Clarifying Our Purpose

Acts 2:43–47 ESV

And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Good Morning, Over the next few weeks, we are going to be starting a new short series, entitled VISION 20/20.

I believe this series is going to prime us and prepare us for what lies ahead in 2020.. and beyond...

We are going to be asking some interrogative questions about our Vision, Mission and purpose as a local church…

Re-shape our Our future refocus our Purpose and sharpen our Vision

I believe this series is going to prime us and prepare us for what lies ahead in 2020.. and beyond...

One of my goals is help us move from what is sometimes obscure and complex…to something that we definable practical and unusable…

We age to be asking some interrogative f questions about our Vision, Mission and purpose as a local church… One of my goals is to move us from what sometimes the obscure or the complex…and break it down to just the essentials… so that we can have some clarity....

Vision is always about what lies in front of us… It speaks of a preferred future....it deals in what ought to be and what should be... Our vision or lack of vision is what ultimately shapes our lives…

One of the mistakes we can make is undervaluing Vision...

My Goal is to move from what is sometimes the obscure or the complex…and break it down to just the essentials… so that we can have some clarity....

move us from what sometimes the obscure and complex…and hopefully break it down to just the essentials… so that we can have some clarity....

We can take vision for granted… for example consider our physical sight…

When you stop and consider ho incredible !!.

Good Morning, Over the next few weeks, we are going to be starting a mini series, entitled VISION 20/20. I believe this series is going to prime us and prepare us for ministry into 2020.. and beyond.

The title is a play on words as we are just a couple of months away from 2020…

Sometimes we take our vision for granted… but our physical sight is something pretty incredible..

Our physical sight is something pretty incredible..

The only organ more complex than the eye is the brain… In fact it is not actually our eyes that allows us to see.. Our eyes are simply the lense… The lense that conveys messages sent from the brain via the optic nerve!

We need to revisit our vision because the world we are living in is always changing…

Did you know that the eyes themselves are not what actually allows us to see?

They are simply a lense… a conveyance for messages sent from the brain via the optic nerve! The Eye is amazing...

The Eye is amazing…

.

10 million different colors.It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.Ommatophobia is a fear of the eyes.80 percent of all learning comes through the eyes.Your eyes can detect a candle flame 1.7 miles away.Your iris (the colored part of your eye) has 256 unique characteristics; your fingerprint has just 40.Heterochromia is the medical term for having two different colored eyes.Only 1/6 of your eyeball is visible.Your eyes are comprised of rods and cones. Rods allow you to see shapes, while cones are responsible for detecting and deciphering colors.The average person blinks 12 times a minute (bet you just blinked!).The shark cornea is nearly identical to the human cornea, and has even been used in human eye surgery!Your eye is the fastest contracting muscle in the body, contracting in less than 1/100th of a second.The optic nerve contains more than one million nerve cells.

Your eyes can distinguish approximately 10 million different colors.

Your eyes focus on 50 different objects every second.

It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

80 % of all learning comes through the eyes.

Your eyes can detect a candle flame 1.7 miles away.

Your iris (the colored part of your eye) has 256 unique characteristics; your fingerprint has just 40.

Heterochromia is the medical term for having two different colored eyes.

Only 1/6 of your eyeball is visible.Your eyes are comprised of rods and cones.

Your eye is the fastest contracting muscle in the body, contracting in less than 1/100th of a second.

The average person blinks 12 times a minute (bet you just blinked!).

Your eye is the fastest contracting muscle in the body, contracting in less than 1/100th of a second.

The eye is pretty amazing…specially when it’s function with 20/20 vision.

.

Over the last 20 years my vision has changed slightly but just enough that I need a new prescription every couple of years.. this is one test you want to get right… My goal is for sharpness and clarity…

The term 20/20 is used to describe normal vision or eyesight… 20/20 speaks of clarity or sharpness of vision… If you have 20/20 vision you can see clarity from the distance of 20 feet…

But what happens when our vision is inhibited? What happens when you are short sighted? It impacts what you see ahead of you…

How Clear is your vision of the future? How do the next 6 months to 12 months look? Can think in terms of five years to a decade?

The only way to fix the problem is through corrective lenses....

there all kinds of things that can hinder our vision…

Even when our vision

It impacts what you see ahead of you… The only way to fix the problem is through corrective lenses....

These are important questions to address..

But what happens when our Spiritual vision is inhibited? What needs to happen to compensate…to correct and clarify your vision...

We need to take similar measures or tools to bring correction.

Just like our physic

A Quick test on Vision is to Ask yourself… where you see yourself in the next 6 months to 12 months?

How do the next 6 months to 12 months look? Can think in terms of five years to a decade?

How about the next five years or decade?

What causes fuzziness of Vision is not knowing our Purpose…

I was just listening to Francis Chan giving a talk at a Chapel service at Azusa Pacific University..He made kind of a big announcement that is moving his family back to Asia… When he was in Myanmar he saw how hungry people were for the Gospel..

He basically said that His calling is about Fishing for men… Evangelism… And he basically explained that there is great opportunity for the Gospel right now in Asia… He simply following his purpose...

We have to ask the Hard Questions… What is our Purpose? Why do we exist as a church?

Proverbs 29:18 ESV

18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

Prov

This morning we are Going to be asking the question of the Purpose of the Church.... Why the Church Exists?

Today businesses like Amazon, Apple, Google… seem to dominate the financial world.. Back in the 1800’s it was the railroads. Trains dominated the transportation industry of the United States, moving both people and goods throughout the country.

Unless clarify our Purpose we are going to have no way of reaching our go

prepare us for 2020. My hope that this Series will be course altering.... When it comes to

My hope that this Series will be course altering.. That we will allow the Holy Spirit to breathe upon this Word and bring clarity and sharpen our Focus…for us specifically as a church..

Unless we can really nail down with some clarity the churches Purpose --- We are going to find ourselves floundering…and spinning our wheals… We will never know whether we are actually making progress or not…

We shape Our future through Clarifying our Purpose and sharpening Vision

Trains dominated the transportation industry of the United States, moving both people and goods throughout the country

for us specifically as a church..

This morning I want to talk about the importance of Clarifying our Purpose…

We need to why we Exist...

Having Purpose Dose not mean that you are adding Activities..

ely easy.

◦ All he needed was a score of 8.1 or more and he would have taken the gold medal...Which for an Olympic Athlete like Emmon's would be (cake) relatively easy.

◦ Emmon's however, made a huge Mistake... Standing in lane two, he fired at the target in lane three. He had an excellent shot and hit the target perfectly but it was at the wrong target...

◦ What we learn from Emmons is that it doesn't matter how accurate you are if you are aiming at the wrong target... it still a miss. What we are focus upon really

Here is the thing we can have a lot of good and well and good goals, but if we shooting at the wrong target we are going to

John Maxwell tells this story… of a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline.

We are living in an ever changing world and the Church at large is facing huge challenges....

There is an old story about a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline. Once a month he would receive a new supply of oil to keep the light burning so that ships could safely sail near the rocky coast.

We are living in an ever changing world and the Church at large is facing huge challenges....

If we concentrate and focus that light even more, it becomes a laser that will cut through sheet metal. As light becomes more powerful as it is brought into focus, so the church becomes more effective as it clearly defines whom it is trying to reach.

Once a month he would receive a new supply of oil to keep the light burning so that ships could safely sail near the rocky coast.

61% said Churches have too many problems

48 % I don’t have the time

42 % I am not interested

40 % Ask too frequently for money.

3

We are living in an ever changing world and the Church at large is facing huge challenges....

One night, though, a woman from the nearby village came and begged him for some of his oil to keep her family warm.

Another time a father asked for some to use in his lamp. Another man needed some to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and grant the requests of all.

Toward the end of the month, he noticed his supply of oil was very low. Soon it was gone, and one night the light on the lighthouse went out.

Rethinking the Church: A Challenge to Creative Redesign in an Age of Transition 1. What Is the Purpose of the Church?

There is an old story about a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline. Once a month he would receive a new supply of oil to keep the light burning so that ships could safely sail near the rocky coast. One night, though, a woman from the nearby village came and begged him for some of his oil to keep her family warm. Another time a father asked for some to use in his lamp. Another man needed some to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and grant the requests of all.

Toward the end of the month, he noticed his supply of oil was very low. Soon it was gone, and one night the light on the lighthouse went out. As a result, that evening several ships were wrecked and countless lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very apologetic. He told them he was just trying to be helpful with the oil. Their reply to his excuses, however, was simple and to the point: “You were given oil for one purpose, and one purpose only—to keep that light burning!”

Our notes are more than sermon notes.. I would like you to see them a worksheet… I will be asking questions for us to think about… then also would like us to think about the areas that you would like to experience growth… identify the attributes then to set the goals… ask how are we going to meet these goals…

As a result, that evening several ships were wrecked and countless lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very apologetic. He told them he was just trying to be helpful with the oil. Their reply to his excuses, however, was simple and to the point: “You were given oil for one purpose, and one purpose only—to keep that light burning!

Over this past year I have already being sensing that a shift is needed in our ministry…One of our goals has been trying to focus on connection part of ministry…Our mission process has been

The lighthouse keeper was doing some good deeds and he was helping people but somehow he lost sight of his purpose...

Connect, Grow, Serve… Now, as we go into 20/20… We are going change One word in the Process.. and believe it or not where you place these words makes all the difference....

Our notes are more than sermon notes.. I would like you to see them a worksheet… I will be asking questions for us to think about… then also would like us to think about the areas that you would like to experience growth… identify the attributes then to set the goals… ask how are we going to meet these goals… Over this past year I have already being sensing that a shift is needed in our ministry…One of our goals has been trying to focus on connection part of ministry...

The first word needs to be Reach… Here is why…

WE are going to be looking at the book of Acts this morning…

As we consider our Purpose we are going to be looking at the book of Acts and looking at the birth of the Church.

The book of Acts is really the story of the Church…

We are going to be looking at the book of Acts this morning and looking at the beginnings of the Church. The Author of the book of Acts is Luke — who is known as being a Doctor and Historian… The book of Acts is sequel to the Gospel of Luke and picks up the story of the risen Lord right where the Gospels left off…

The Author of the book of Acts is Luke — Luke writings are considered solid and trustworthy he is both physician and Historian….

We are going to be looking at the book of Acts this morning and looking at the beginnings of the Church. The Author of the book of Acts is Luke — who is known as being a Doctor and Historian… The book of Acts is sequel to the Gospel of Luke and picks up the story of the risen Lord right where the Gospels left off…

Luke begins His story of the Church with the events following the Resurrection of Jesus. ...

The book of Acts is sequel to the Gospel of Luke and picks up the story of Jesus where the Gospels left off.... It begins between this period of Jesus Resurrection and Ascension....

Let’s read our text.

the publisher of Lukes letters...

Luke begins His story of the Church with the events following the Resurrection of Jesus. ...

Overview the book of Acts is Picks up from the book of Luke leaves off... The story begins with the Ascension of Jesus and the events of Pentecost... and the beginning of the gentiles responding to the Gospel…

and How the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the known world. . beginning in Jerusalem and spreading to know world...

1. The beginning of the Church begins with Clear Picture of the resurrected Lord...

Acts 1:1–3 ESV

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

The beginning of the Church begins with Clear Picture of the resurrected Lord...

Acts 1:3 ESV

He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

Acts 1:2 ESV

until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

Jesus presented himself alive... after sufferings.. He appeared to them for 40 days speaking about the Kingdom of God...

.

Luke is addressing Theophilus whose name means, “lover of God”. Some scholars say Theophilus was a high ranking official who needed Lukes inside intelligence about the political threat of the church…

Luke is addressing Theophilus who some scholars say was a high ranking official who needed Lukes intelligence about the political threat of the church…

The book of Acts is written Theophilus — nobleman and maybe the publisher of Lukes letters..

Luke starts by a short summary of his first book the Gospel of Luke and how it is connected to the church... he starts by telling us.

“the things Jesus began to teach and do”

Here is Luke introducing the Story of the church… and

Luke is setting the stage for the story of the Church… and what he telling us that it is directly connected to the ministry of Jesus...

Paul want us the reader to know that foundation or the Bedrock of the Christian Church is the teachings and the works of Jesus…

In the Gospel of Luke, he covered the earthly ministry of Jesus… the things Jesus began to teach and do...

Luke Starts by giving us a short summary of His first book The Gospel of Luke. The Gospel of Luke was about the life and teachings of Jesus...

Luke begins by laying down the foundations of the book of Acts..… the church is the continuation ministry of Jesus

Jesus said to Peter upon the Rock Jesus the Church upon the Rock and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it…

The book of Acts is really the Continuation of the story of the works and teaching of Jesus.

But, if that’s where the story of Jesus ended there would be no need for a sequel…

The book of Acts is the Continuation of this story...

Paul want us the reader to know that foundation or the Bedrock of the Christian Church is the teachings and the works of Jesus…

A key world in the first verse is this word BEGAN!

“the things Jesus began to teach and do”

A key world in the first verse is this word BEGAN! The Gk word ARCHO… means to initiate an action, process, or state of being—‘to begin, to commence, beginning

Luke says in the first book he dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach

The Gk word begin is the word ARCHO… which means to initiate an action or a process — it is the start of something.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 68.1 ἄρχομαι; ἀρχή, ῆς

initiate an action, process, or state of being—‘to begin, to commence, beginning

Luke tells us that it doesn’t end there… It’s not onl

Luke tells us that the Book of Acts is the Sequel…

Luke tells us that the Ministry of Jesus was the begining of the story… The Story was going to continue through through a New community a new humanity…called the Church…

It it did ....there would be no need for a sequel…

The ministry of Jesus was not completed in 33 AD… Rather the ministry of Jesus commenced — it was just getting started… and for the past 2000 years this story has being played out… And here we are 2019 and the story continues in our lives…forward...

Luke tells us that the Book of Acts is the Sequel…

How do we know that Jesus ministry continued...

Firstly because....

Of the Resurrection..

The Resurrection is Central to the Christian faith...

Luke tells us that there was this period between Jesus Resurrection and his ascension…A 40 day period where Jesus presented himself ALIVE and continued to preach about the Kingdom of God..

for 40 days Jesus presented himself ALIVE… and He gave many proofs..

