The Gospel Driven Church Message 4

Upon this Rock

The First Days of the Church

Message 4

The Gospel Driven Church

Acts 2:42-47

Me:

That first church

a. What was is like?

i. I’m really curious about it.

ii. My original plan was to be a house church

b. Notice a couple of passages

Acts 2:46 NLT

46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—

Acts 5:42 CSB

42 Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

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The believers were driven by the gospel

i. The good news that Jesus was crucified for their sins and rose again from the dead and gained victory over death

We:

The modern church

a. A lot has changed

i. It’s really amazing to think about the journey

b. The message hasn’t changed

i. What’s really amazing is that it’s still the same message

ii. I think the lesson is that the methods change but the principles have not.

iii. It’s good to remind ourselves

iv. The bible is our best teacher

v. I have 6 principles

God:

The Gospel Driven Church

A blueprint for a thriving church

Acts 2:42–47 NIV

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1. Worship

i. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity

ii. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.

iii. Cheap worship

2. Prayer

i. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

ii. We cannot fail at this

iii. Pray as if your life depends on it

3. Discipleship

i. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching

ii. So important

iii. Biblical illiteracy is happening at an alarming rate

4. Fellowship

i. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

ii. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.

iii. 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.

iv. If the pandemic has taught us anything…

5. Ministry/Missions

i. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

ii. If you come to Grace to sit and soak you are at the wrong church.

6. Telling your story

i. 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

ii. A gospel driven church shares the gospel

iii. Tell your story invite people

You:

What can you do?

Isn’t that the preacher job?

i. The modern church thinks this

ii. God has called everyone to the of ministry

b. Make a commitment

i. Focus on all six

ii. Begin with worship

iii. So no to cheap worship

c. Don’t just go through the motions

v. Come into God’s house with a since of awe

vi. With prayer on your lips

We:

I heard a rumor

a. Some juicy gossip

i. “We will outgrow this church in 5 years”

Seems impossible

ii. 4 years ago, On the first Sunday in June, we had 3 people that meet in our living room

iii. Oh ye of little faith

b. I enjoy God working in our life

i. But we have to adjust our life to God’s work

ii. God will not come and do our plans

What adjustment do you need to make in your life?