Church Life
Notes
Transcript
BI - the Church is the assembly of the People of the Kingdom of God, gathered together because of Jesus’ victory over death and in anticipation of his ultimate victory. We are inherently a people - but with a difference. Before the church, every ethnic group was composed of people derived from a common ancestor. But the church is composed of those who have been united with Jesus Christ, regardless of where they are from. Because our common bond derives from our union with Jesus, doctrine is of utmost importance. Because we are the people of God, prayer is important as our means of worshiping God in this age. While it is God’s ultimate intent that we all see him face to face, we must wait for that, because while we are ready to meet God, the world is not. So just as Daniel prayed three-times a day in a foreign land, we pray to worship God, as distant from the One who has redeemed us and made us fit to stand before him. Because we are the people of God, we must be characterized by the fear of God. Because we are a people, by new birth rather than blood, it is vital that we cultivate relationships with each other as members of the family of God. That’s what it means to pursue fellowship. Because we are a family, we must care for each other when those among us have needs. That’s why we must be generous with our goods.
Prayer
Prayer
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen
to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”
So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things?
The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together
to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
Fellowship
Fellowship
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
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,
And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
Doctrine
Doctrine
So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;
for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”
(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.
And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)
“For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’
Peter’s sermons built the church, as even the religious leaders recognize
But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
Generosity
Generosity
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
except when there may be no poor among you; for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance—
Fear of God
Fear of God
Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11
Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Triumph of the Gospel
Triumph of the Gospel
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;
but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.