The book of Acts

Luke tells and for 40 days he preach about the Kingdom of God… and in Lukes expert opinion he .. concludes that there is more than enough evidence and testimonies of witnesses to prove that Jesus was truly alive...

Ben Witherington says the Central message of Acts, “Christ’s death and resurrection are at the very heart of God’s saving plan for humankind.”

Ben Witherington writes, “Christ’s death and resurrection are at the very heart of God’s saving plan for humankind.”12

He continues to do do after his

preach about the Kingdom of God…

He continues to do do after his

During this time Jesus gave many proofs.... not just evidence but convincing proofs that establish the resurrection fact....

Jesus presented himself alive... after sufferings.. He appeared to them for 40 days speaking about the Kingdom of God...

convincing proof n. — any extremely convincing, factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something.

Luke concludes that there was more than enough evidence and testimonies of witnesses to prove that Jesus was truly alive...

Ben Witherington says the Central message of Acts, “Christ’s death and resurrection are at the very heart of God’s saving plan for humankind.”

I think that Ben Witherington gets it right when he says the Central message of Acts, “Christ’s death and resurrection are at the very heart of God’s saving plan for humankind.”

more than enough evidence and testimonies of witnesses to prove that Jesus was truly alive...

The crux of Christianity is the Ressurection

Without the Resurrection there wouldn’t be any point for writing any more of the Bible… Because Jesus would be buried in a tomb outside Jerusalem… end of Story..

The second reason we know that ministry of Jesus has continued is because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit..

The message of Acts is that Jesus has been raised from the dead, that his kingdom is inaugurated and soon to be consummated, and that the work of kingdom-building is continuing through the disciples

T/s The early church begins with the foundation being the teaching of Jesus and His Resurrection…and....

Sinclair Ferguson in His book The Holy Spirit called the day of Pentecost.... “the inaugural revival of the New Testament.” Sinclair Ferguson. InterVarsity.

Acts Chapter 5: How They Love One Another (Acts 2:42–47)

Sinclair Ferguson has called it “the inaugural revival of the New Testament.

“the inaugural revival of the New Testament.” Sinclair Ferguson. InterVarsity.

Jesus instructs his Disciples to go to Jerusalem and to wait for the promised HS. There are lots of question about timing

Sinclair Ferguson. InterVarsity.

Jesus at his ascension instructs his Disciples to go to Jerusalem and to wait for the promised HS.

The Out pouring of the HS brought all the markers of Revival.. We see a great awakening --- great sense of wonder at what God was doing… there are great numbers of people coming to Christ in a short time… An awareness of sin.... and social and communal change which are all the characteristics of a genuine work of the Holy Spirit…

still trying to understand Jesus mission… And they ask Jesus… is this time when you are going to restore all things to Israel? Is this another reversal of Israel fortunes? There is something much bigger than that…

The Disciple had just received 40 days of instruction about the Kingdom of God… still have questions... And they ask Jesus… is this time when you are going to restore all things to Israel? Is this another reversal of Israel fortunes?

We got to remember this happened at the time of Messianic Expectation… Jews were anticipating Freedom from Roman Rule… Disciples ask....

Are you going to Restore the kingdom to Israel? Jesus answers the Question --- with a statement...

This was going to be the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel… when HS would be poured out on all flesh without regard to social or racial backgrounds.. measure… It would be the New era… a time of when a New Community would be formed and it would be called the church…

Jesus says to the disciples it’s not for you to the times or the seasons..

We know as the readers that the fulfillment was going to be much bigger than the restoration of Israel to a nation..

God was going to bring together a new humanity represented in the church....

The Church itself was the fulfilment of Abraham covenant promised some 4000 years before..… that the whole world is going to be blessed through Abraham’s seed… The church is going to be the vehicle that brings in the gentile nations and be a witnesses to the whole earth.

but you are going to receive power --- for the purpose of being witnesses.. to be those

That they would be witnesses to the Gospel to the whole earth.

the fulfilment of Abraham covenant promised some 4000 years before..… that the whole world is going to be blessed through Abraham’s seed… That they would be witnesses to the Gospel to the whole earth.

Read...

Acts 1:6–8 ESV

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

. Jesus gives them the command to wait for the promised Holy Spirit...

The Disciple had just received 40 days of instruction about the Kingdom of God… still have questions... And they ask Jesus… is this time when you are going to restore all things to Israel? Is this another reversal of Israel fortunes?

Rather than answering the Question… Jesus says to the disciples it’s not for you to the times or the seasons..

Rather than answering the Question… Jesus simply states this is the time of the Holy Spirit..

God was going to bring together a new humanity represented in the church....

Rather it is the time of the Holy Spirit..

We as the readers know that the fulfillment was going to be much bigger than the restoration of Israel to a nation.. it was more than another reversal of fortunes....

God was going to bring together a new community a new humanity represented in the church....

Here we see the Purpose of the giving of Holy Spirit.. that the Holy Spirit was going to empower the Church to be witnesses… in the world..

The Church itself was the fulfilment of Abraham covenant promised some 4000 years before..… that the whole world is going to be blessed through Abraham’s seed… The church is going to be the vehicle that brings in the gentile nations and be a witnesses to the whole earth.

John Stott actually argues that the church didn’t begin on the day of Pentecost but during the time of Abraham… And in some ways He is Right..

The Church itself was the fulfilment of Abraham covenant promised some 4000 years before..… that the whole world is going to be blessed through Abraham’s seed… The church is going to be the vehicle that brings in the gentile nations and be a witnesses to the whole earth.

The Holy Spirit is going to be the Power behind the New movement ...The Holy Spirit was going to empower the Church to be witnesses… in the world..

Rather than asking the Question… Jesus says this is the time of the Holy Spirit.. The Holy Spirit is going to be the Power behind the New movement ...The Holy Spirit was going to empower the Church to be witnesses… in the world..

Sinclair Ferguson in His book., The Holy Spirit called the day of Pentecost...the inaugural revival of the New Testament.” Sinclair Ferguson (InterVarsity)

... “

The Out pouring of the HS was the very first great Spiritual awakening…an awakening of Sin and repentance..

We see a great awakening…an awakening of Sin and repentance..

There is this - great sense of wonder at what God was doing…

--- great sense of wonder at what God was doing… there are great numbers of people coming to Christ in a short time… An awareness of sin.... and social and communal change which are all the characteristics of a genuine work of the Holy Spirit…

In one Day the church grew from 120 — to 3120..... There is a genuine move of the Holy Spirit… Where the church was empowered to be Witness and to take the Gospel from Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth…

This one verse actually sums up the missionary journey of Apostle Paul.....

Luke is Providing us the Foundation....What the Church is all about!!

In we see the Holy Spirit being poured out in the Upper room and the 120 Disciples are filled with the Spirit....As they were waiting a mighty wind blew through the house and tongues of fire came upon each of them… and they began to speak in other languages..

The Story of Church is about the teachings of Jesus and His Resurrection

The church is About the Pouring out and the Power of the HS.. for the purpose of Being Witnesses.

