The Church, The Body Of Christ
Introduction
1. The Formation Of The Body vv. 40-41
a. Formed through salvation v. 40
b. Formed through identification v. 41
2. The Function Of The Body vv. 42-45
a. Corporate function vv. 42-43
a. Corporate function vv. 42-43
Where the Spirit reigns, a love for God’s Word reigns.
These new Christians, under the reign of the Holy Spirit, were hungry for God’s Word. They could not get enough of it. Being filled with the Spirit and being filled with God’s Word go together.
b. Community function vv. 44-45
3. The Fellowship Of The Body vv. 46-47
a. The fellowship interacts vv. 46-47a
b. The fellowship increases v. 47b
Conclusion
The Christians you meet in the Book of Acts were not content to meet once a week for “services as usual.” They met daily (Acts 2:46), cared daily (Acts 6:1), won souls daily (Acts 2:47), searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), and increased in number daily (Acts 16:5). Their Christian faith was a day-to-day reality, not a once-a-week routine. Why? Because the risen Christ was a living reality to them, and His resurrection power was at work in their lives through the Spirit.
Pentecost is past. The church does not need another Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is here making available all His power. The need of the church is simply dedicated Christians who continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers.