A Church After God's Own Heart

If You Got your bible today turn to Acts 2 42-47. And as your turning there.

Churches today seem to be focused on so many things today trying to grow their church.

Social issues

what is the church supposed to do

what is the church supposed to support

what should the church not address

Political issues

republicans are this

Democrats are that

Government this

The worst thing we can teach at church are political points. We are held to the standard that the only truth given at any church should be biblical truth.

Today if we are not careful there will be to much political talking in churches and not enough biblical talk.

Finding the perfect speaker

someone not to old

someone not to young

someone who is very charismatic

someone who is a great teacher

someone who will get us out on time..…

selecting the perfect worship

modern worship

classic hymns

the perfect mix.

doesn’t exist.

Should the church offer day care schools service

how to get volunteers

Today the church focus is divided in so many different ways, and I do believe that they have the best intentions in mind.

I am not saying these are not great questions

Im not saying that these are not things to peruse

BUT being focused on so many different things is now how God wants us to. Be

The Early Church was focused on only 4 areas.

Just 4

it seems odd but eith these 4 focuses, both scripture and history tells us about a large numbers of people coming to faith constantly .

The wish of every church to grow can be found in these 4 areas.

We need to decided to Look back at the first century church, and see how God can make us go forwared.

There is no better text to show us these 4 focuses then Acts 2.

Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Devoted to Scripture

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching

46 And day by day, attending the temple together

Today the Bible is more avalable then ever, today you have have the Bible in any verson, for FREE,

it can be on your phone, tablet, computer

and as much access we have to it.… we as a church read it less.

Here are some shocking numbers

only 30% of protestant Christians read their bible every, when you open it to inclused all profesing christian church that number goes DOWN to 10%

50% of Christians read their bible 2 time A YEAR or less.

What would our numberes be ?

I polled church leaders in churchs near me, I asked ministry leaders about their scripture reading, and praying happats.

these are deacons, pastors, elders, church

Romans 15:4 (ESV) 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

devoting to scripture give us receive endurance and encouragement

how? because Scripture give us instructions

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

We are not complete until we devote ourselves into scripture.

Devoted to community Fellowship

and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread

breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts

Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

consider how to stir up one another

not tear them down

how can we help and do it

how can we serve one another.

If we can not serve each other, help each other, or encurage each other, how in the world can we do it for the lost?

Meet Together

live life together

talk, connect, share

so many churches are dieing because the community in the church is dead.

Devoted to Prayer

and the prayers

47 praising God

Philippians 4:6 (ESV) 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

instead of worry, pray,

instead of anger, pray

instead of anxiety, pray

its not that it makes it just go away, it focus your mind, and allows your to see what need to be done next.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Praying continually is the will of God

Devoted to Serving others

45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

having favor with all the people

1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV) 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

what is the gift

talent

skill

blessing.

USE THEM TO SEVER Someone else

Matthew 20:25–28 (ESV) 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

If Jesus came to serve, We should too.

Results of Devotion ?

Acts 2:47b And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

1 Timothy 4:13 (ESV) 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

Untill Jesus comes back.

Spend everyday in you bible

Build community and encourage one another

Pray with our cescing

Serve everyone God brings in your path

And watch God Grow

grow you

grow the church

and grow the kingdom.