Acts 2:42-47: The Purpose - Believers

And the reason for this is because the goal of the one who stands here is to equip those who are members of the church for ministry through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:11–13 ESV

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

It is one of the main ministries of the apostles and the word that is used of Christ when He spoke to the disciples and to the crowds.

Notice that in almost every case, teachers teach from a curriculum.

The teachers who stand in the pulpit are teaching, not from their knowledge, but from God’s revelation - His Word.

Also the word doctrine

There is a reason I use points (not just baptist)

But because you are meant to leave here with a better understanding of Scripture - a clearer understanding of God, His works, His will, His glory, etc.

When we call the Bible the Word of God, we are claiming that God has spoken to those who would hear it and has revealed Himself in it.

Therefore we gather in the local assembly of Believers in order to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ

2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

This knowledge deepens our understanding of Christ and allows us to better weather the waves of false doctrine, better sail the seas of life’s sufferings, and better worship God as He has revealed Himself to be.

2. Fellowship of Believers (vv. 42, 43-46)

The early church was devoted to fellowship - having intentional relationships with one another.

a defining clause? or separate item (communion)? the breaking of bread

We gather as believers to be around those who also love and seek after Jesus

We encourage one another, remind each other of Christ’s goodness and faithfulness

A church that does not fellowship together (Sunday greetings don’t count) is a church that does not believe in the ministry of the Spirit through the Body of Christ

Acts 2:44 “And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”

All the believing ones gathered together and “had all things in common”

Not communism, but care and love for one another (cf. v. 45)

They went to the temple to worship and learn together, they ate together in their homes

Individual believers no how great a grace our friends are to us

Aubrey and the Lizzys.

*Note - The local church is not made up of visiting unbelievers, but is first and foremost a gathering of believing people.

3. Prayer of Believers (v. 42)

They also spent time praying together

they prayed as one body.

A church without prayer is a church that does not believe in the God of the Bible who promises to hear the prayers of the righteous

4. Praise from Believers (v. 43, 47)

The apostles were doing signs and miracle

The result of which was awe and wonder amongst believers

We gather to praise God for His works, His goodness.

Psalm 47:1 ESV

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

We are commanded throughout Scripture to praise God for who He is and what He has done.

Ephesians 1:12 ESV

so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

We are not here to sing songs because they are pretty, but because they remind us and our neighbors of truth about God.

5. Evangelism to make Believers (v. 43, 47)

At this point in the NT, it is primarily the apostles who are doing the work of evangelism

But note* those who are getting saved don’t just get saved and move on, they are added to the church.

The local church is meant to equip you for the ministry of proclaiming (preaching) (κηρυσσω) the Gospel to those who are lost.

You can and should invite non-Christian friends and family to church, but to say that you are not ready to share the Gospel is either a scathing indictment of the church, or of oneself.

2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

Bring as many people as we can to faith in Christ

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Application:

Take the church seriously .

Pray fervently for those around you

Meditate on God’s goodness

Proclaim the Gospel; of salvation through Jesus

Earn an accredited degree from Redemption Seminary with Logos.