What Makes The Lord Add?

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” ~ Coretta Scott King

Today’s lesson explores how God adds to the church and how being a part of a Christian community sparks transformation in our lives.

The Big Idea: There can be no Christianity without community.

Focal Text: NRSV Life among the Believers

43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Introduction

Raymond C. Brown wrote a book entitled, The Community of the Beloved Disciple.

In his work, Brown described the sense of “community” and accountability, which was

characteristic of the early church.

This sense of “community” was forged through self-less acts of compassion and concrete social outreach.

outreach.

Today, God desires that WE exemplify a sense of community and belonging for others.

The Christian life was never meant to be done alone.

We can’t have Christianity without the practice of being part of a Christian community.

The believers in the early church had Similar Interests, Shared Experiences, and they experienced Exponential Growth.

1. Similar Interests 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common;

A. The power of God was revealed. v. 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. Wonders and signs apparently were given by the Lord to the apostles to validate their divinely ordained position and to verify the truthfulness of their witness in the establishment of the early church.

B. The people of God believed. v.44 All who believed were together . The disposal and distribution of possessions in the early church was directed among all, as anyone had need.

C. The unity of the church was established. v.44b The people of God had all things in common. When a physical or spiritual need became known in the church, action was taken to address it. The NT believers demonstrated their love for one another by giving self-sacrificially. God’s family works best when its members work together.

If you have just begun a relationship with Christ, seek out other believers for fellowship, prayer, and teaching. This is the way to grow.

1. Similar Interests

2. Shared Experiences 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,

Shared Experiences

Shared Experiences

A. They supported one another. v.45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Here, the disposal and distribution of the possessions of the early church was based on need.

B. They spent time together. v.46a Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple. They continued with one accord, not in isolation, but in the temple. They still went to the temple and synagogues for worship and instruction in the scriptures.

C. They blended the sacred and the secular. v.46bThey broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts. Believing Jews were forced to meet in private homes for communion, prayer, and teaching about Christ.

1. Similar Interests

1. Similar Interests

2. Shared Experiences

3.Exponential Growth 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

A. They valued praise. Praising God .

B. They knew their purpose. Praising God having the goodwill of all the people.

C. They focused on the needs of the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. A health Christian Community attracts people to Christ. A healthy, loving church will grow in numbers.

What are you doing to make your church the kind of place that will attract others to Christ?

Apply It!

In conclusion,

1. Is the Christianity you ascribe to contagious? Do you believe community is essential for experiencing authentic Christianity?

2. Has your walk with Jesus Christ deepened because you are a member of a church?

“A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It's about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community, and everyone plays a crucial role”. ~Yehuda Berg

“A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It's about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community, and everyone plays a crucial role”. ~Yehuda Berg