuals, but as a species.”

While there are so many ways we as human beings can “get connected” with others and promote a much more healthy and thriving life. However, it is the “Church” by which Jesus planned to connect you with other like-minded (not perfect) believers who would contribute to you becoming more rooted into your new identity through the gospel.

Jesus promised the earliest formation of the church (i.e. 12 apostles) He would never leave nor forsake them. That would be in the literal sense of the Holy Spirit coming down to dwell in them in a unique way. Jesus intended His church to be a catalyst for this truth for generations to come.

1) You Must Have The Right Guide

Let’s remember back to where we left off:

Luke 24:49 “49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

Jesus and the angel echoed the same instructions (ref. 1:8; 12-14)

Notice 2:1

A. The church was empowered by God’s Spirit

The world would be forever changed because of this moment!

What kind of work did the Spirit do here?

He came to dwell in them.

He came and gifted them with special abilities.

He brought God’s favor upon them.

They would never lack the ability to broadcast the gospel message, stand for what is right, and fight a cosmic spiritual battle.

This institution (aka, family) is the only one God did this kind of anointing!

Pretty much everything we do, we have had to lean upon some kind of guide.

Example: travels, sports, fencing, gardening, raising children, hunting, fishing, your career, etc.

When it comes to the trajectory of the new life you have been given by Jesus Christ, WHY SHOULD IT BE ANY DIFFERENT?!

Often times when I look out into the congregation, I rarely see everyone living out the same model, passions, or faithfulness.

Should it be this way if all who say they are genuine believers have the same Spirit of God in them? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

2) You Must Have The Right Community

A. Who has provided the best platform for community?

If you are looking for somewhere you can filter out everything and everyone who don’t fit your preferences, the social media world will be your best fit.

If you are wanting a community who strives to change as often as you do to make sure you are happy, the “seeker sensitive churches” will be your best fit.

HOWEVER…If you are wanting a community who centers their message, their methods, and their movements upon the life and soul changing gospel of Jesus Christ, a New Testament church who is made up of imperfect people following a perfect Savior will be your best fit.

I’m talking about a family dynamic.

I’m talking about a people who will give you plenty of opportunities to grow, who will practice forgivness, will encourage you, will help you exercise your gifts, without bias teach you the scriptures, will show you how to share your faith, will seek to restore you when you have sinned, will reprove, rebuke and exhort you.

B. How to identify a true New Testament Church

While I am not ashamed of my Baptist heritage and very thankful for my Baptist upbringing……It is less about the name on the door and EVERYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT IS FOUND INSIDE!

The teachings of God, Jesus Christ, Holy Sprit must be spot on!

The teachings of how someone receives Jesus cannot be % off from the truth.

Let’s hit the highlights of Peter’s sermon (vv.14-40)

Peter first explains what just happened.

Peter then reminds them who the true Christ was (vv.22-36)

Peter instructs them how to be saved.

Baptism follows right behind the doctrine of salvation.

A church that faithfully practises the ordinances.

Outside of those things, these are solid rock identifiers of a New Testament Church.

3) You Must Have The Right Passion

A. All who believed WERE TOGETHER

The first century believers were truly persuaded about experiencing God when they came together.

Question — I wonder if the reason sometimes we see less movements because we see fewer of God’s people taking the “coming together” as serious as the early church did? THAT IS RETORICAL!

YES, God moves in your life no matter where you are. However, God moves in a special way through the church.

BOLD STATEMENT — If you are not serious about church, you are not a serious Christian!

B. All who believed lived SACRIFICIALLY

A church who has God’s favor is a church who maintains a spirit of STEWARDSHIP.

Notice their benevolence! NO ONE WAS FORGOTTEN!

Example: Myself and deacon meet monthly to pray and discuss any needs our widows or widowers may have.

Question — How many of you could live with less? Why don’t we?

Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

C. All who believed valued their connection

Notice verses 46-47

DON’T MISS the very last sentence!!!

Conclusion

Whether you are going to succeed in bringing glory to God with your life, is going to be determined how closely you model your life by those of the early church. What direction are you heading in today? Do you need to chart a different course? What would Jesus truly want you to do from where you are right now?