On the day of Pentecost the streets of Jerusalem would have teeming with people from all over the region to celebrate the feast of Pentecost (feast of weeks) .. It was a harvest celebrating the first of the crops…

It is at this time that the disciples are in prayer awaiting the promised HS… When suddenly… mighty wind blows into the room and tongues of fire fall upon each one present.. and they are filled will HS and begin to speak in other languages…

It was a harvest celebrating the first of the crops… It is at this time that the disciples are in prayer awaiting the promised HS… When suddenly… mighty wind blows into the room and tongues of fire fall upon each one present.. and they are filled will HS and begin to speak in other languages… It was amazing a miracle and people who were visiting could recognize their native languages.. Those who heard them speaking were amazed because they spoke about the mighty works of God…And People became amazed and asked the question WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

It was amazing a miracle and people who were visiting could recognize their native languages.. Those who heard them speaking were amazed because they spoke about the mighty works of God…And People became amazed and asked the question WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

This still the question that we have to deal with when addressing the unchurched… What does this mean?

-- Peter stands up with the 11 and ADDRESSES a large crowd that has Gathered…

After the Spirit falls in the Upper Room there are

The question to the outpouring of What does this mean? Peter stands up together with the other 11 Disciples and gives understanding to the Giving of the HS.

are more questions… What is this --- Peter stands up with the 11 and preaches sermon… What is interse

And He explains that the Outpouring was fulfillment of Joels Prophecy…when HS would be poured out on all flesh without regard to social or racial backgrounds.. measure… It would be the New era… a time of when a New Community would be formed…

Teaching Acts: Unlocking the Book of Acts for the Bible Teacher Point of Contact

It would be logical to expect preaching on the Spirit at Pentecost. So it may come as something of a surprise that at the first Pentecost, the preaching was all about Jesus

Now you would expect Peter whole sermon to be about the Holy Spirit.. but what is surprising is that Peters sermon is about Jesus...

. So it may come as something of a surprise that at the first Pentecost, the preaching was all about Jesus

So it may come as something of a surprise that at the first Pentecost, the preaching was all about Jesus..

Ben Witherington writes, “Christ’s death and resurrection are at the very heart of God’s saving plan for humankind.”

The central theme of his sermon is the Death burial and resurrection of Jesus.... Jesus was certainly son of God and those present were responsible for crucifying Him on the Cross....

The Outpouring of Holy S

but then He goes straight to the central message of Jesus Death burial and resurrection of Jesus.... Jesus was certainly God son and they were responsible for crucifying.. him…

Now....The Holy Spirit was working hearts and minds.. - those who heard the sermon were deeply impacted… the bible says they were cut to the heart.... And comes understanding with their conviction...… and we know this because the question changes from..

When they understood the meaning of the gospel --- they were deeply impacted… the bible says they were cut to the heart……What should we do?

onto preach a sermon about the Death burial and resurrection of Jesus.... Jesus was certainly God son and they were responsible for crucifying

Acts 2:3

they ask another question…What should we do?

There is was this moment when the question changes fro

Acts 2:38 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38–39 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

The hearers understood the answer to the their question What does this Mean? When they understood the meaning of the gospel --- they were deeply impacted… the bible says they were cut to the heart……What should we do? What a beautiful thing when people respond to gospel.... the question moves from meaning to response… Peter tells the crowd how to respond..

What does this Mean? to What should we do?

Peter’s Pentecost sermon pointed to the activity of the Spirit as a chief indicator of God’s work (). The work of the Spirit showed that God’s new plan had dawned.

What a beautiful thing when people respond to gospel.... the question moves from meaning to response… Peter tells the crowd how to respond..

This is that which is prophesied by the Prophet Joel.. than in the last days - God was going to pour out the Holy Spirit... upon all flesh... that those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved..

Acts 2:38 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Church begins with message of Salvation.

Peter tells them that the appropriate way to respond to the message of grace.. is to Repent… be baptized in to Jesus.... forgiveness of sins… and they would receive the HS....

In these opening verses of Acts we Find the Essence what the Church is about! The CHURCH IS THE SEQEUL TO THE GOSPELS.... THE CHURCH IS ABOUT THE CONTINUATION OF THE TEACHINGS AND THE WORKS OF JESUS..

If you broke down the Purpose of Church to the simplest form.... The church is simply about Making Jesus Known…

I have spent a lot of time over the years looking at mission statements and trying to find some catch Phrase to communicate our Purpose…

If you broke down the Purpose of Church from what Luke has told us in these first verses in Acts to the simplest form.... The church is simply about Making Jesus Known…

When you have a purpose you can start to evaluate what you are doing why you doing… for example...

You can’t say it more simply than this We exist to make Jesus Known…

When you have a purpose you can start to evaluate what you are doing why you doing… for example...

… Next week we have our harvest festival.... There is going be fun and Pie… It’s a community event… What is our Purpose Celebrating Harvest…

It is is to Make Jesus known...

that to Make Jesus know n...

It’s about bringing those who far away into a relationship with Jesus Christ....

The church was Born in the Midst of the Holy Spirit Revival… The Holy Spirit uses Peter sermon to stir the hearts some 3000 people who hear the world… repent… and .. are baptized… are added to the Church… WE FIND OUR PURPOSE IN THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL..

The church is about the teaching and works of Jesus… it’s about the Resurrection of Jesus… it’s about spreading the message of Salvation —

The church was Born in the Midst of the Holy Spirit Revival… The Holy Spirit uses Peter sermon to stir the hearts some 3000 people who hear the world… repent… and .. are baptized… are added to the Church… WE FIND OUR PURPOSE IN THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL..

What happens at Pentecost is significant…because it took care of the Blurred vision… The Holy Spirit came down and vision surgery was performed on spiritual cataracts and the Church was empowered to be Witnesses..

the continuation of Jesus… It is about being empowered to be witness… The church is about the message of salvation...

Resurrection — the Church is about being empowered to bear witness… The church is about the message of salvation...

Those who make up the Church have been

Our Primary Purpose as the Church is to make Jesus known… Over the years I have tried to come up with clever mission statements….. But to be honest… Our purpose Simply is to Make Jesus known…

and the Church to be Witnesses....

because

The Holy Spirit clarified their vision and gave them the the passion and inward fire.... Gave them the Enthusiam to make Jesus known...

What happens at Pentecost is significant… because

What happe

The church was Born in the Midst of the Holy Spirit Revival… The Holy Spirit uses Peter sermon to stir the hearts some 3000 people who hear the world… repent… and .. are baptized… What follows is gathering of the New Community of Faith… .

he sudden upsurging of enthusiasm. Those first disciples burned with a steady, inward fire..

The

The word Enthusiasm is a great world...

The word Enthusiasm comes from two greek root words - “To Inspire” “by the gods”

What follows is gathering of the New Community of Faith…

The Church begins with message of Salvation... 2:38 is really the crux of the Gospel.. Repent, be baptized... name of the Lord... receive the Gift of the HS...

Acts 2:38 is really the crux of the Gospel.. Repent, be baptized... name of the Lord... receive the Gift of the HS...

people hear the word of God and ... Received the word... were baptized... 3000 were added..

.....Enthusiasm speaks of a state of eagerness, its intense enjoyment and interest that leads to positive commitments and actions…

. ...

The church began with a movement... Received the word... were baptized... 3000 were added..

”

These first Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit and spilled out into Devotion….

