The NT Chruch Pattern
George Barna – Average 54% committed to having a deeper relationship with God. Only 17% believe that the local church is central to their development as a Christian.
His conclusion: figures illustrate how soft people’s commitment to God is. We want to be “spiritual” and we want to have “God’s favor”, but we’re not sure we want Him taking control of our lives.
Thom Rainer – “Simple Church” …
“Purpose Driven” vs “Program Driven” churches …
Acts 2:41-42: So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
2 Peter 3:18 but continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
pros·kar·ter·eh·o Constant, Steadfast, Courageous, unremitting devotion to:
1. Living God’s Word:
2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin, you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received.
· They became doers of the Word and not just hearers – James 1:22
2. Building lives together: Lit. “partnership,” or “sharing.” Because Christians become partners with Jesus Christ and all other believers
1 John 1:3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Acts 2:46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
· Church was not just a one hour a week event.
3. Fervent worship “breaking of bread”
1 Cor 10:16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 10:17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.
4. Committed Prayer – both individual and corporate
Acts 1:14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
Jim Cymbala – Pastor Brooklyn Tabernacle – began as a group of people who were in a broken down building who couldn’t afford to pay him…
In desperation one day he set aside his sermon and called the church to prayer – it is the prayer service and not the worship service that is the focal point of the church.
Today – over 6000 Spirit-filled worshippers…
“God can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him”.
How:
1. By power of HS – Acts 1:8
2. Through Godly Leadership – Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Each Other
3. Personal Devotion – Acts 2:42