Acts 2 38-47

TITLE:  ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH

TEXT:  ACTS 2:37-44

Objective:  Acts 2:38 does not show baptism needed for salvation.  We will explain baptism and then have communion.  This is a family time and we will be able to share the greatness of God.

Review:

Function—Permanent

Form—Ways to do this

Acts 2:38—Function—Believe

                  Function—Baptized

                  Way of Baptism—Function

I.  Repent

Luke 13:3 ESV No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

      A.  Repent and be baptized

First aorist (ingressive) active imperative. Change your mind and your life. Turn right about and do it now. You crucified this Jesus. Now crown him in your hearts as Lord and Christ[1]

            1.  Repent in the name of Jesus

                  --Jesus name is accepting what Jesus has to say

            2.  Baptism is identification with them

      B.  Order

            1.  Repent-Confess of Jesus Christ

                  Romans Road—

                        Romans 3:10, 23

                        Romans 6:23

                        Romans 10:9-13

                        Ephesians 2:8-9

                        Titus 3:5

II.  Be Baptized

            2.  Baptized-Identification

                  a.  Identifies them with the Church

                  b.  Testimony to all around

                  c.  Does it bring salvation?

                  Part of the Great Commission

                        Command—

                        Part of the practice of the church

                        Does it bring salvation?

                              Example:

People who died without baptism that we know are in heaven in the new Testament time.

                              Thief on the Cross

                              Acts 16:31-34 Believed and were baptized

                                    Household

                  Let’s look at another verse—Mark 16:16

How to be baptized?

                  What does the word mean?

                  Romans 6:3-5—Shows what happened at Salvation

Great commission

Make disciples, baptize them. Teach them to observe all things

Baptism Service on August 12 at Swanson’s

            3.  Added unto them

III. Receive the Holy Spirit

      Empowered—Function-Form is different

IV. Received Word, baptized, added to the church .v. 41

      Membership—

            No membership stated

            Being a part of the body—Membership—Function

                  Way to keep track—Form

V.  Apostles Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of bread, prayers

      A.   Apostles Doctrine—Function

            Form??

      B.  Fellowship--Close intimate, community—Function-

            Form??

      C.  Breaking of bread--Communion -- meals together—Function

            Form??

Took care of the needs of others

            No one had need

            --Form—Sold all they had and give to those in need

                  --Function—Care for the needy

                  --Form—This was one way, later it was different

      D.  Prayers--General term for talking to God—Function

            Form???

VI.  God added daily—

A.  Daily—Because the Christians were caring for each other

B.  Result of God working in Jerusalem

      C.  Great Awe

            Changed lives

            Never the same again

            WOW of God

D.  Met the needs of the individuals in the church v. 45

--Personal sacrifice

      E.  Spent time together in one accord v. 46

      F.  Praise God v. 47

Favor with all the people

God added to the church

Applications for us today:

1.  Do you know Jesus Christ?

2.  Have you been baptized since salvation?

3.  Are you serving other? 

      How? 

Communion:

      After Holy Ground

      Self examination

      Bread

      Cup—“Breathe”

Family—Come to my table

      Let’s serve together

            Baptism

            Communion

            Apostles doctrine

            Fellowship

 Next page—Maximizing Ministry

      Next week—Maximizing Ministry—June—Sunday evenings

            Serving where you best fit

                  Natural Abilities

                  Spiritual Gifts

                  Heart-passion

                  Functional style

                  Experience

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[1]Robertson, A.T.: Word Pictures in the New Testament. Oak Harbor : Logos Research Systems, 1997, S. Ac 2:38