Devoted… another word for Devotion is the Word Enthusiasm.....Enthusiasm speaks of a state of eagerness, its intense enjoyment and interest that leads to positive commitments and actions…

The word Enthusiasm comes from two greek root words - Usiasm means “To Inspire” and “En-thu” mean “by the gods.”

We are going to focus on an important paragraph of scripture… … these verses constitute the most important aspects of worship in the Early church and provide a model for us to emulate.

The word Enthusiasm comes from two greek root words - “To Inspire” “by the gods”

The word literally means to be inspired by the gods.....

Read our text:

We are going to focus on an important paragraph of scripture… … these verses constitute the most important aspects of worship in the Early church and provide a model for us to emulate.

What we see in the Book of Acts is a church inspired…not by the “gods” But by the Holy Spirit… And we see this in the way that the Church continued…

Read our text:’

acts.

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:4

The word Enthusiasm comes from two greek root words - Usiasm means “To Inspire” and “En-thu” mean “by the gods.” Do you have an attitude of Enthusiasm? or are you getting by?

Enthusiasm speaks of a state of eagerness, its intense enjoyment and interest that leads to positive commitments and actions… The word literally means to be inspired by the gods.....

Acts 2:43–47 ESV

And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

A state of eagerness, leading to the positive and committed performance of actions

T/S If we are going to Clarify our Purpose we need...

We have to do these four things

The early church was marked by their Enthusiasm the Study of the Word of God......

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

The word Enthusiasm comes from two greek root words - Usiasm means “To Inspire” and “En-thu” mean “by the gods.”

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

We are going to focus on an important paragraph of scripture… … these verses constitute the most important aspects of worship in the Early church and provide a model for us to emulate

ESV42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

The early church was marked by their Enthusiasm for word of God......

How many times have we marvelled at Tiger Woods hit a golf ball and get it right next to the flag...

ESV42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

The Word of God is central to discipleship… these Christians gave themselves to the apostles teaching…

What did the apostles teach? The epistles had not been written yet. There were no written biographies of Christ at that time.

What, then, did they teach?

They would have taught from The Old Testament, the sayings of Jesus as they recalled them, the Sermon on the Mount, the final conversations in the Upper Room...

These new Christians, under the reign of the Holy Spirit, were hungry for God’s Word. They could not get enough of it.

The apostles, were the eyewitnesses of all Jesus had done...

The Apostles were those who had witnessed the resurrection of Christ…

Preaching the Word: Acts—The Church Afire Teaching (V. 42)

What did they teach? The epistles? The epistles had not been written yet. The Gospels? There were no written biographies of Christ at that time. What, then, did they teach? The Old Testament, the sayings of Jesus as they recalled them, the Sermon on the Mount, the final conversations in the Upper Room...

These new Christians, under the reign of the Holy Spirit, were hungry for God’s Word. They could not get enough of it.

The apostles’ teaching was central to the content of what was to be studied. The apostles, the eyewitnesses of all Jesus had done, would be the ones whom the Holy Spirit would remind of the crucial truths by which the church would be directed for centuries to come .

John 14:17 ESV

17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

, ; ).

From the beginning the early church was devoted to hearing, studying, and learning what the apostles had to taught...

The apostle teaching would have been more than a pep talk .They would have been theologically rich…having depth especially in their Christology…

they would have been theologically rich…having depth especially in their Christology…

The apostles’ teaching was central to the content of what was to be studied. The apostles, the eyewitnesses of all Jesus had done, would be the ones whom the Holy Spirit would remind of the crucial truths by which the church would be directed for centuries to come

The early church was a learning Church… 3000 students enrolled in the kindergarten… He points out that they were not enjoying mystical experiences…they were not despising their minds or having a disdain for theology… rather they had submitted themselves to teaching of the Apostles and being led by the spirit of truth.,

the Apostles were those who had witnessed the resurrection of Christ… The apostle teaching… There teaching would have been rich…and have depth especially in their

…It is very important that we note this term “continually devoting” because it governs the other characteristics of the church where the Spirit reigns. It denotes a steadfast and single-minded devotion to a certain course of action.

One of the values I love in the Free Church the commitment to the inspiration of Scripture…The Bible is the authority for faith… We are concerned about What says the Scripture?

The apostles’ teaching was central to the content of what was to be studied. The apostles, the eyewitnesses of all Jesus had done, would be the ones whom the Holy Spirit would remind of the crucial truths by which the church would be directed for centuries to come (, ; ). From the beginning the early church was devoted to hearing, studying, and learning what the apostles had to teach

…

Preaching the Word: Acts—The Church Afire Teaching (V. 42)

It is very important that we note this term “continually devoting” because it governs the other characteristics of the church where the Spirit reigns. It denotes a steadfast and single-minded devotion to a certain course of action.

Life Application New Testament Commentary Peter Preaches to a Crowd / 2:14–42

The apostles’ teaching was central to the content of what was to be studied. The apostles, the eyewitnesses of all Jesus had done, would be the ones whom the Holy Spirit would remind of the crucial truths by which the church would be directed for centuries to come (John 14:17, 25–26; 16:13). From the beginning the early church was devoted to hearing, studying, and learning what the apostles had to teach

But what we need to note is that there was eagerness in Discipleship…They were devoted to the Apostles teaching… When you devoted to something.... Yes you are inspired… but Devotion also takes Courage.. continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty—‘to devote oneself to, to keep on, to persist in. -

But what we need to note is that there was eagerness in Discipleship…

but it also means to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty—‘to devote oneself to, to keep on, to persist in. -

to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty—‘to devote oneself to, to keep on, to persist in. -

It means to be faithful to a person or task... It is the same word that Moses used when he sent the spies into the land... be strong and courageous.... facing giants...

It is the same word that Moses used when he sent the spies into the land... be strong and courageous.... facing giants...

When Paul and Silas travel to Berea and when they arrive they attend a Jewish synagogue and what they received

What we know is that These new Christians, under the reign of the Holy Spirit, were hungry for God’s Word. They could not get enough of it...

These new Christians, under the reign of the Holy Spirit, were hungry for God’s Word. They could not get enough of it...

We need an enthusiasm for the word of God… When dwell in the word of God… the word of God is going leak through our lives..

Colossians 3:16 ESV

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Col 3:16

I don’t know if you have considered fellowship a spiritual discipline!!! They were devoted themselves to Fellowship..

In someways we have lost the art of hospitality in the modern world.... When I grew up company over to our house was a common occurrence...… … people actually visited with each other...

There is a great need in our world for real connection....

One of the things that technology has done is

Fellowship was one the ways that early church was strengthened.. Hebrews tells us that we are to consider how we can encourage one another…

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Murdo Ewen Macdonald

Hebrews 10:25 ESV

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

The Preacher’s Notebook: The Collected Quotes, Illustrations, and Prayers of John Stott Proximity without Community

The real menace to life in the world today is not the hydrogen bomb … but the fact of proximity without community.”

—Murdo Ewen Macdonald

SOURCE: G. Ingle, The Lord’s Creed (Collins, 1964), 17.

We live in a post modern culture that doesn’t visit with each other… It wasn’t always that way… it used to be that you had company over… One of the Purposes of the Early Church was Fellowship!!! Gathering to share a meal together..

