Early Observations of the Infant Church (Acts 2:43-47)

Early Observations of the Infant Church (Acts 2:43-47) Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. 43 1. There Was Spreading ____________________________ – Dread RECOGNITION BY OUTSIDERS Lit. “And was becoming in each life fear” This was a progressive awareness and acknowledgement by those on the outside (unbelievers) impact of God’s working. As God works through us, people can recognize something supernatural is happening. 2. There Were Supernatural _________________________ – Displays REINFORCING MIRACLES a. Who: The Apostles b. How: Ongoing (imperfect: “was becoming”) Used are 2 of the 3 terms used for Jesus’ work in 2:22: 22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—" c. Now: Are there authenticating activities today, since these miracles, wonders, and signs have ceased? #1 – Supernatural _____________________ Between Believers: John 13:35: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." #2 – Supernatural _________________________ of the Gospel: Rom 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Northridge Baptist Church – Pastor Kevin Subra – September 6, 2020 3. There Was Sacrificial __________________________ – Distribution READY RESPONSE TO NEEDS Lit. “All the believing ones” a. ___________________________________ • of space (lit. “were being upon the same”) • of stuff (lit. “were having all common”) b. ________________________________ (lit. “they were selling”) • of property • of possessions c. ___________________________________ (lit. “were dividing”) • to all • to address needs (lit. “according as anyone a need was having”) 4. There Was a Steadfast __________________________ – Disciplines RIGOROUS ATTENTION TO BASICS Necessities: • Daily • Continuing (same word as 2:42 – steadfastly enduring) • In one accord = “same-passioned-ly” – one impulse Activities a. Going to the Temple (sacrifice worship, teaching, praying) b. Breaking of bread according to a house • They were partaking of food • In extreme joy (only here and Lu 1:14,44; Heb 1:9; Jude 1:24) • In evenness (smoothness, thus simplicity) of heart (1x: here) c. Praising God (prayer or singing, or just outspoken?) d. Having grace towards everyone 5. There Were Saved ______________________________ – Disciples REAPING OF SOULS a. The One ____________________: The Lord was adding b. The ones ________________: The [ones] being saved each day