Turning The World Upside Down: A New Life Started: Acts 4:42-47

I. New Teaching vs. 42a

A. This teaching (the apostles doctrine) was new because no one heard it before. That means that Jesus taught the disciples, and now the disciples were teaching the church.

Mark 4:34 NASB95

and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.

B. So they continually devoted themselves to the apostles doctrine. While singing, and other things are good, preaching is essential. (Alvin answering Glenn about “we just had church” ex).

II. New Worship vs. 42b-43

A. They devoted themselves not only to teaching, but worshipping together. We need each other. There is no such thing as a lone ranger christian. This is the first time koinonia is used. They were called out together.

Hebrews 10:25 NASB95

not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

B. Breaking of bread would be the Lord’s supper. They kept Christ’s sacrifice ever before them.

C. They prayed together. Prayer is our lifeline to God. It also gives us hope and strength. Prayer permeates this book.

D. The church was in awe of what was happening. This should be what happens to us. That is being constantly in awe from God answering prayer. We have not, because we ask not.

James 4:3 NASB95

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

III. New Family vs. 44-47

A. It means that even though they were different, they came together at the foot of the cross, so they didn’t mind their differences. This is what happens when a whole body of believers are Spirit filled.

B. They sold their extra, and gave to those who needed it, this is not communism. (Jack giving Kim a truck ex)

Acts 5:3–4 NASB95

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

C. They were united in formal worship.

D. As well as informal worship. You really get to know people when you eat with them, and are over at their house.

E. They were evangelistic. What would Cedar Grove look like if we witnessed like this?