“The real menace to life in the world today is not the hydrogen bomb … but the fact of proximity without community.”

—Murdo Ewen Macdonald

…These fellowship times were when they met in homes ...

The early church were enthusiastic about relationships.... but they weren’t just hanging out...

…These fellowship times were when they met in homes .... they were enthusiastic about these gathering…

What did they do at these gatherings?

They were breaking bread..

Some scholars have argued that the expression “BREAKING OF BREAD” in v. 42 is a technical term for the Lord’s Supper and that this was already separated from their ordinary meals…

but not likely the case…

The pillar commentary tells us thatThe adoption of this term as a title for the Lord’s Supper is not formally attested until the second century AD (cf. Did. 14.1; Ignatius, Eph. 20.2..

What is more likely is that it was an ordinary meal in the Jewish fashion of breaking a loaf with the hands and giving thanks to God.. Meals were viewed as sharing, first with God (they prayed at both the beginning and end of meals) and then with one another.

Food was important in the early church..

.Meals were viewed as sharing, first with God (they prayed at both the beginning and end of meals) and then with one another.

What made these meals special was the connection and conversations… and prayers for one another...

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Acts of the Apostles C. The Community Created by the Spirit (2:41–47)

. Some scholars have argued that the expression in v. 42 is a technical term for the Lord’s Supper and that this was already separated from their ordinary meals. However, the term describes the initiation of an ordinary meal in the Jewish fashion of breaking a loaf with the hands and giving thanks to God (e.g., Lk. 9:16; 22:19; 24:30, 35; Acts 27:35 note). To ‘break bread’ was to eat together. The adoption of this term as a title for the Lord’s Supper is not formally attested until the second century AD (cf. Did. 14.1; Ignatius, Eph. 20.2

During these fellowships times they broke bread… enjoyed each others company… and prayed..

How many scenes in the Gospel of Luke were over meals, and this continued in the early church. Meals provided the core of the theme of fellowship, then spreading to include every area of life.

Acts: Verse by Verse Four Pillars of the Church (2:42)

Meals were viewed as sharing, first with God (they prayed at both the beginning and end of meals) and then with one another. An amazing number of scenes in the Gospel of Luke were over meals, and this continued in the early church. Meals provided the core of the theme of fellowship, then spreading to include every area of life. We should be having a lot more people over to our homes than many of us do.

An amazing number of scenes in the Gospel of Luke were over meals, and this continued in the early church. Meals provided the core of the theme of fellowship, then spreading to include every area of life.

ver to our homes than many of us do.

The reality of Christian fellowship was expressed from the earliest times in the ordinary activity of eating together.

But these meals were doubtless given a special character by the fact that they were associated with teaching, prayer, and praise..

The reality of Christian fellowship was expressed from the earliest times in the ordinary activity of eating together. But these meals were doubtless given a special character by the fact that they were associated with teaching, prayer, and praise..

Acts 2:43 ESV

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

Acts 2:43 ESV

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

Now the word Awe is the word Phobos.. where we get our word Phobea or fear...

c. They had a Sense of Awe

but it is written here in the imperfect tense… Which suggests ‘an enduring sense of awe inspired by the consciousness that God was at work in their midst,

Phobea.. it can mean Fear… but it is written here in the imperfect tense… Which suggests ‘an enduring sense of awe inspired by the consciousness that God was at work in their midst, so that they were witnesses o the final drama, and indeed participants in it’.

What does it mean that awe came upon each one?

They were amazed that they were witnesses and participating…in God’s amazing Plan…

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Acts of the Apostles C. The Community Created by the Spirit (2:41–47)

‘and fear came upon every soul’; cf. 5:5, 11). This clause, with its use of the imperfect tense (egineto), suggests ‘an enduring sense of awe inspired by the consciousness that God was at work in their midst, so that they were witnesses of the final drama, and indeed participants in it’. Moreover, many wonders and miraculous signs (polla de terata kai sēmeia) were done (egineto) by the apostles.

There are over 22 miracles recorded in the book Act alone.

The church ought to be a place of wonder and expectation of what God is doing…

The Church started with miracles and it continued with signs and wonders... the Church was the Sequel…to the ministry of Jesus

that what BEGAN by Jesus… His ministry and his works continue today…

Signs and wonders were being performed by the Apostles… The signs and wonders were not the distraction.. they were not the main event… Rather they were confirming the Word of God…

The “miraculous signs” (semeia) were given to authenticate the message and the messenger, pointing observers toward a divine source of the miracle or a divine truth. Here these signs and wonders authenticated the apostles’ message, identifying it as divine truth.

T/S If we are going to Clarify our Goals...

We have to do these four things

1. Revisit our Enthusiasm for Spiritual Disciplines.

T/S How do we sharpen our Vision 20/20?

Teaching Acts: Unlocking the Book of Acts for the Bible Teacher (3) Think It Through

How clearly do our churches model the life of the early church community?

Teaching Acts: Unlocking the Book of Acts for the Bible Teacher (4) Live It Out

Do you think that such a description in verses 42–47 could be realistic for our community life in the twenty-first century?

Murdo Ewen Macdonald

“The real menace to life in the world today is not the hydrogen bomb … but the fact of proximity without community.”

The Early Church was enthusiastic about the Word and they were Enthusiastic about spirtual disciplines… But they were Enthusiastic for Community

The Early Church was enthusiastic about the Spiritual disciplines and they were Enthusiastic about spirtual disciplines… But they were also Enthusiastic about participating in community..

Acts 2:44–45 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

The Early Church were enthusiastic about the Word and they were Enthusiastic about spirtual disciplines… But they were Enthusiastic for Community of faith..

Acts 2:44 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

Acts 2:44 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

Acts 2:44 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

Luke tells us that all who believed together had all things in common..

“Those who believed were together…”

Need to stop on these words....

They participated in Community… by Sharing....

“Those who believed were together…”

Need to stop on these words.... those who Believed “Pisteuo” — Those who had put their Trust in Jesus… Made whole hearted commitment to Jesus.. were… Together…Greek “Autos” which means the same..

those who Believed is the Gr word “Pisteuo” — Those who had put their Trust in Jesus… Made whole hearted commitment to Jesus.. were… Together…Greek “Autos” which means the same.. they were of one heart and one mind towards each other..

Those who had genuine faith had genuine Fellowship

Discipleship and community go together as well—in fact, they are inseparably linked. Without other believers to grow with, the process of passing the Christian faith from person to person is impossible.

We are told that they devoted themselves to the fellowship… shared all things in common GR word Koinonia means common…

Discipleship and community go together as well—in fact, they are inseparably linked. Without other believers to grow with, the process of passing the Christian faith from person to person is impossible.

They participated in Community… by Sharing....

Discipleship and community go together as well—in fact, they are inseparably linked. Without other believers to grow with, the process of passing the Christian faith from person to person is impossible.

1 John 1:2–3 ESV

the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, 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 1:1–3 ESV

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

We are told that they devoted themselves to the fellowship… shared all things in common GR word Koinonia means common…

The idea of Koinonia is expressed in the Godhead.. God himself is a Trinity - God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit… John tells us that as Believers have a share in the fellowship with the Trinity...

