At the Movies [#2 of 3]

the Church & Me

Main Scripture: Acts 2:42-46

Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-11

Series overview:

“At the Movies” is where we use media to support truths of the Bible, not taking favorites and “trying to make them Christian”

When you pay attention - you can see God’s presence and truth everywhere you look.

Recap:

the Gospel & Me

Therefore, the Gospel is not a WHAT, but a WHO —> Gospel = Jesus

Live FROM the FREEDOM of the Gospel!

SHARE THE GOSPEL…SHARE THE PERSON…SHARE JESUS…INTENTIONALLY

What is the Church? [take answers]

It is the people who make up the body - specifically those who have authentically repented of thier sins and are choosing to do thier best to live like Jesus did.

Description of the early church - Do we look like this today?

Read Acts 2:42 [CSB]

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”

Four things mentioned that are key aspects of the Church:

They DEVOTED themselves to...

Took an intentional, active part of the church

The APOSTLES’ TEACHINGS

What would the apostles be teaching?

what they learned, taught by Jesus

devotion to these teachings was devotion to Jesus’ teachings

actively listening to and studying the words of God through Jesus’ teachings handed down…

we have the Bible!

2. To the FELLOWSHIP

[GK] koinonia - “participation; a close and meaningful relationship shared by fellow believers

the church was designed to be all the followers of Jesus being involved in the work of God…together

3. To the BREAKING OF BREAD

referencing the Lord’s Supper in NT writings, specifically Paul

the church is meant to intentionally remember what Jesus did

not losing sight of the focus - Jesus, the Gospel

and doing it TOGETHER…

*see a theme here? INTENTIONALLY doing these things TOGETHER*

4. To PRAYER

active and intentional time speaking and listening to God

shows TRUST - trusting God with all of me and my life

because I believe He knows what is best, ultimately working to show Himself through me

Read Acts 2:43 [CSB]

“Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.”

the “Buzz” - experiencing God working through the church (the people)

WHY? - a result of their devotion to Him, together

Read Acts 2:44–45 [CSB]

“Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.”

(often misquoted and separated, these verses actually go together)

the Church took care of one another

The CORE COMMON BELIEF… Jesus = Gospel

cared for one another by acts of kindness and grace (selling & giving)

Read Acts 2:46–47 [CSB]

“Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

met daily

Barna Research:

Average Churchgoer: 1.6x/month | Committed Churchgoer: 2.5x/month

they were joyful together - knowing it was centered on God

What is the Church? SAVED, REPENTANT JESUS FOLLOWERS

Why is it important today? WE ARE MEANT TO FOLLOW JESUS TOGETHER

Isaiah 55:10–11 [CSB]

“For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.””

Where is my place? DELIGHT IN GOD GROW IN CHRIST LIVE BY THE SPIRIT

THE TAKEAWAY:

Be INTENTIONAL- Take an ACTIVE ROLE in the CHURCH