Practices of the Church

Wednesdays, 2025.

04/30/2025

Acts 18:4-8; Acts 20:25-27; Acts 20:7-12.

Central Idea: The modern church has its roots in the early church.

I. A lesson on evangelism. Acts 18:4-8, 20:25-27.

We must proclaim the Gospel regardless of people’s response.

Some people will reject the Gospel. Acts 18:6a.

Some people will believe the Gospel. Acts 18:8.

We must continue proclaiming the Gospel because we are not responsible for their response; we are only responsible for our proclamation of the Gospel. Acts 18:6b-7; Acts 20:25-27.

II. Practices of the Early Church that Influence the Modern Church. Acts 20:7-12.

They gathered for corporate worship the first day of the week (Sunday). [v. 7]

This is the first specific mention of them gathering on the first day of the week.

They gathered then, on The Lord’s Day, because that is the day Jesus resurrected from the grave. This is also why we gather on Sunday.

The Sabbath, the seventh day, is Saturday.

They sat under the preaching of God’s Word. [v. 7b]

Paul was speaking to them in an extended manner due to his impending departure.

He was preaching to them.

Distinction: Their gathering was likely in the evening due to work in the morning/afternoon. Also, even today, though not common in the West, many churches have extended services. This was not uncommon for them.

They broke bread together. [v. 11]

This was common language referring to the Lord’s Supper. They often coupled the Lord’s Supper with a meal.