1 John 1:3 ESV

that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

We share in the Fellowship of the Father Son and Holy Spirit.. We are in Christ and Christ is in us… deep fellowship…We are invested in that relationship....

But our investment is also towards one another… We have share in each other… There is connection… that is why we feel things within the church family.. Paul in 1 Corinthians likens the church to a body where there is one body with many parts and functions and he tells us that we have an affect on each other..... .

1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

1 Cor

Our share is in Christ and our share is within each other… the result was grace giving… give above and beyond.

All who believed were together… it may imply here that those who did not believe were separated from the community… Those who believed made up the New Committee of Faith - believed together and shared a common purpose…

Acts 2:45 ESV

45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

The selling of property and the common possession of the proceeds may imply that the early church expected the Lord to return soon and establish His kingdom. This may explain why the practice was not continued

It was their belief that informed their actions…

The selling of property and the common possession of the proceeds may imply that the early church expected the Lord to return soon and establish His kingdom. This may explain why the practice was not continued

It is important to note that even in Jerusalem the sharing of property and possessions was voluntary. What appeared to motivate such generosity was a sense of God’s grace towards them...

What is important to note about sharing of resources is that this was again the Holy Spirit working… The giving and sharing of property and possessions was voluntary...

belief that informed their actions… They acted on their beliefs… What is important to note about sharing of resources is that this was again the Holy Spirit working… The giving and sharing of property and possessions was voluntary...

What we learn from the the early church… is the importance of generosity..

The result was that ...

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Acts of the Apostles C. The Community Created by the Spirit (2:41–47)

What appeared to motivate such generosity was a sense of God’s grace towards them,

So they believed that God would meet bohth their needs and the needs in the community...

and So they believed that God would meet bohth their needs and the needs in the community...

The early Church was multifaceted in that it was meeting both Spiritual and physical needs...

… There is the spiritual dimension of the church… but here is the practical working our of faith.. James teaches us that faith without works is dead…

James 2:14–15 ESV

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,

James 2:14 ESV

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

The church father Tertullian, who was writing in Carthage (modern-day Tunisia) around A.D. 200… Describes the kind of Generosity found in the Early church..

“Contributions are voluntary, and proportionate to each one’s income. They are used to support and bury poor people, to supply the wants of boys and girls who are destitute of means and parents, and of old people, now confined to the house, and such as have suffered shipwreck, or any who are in the mines, or banished to the islands, or shut up in prison for their fidelity to God’s church.”

Acts Fellowship

Tertullian, who was writing in Carthage (modern-day Tunisia) around A.D. 200, could say:

Contributions are voluntary, and proportionate to each one’s income. They are used to support and bury poor people, to supply the wants of boys and girls who are destitute of means and parents, and of old people, now confined to the house, and such as have suffered shipwreck, or any who are in the mines, or banished to the islands, or shut up in prison for their fidelity to God’s church.

The early church is a beautiful picture of generosity.

T/S If we are going to Clarify our Goals...

We have to do these four things

1. Revisit our Enthusiasm for Spiritual Disciplines.

2. Revisit our Enthusiasm for our role inCommunity

The Message of Acts c. It Was a Worshipping Church

They devoted themselves … to the breaking of bread and to prayer (42). That is, their fellowship was expressed not only in caring for each other, but in corporate worship too.

Think if you attended worship service in the early church you would find passion and enthusiasm…

If you attended worship service in the early church you would find that there service were full of passion and enthusiasm… Their gathering were marked by joy and celebration…

Sometimes we do come to church with burdens… and worship can be difficult… I like what Jill Briscoe says...

There is a big difference between showing emotion and emotionalism… Worship should be an expression of feelings...

Sometimes we do come to church with burdens… and worship can be difficult… I like what Jill Briscoe says...

“We can worry or we can worship.”

We learn that the Early Church..

Their fellowship was expressed not only in caring for each other, but in corporate worship too. Their worship was bother formal and informal --- day by day they .. attending temple.. then other days they were meeting in homes… breaking of bread... giving themselves to worship and prayer…

They met Day by day.. attending temple.. breaking of bread... giving themselves to worship and prayer…T b. Meeting in Homes- receiving food

Acts 2:46–47 ESV

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people

Acts. 2.

Acts 2:46 ESV

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

Day by day.. attending temple.. breaking of bread... they received food with glad and generous heart

English Standard Version Chapter 2

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people

breaking of bread... giving themselves to worship and prayer…

We have already seen that Fellowship around food was important to the early church… but now their fellowship is around worship....

The gathering together specifically for spiritual worship…

The first thing we notice is the frequency that they worshipped… It was habitual and regular… there is something powerful about forming routines and habits.... These are healthy Rhythms in our lives that over time will produce fruit...

They were conscientious about worship attending temple day by day…

they did this day by day… the Word Attending is the same word for being DEVOTED… They were devoted…to meeting in the temple and in homes...

Worship had regular Rhythms and frequency…

Day by day.. attending temple.. breaking of bread... they received food with glad and generous heart

but it was with great anticipation that they went to these Gatherings…

b. Meeting in Homes- receiving food

Their worship was both formal and informal --- day by day they .. attending temple.. and meeting in homes… breaking of bread... giving themselves to worship and prayer…

Preaching the Word: Acts—The Church Afire Worship (V. 42)

Their worship consisted of two things: “the breaking of bread and… prayer.” I believe “the breaking of bread” refers to the regular observance of the Lord’s Supper, for two reasons. First, the reference comes between two religiously-loaded terms in verse 42—“fellowship” and “prayers

Fellowship around food was important in the early church. And it should be viewed as of no less importance in our time

There meetings and their Worship was full of passion and Enthusiasm...

What often happens with worship is that we become a little self conscious of those around us… What often happens with worship is that we become a little self conscious of those around us… It is always amazing when your goto a big event --- the energy that is in the room.... there is a level of excitement and anticipation.... I was watching the World Cup Rugby --- SA vs England.... SA won 32 -12… But the whole way through the game the crowd was engaged in Cheering for their team… It was emotional.... People through out SA were celebrating… they dancing in the streets… in the townships..

They met in one place in the temple... they met together in houses.. many locations... But all of their gatherings were marked with great joy and generosity...

Authentic Christianity Chapter 13: Gladness

So now we come to this extraordinary description of these Christians in Acts—“gladness”! “Praising God”! Joy has been a characteristic of the church in every period of reformation and revival

Life Application New Testament Commentary The Believers Meet Together / 2:43–47

We also see here one of the repeated themes of the book of Acts: joy. The early church was marked by joy. Two final statements reveal two significant results of the presence of this regularly meeting, money-sharing, miracle-working, Bible-studying, God-praising group:

There is a big difference between showing emotion and emotionalism… Worship should be an expression of feelings...

They worshiped Praising God... they had favor with God and the Lord Added to their number those who were being saved...

Teaching Acts: Unlocking the Book of Acts for the Bible Teacher (1) Introduce the Issues

Such an attractive fellowship is irresistible to the world.

When worship is full of energy it is attractional.... When attended the One conference… 1200 plus people… hearing the voices of men sing songs and hymns… with enthusiasm...

People were attracted to their joy and wanted to know the source of it.

Conclusion!

Evangelism was not based on elaborate handbooks or slick brochures.

Evangelism was not based on elaborate handbooks or slick brochures. People wanted to be with those contagious, praising Christians and have what the Spirit had given them.

People wanted to be with those contagious, praising Christians and have what the Spirit had given them.

Acts 2:47b ESV

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

there is another

And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

!

Just as there Enthusiasm for the Word, worship and fellowship, so was their witness. Their Praise and proclamation were both the natural overflow of hearts full of the Holy spirit.

And as their outreach was continuous, so continuously converts were being added. We need to recover this expectation of steady and uninterrupted church growth.

The Message of Acts d. It Was an Evangelistic Church

Those first Jerusalem Christians were not so preoccupied with learning, sharing and worshipping, that they forgot about witnessing

so was their witness. Praise and proclamation were both the natural overflow of hearts full of the Holy spirit. And as their outreach was continuous, so continuously converts were being added. We need to recover this expectation of steady and uninterrupted church growth.

And the Lord added daily to the church those who were being saved…

And the Lord added --

Conclusion! And the Lord added --

And the lord Added to their fellowship... people were not joining a church... He did not add them to the church without saving them... they were being saved.. becoming believers...

He did not add them to the church without saving them...

they were being saved.. becoming believers...

Believers Church.

Conclusion:

John Maxwell tells this old story about a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline.

Once a month he would receive a new supply of oil to keep the light burning so that ships could safely sail near the rocky coast.

One night, though, a woman from the nearby village came and begged him for some of his oil to keep her family warm. Another time a father asked for some to use in his lamp. Another man needed some to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and grant the requests of all.

Toward the end of the month, he noticed his supply of oil was very low. Soon it was gone, and one night the light on the lighthouse went out. As a result, that evening several ships were wrecked and countless lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very apologetic. He told them he was just trying to be helpful with the oil. Their reply to his excuses, however, was simple and to the point: “You were given oil for one purpose, and one purpose only—to keep that light burning!

Rethinking the Church: A Challenge to Creative Redesign in an Age of Transition 1. What Is the Purpose of the Church?

There is an old story about a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline. Once a month he would receive a new supply of oil to keep the light burning so that ships could safely sail near the rocky coast. One night, though, a woman from the nearby village came and begged him for some of his oil to keep her family warm. Another time a father asked for some to use in his lamp. Another man needed some to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and grant the requests of all.

Toward the end of the month, he noticed his supply of oil was very low. Soon it was gone, and one night the light on the lighthouse went out. As a result, that evening several ships were wrecked and countless lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very apologetic. He told them he was just trying to be helpful with the oil. Their reply to his excuses, however, was simple and to the point: “You were given oil for one purpose, and one purpose only—to keep that light burning!

What often happens with worship is that we become a little self conscious of those around us… What often happens with worship is that we become a little self conscious of those around us… It is always amazing when your goto a big event --- the energy that is in the room.... there is a level of excitement and anticipation.... I was watching the World Cup Rugby --- SA vs England.... SA won 32 -12… But the whole way through the game the crowd was engaged in Cheering for their team… It was emotional.... People through out SA were celebrating… they dancing in the streets… in the townships..

Rethinking the Church: A Challenge to Creative Redesign in an Age of Transition 1. What Is the Purpose of the Church?

There is an old story about a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline. Once a month he would receive a new supply of oil to keep the light burning so that ships could safely sail near the rocky coast. One night, though, a woman from the nearby village came and begged him for some of his oil to keep her family warm. Another time a father asked for some to use in his lamp. Another man needed some to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and grant the requests of all.

Toward the end of the month, he noticed his supply of oil was very low. Soon it was gone, and one night the light on the lighthouse went out. As a result, that evening several ships were wrecked and countless lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very apologetic. He told them he was just trying to be helpful with the oil. Their reply to his excuses, however, was simple and to the point: “You were given oil for one purpose, and one purpose only—to keep that light burning!

There is a big difference between showing emotion and emotionalism… Worship should be an expression of feelings...

The power of light depends on focus. Light that is diffused does not make much of an impact, but if we put that light through a magnifying glass, we can set something on fire.

If we concentrate and focus that light even more, it becomes a laser that will cut through sheet metal. As light becomes more powerful as it is brought into focus, so the church becomes more effective as it clearly defines whom it is trying to reach.

When you read You discover the functions of the Church… Make to Teach the word, to make Disciples, to Worship, Evangelism,.

One of our goals has been trying to focus on connection part of ministry…Our mission process has been

When you read You discover…

These five activities—discipleship, community, worship, ministry, and evangelism—constitute the business, or purpose, of the church. It is what a biblically functioning community looks like. It is what the church does.. But these activities facilitate one bigger Purpose…

When you read You discover the Purpose of the Church… Make Disciples, Evangelism,.

The Main reason for the Church is to Send the message of light into the Dark world...

14But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

15For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

16But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

17“ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;

18even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

19And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;

20the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

21And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

22“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

23this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

24God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

25For David says concerning him, “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;

26therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.

27For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.

28You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29“Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,

31he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

32This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.

33Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.

34For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand,

35until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’

36Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

40And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

41So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

44And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Our Purpose is to Make Jesus Known....

…

They Question is Why the Church? The reason we are Enthusiastic for the Word, Enthuisiastic about Community… Enthusiastic about Worship…

All that we do here on Sundays…we meet in our Community groups, attend mens groups… attend a ladies meeting...

is for that One Purpose… How will they hear unless someone is sent....

It’s for One reason and that is simply to Make Jesus Known.... All that we do here on Sunday… is for that One Purpose… How will they hear unless someone is sent....

Romans 10:14–15 ESV

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Romans 10:14–16 ESV

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”

Rom 10:

Clarifying Our Purpose

a. The Story of Church begins with the teachings of Jesus and His Resurrection.

b. The Church itself is Born through the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

c. The Church BEGINS with the message of Salvation.

1. Revisit our Enthusiasm for Spiritual Disciplines.

a. They devoted themselves to the Word.

a. They devoted themselves to the Word.

b. They devoted themselves to fellowship.

c. They were Consciousness that God was at work

2. Revisit our Enthusiasm for our Role in our Community.

a. TheyBelieved together

b. They Shared their Resources

c. They met real needs in the community

3. Revisit our Enthusiasm for Corporate Worship.

a. They Worshiped was a Daily OCCURANCE

a. They worshiped Regularly....

b. They Met Formally and Informally

c. They Praised Joyfully

4. Revisit Our Enthusiasm for Outreach.

Clarifying Our Purpose

a. The Story of Church begins with the teachings of Jesus and His Resurrection.

b. The Church itself is Born through the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

c. The Church BEGINS with the message of Salvation.

1. Revisit our Enthusiasm for Spiritual Disciplines.

a. They devoted themselves to the Word.

a. They devoted themselves to the Word.

b. They devoted themselves to fellowship.

c. They were Consciousness that God was at work

2. Revisit our Enthusiasm for our Role in our Community.

a. TheyBelieved together

b. They Shared their Resources

​

​

c. They met real needs in the community

3. Revisit our Enthusiasm for Corporate Worship.

a. They Worshiped was a Daily OCCURANCE

a. They worshiped Regularly....

b. They Met Formally and Informally

c. They Praised Joyfully

4. Revisit Our Enthusiasm for Outreach.