The mighty Word of God
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when the Word is preached souls are saved
when the Word is preached souls are saved
The New King James Version (Chapter 2)
A Vital Church Grows
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 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.
The Teacher’s Bible Commentary (The Coming of the Spirit (Acts 2:1–41))
The disciples are together on the day of Pentecost when a rushing mighty wind fills the room. Fire-like tongues appear and the disciples receive the ability to speak in other tongues. Gripped by the power of the Spirit, they go forth to witness to the pilgrims from many nations gathered in the city. Peter’s sermon declares the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out his Spirit on all flesh. He declares that “Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, and whom God raised up, is the Chirst of God.”
Peter charges the convicted multitude to
(a) repent,
(b) accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord,
(c) be baptized, and
(d) receive the gift of the Spirit. Three thousand are converted and baptized.
what did the early church look like
The Christian community draws together in a common fellowship, teaching, praying, worshiping in the Temple and in homes, and sharing material resources.
The Tony Evans Study Bible (Chapter 2)
Q The growth and discipleship of the early church presented in Acts 2:42–47 is framed by the four vital experiences of worship, fellowship, education, and outreach. How do these experiences shape your approach to kingdom growth and discipleship in your own life and ministry?A I do believe that Acts 2 shows us the four critical experiences of the first New Testament church, experiences that should be integral to every church if it wants to have a well-rounded ministry in the personal development of its members.
1. The first vital experience of the church was worship, the recognition of God for who he is, what he has done, and what we are trusting him to do. God inhabits the worship of his people.
the church regularly prioritized worship, reflected in the breaking of bread (i.e., the Lord’s Supper) and prayer
The New King James Version (Chapter 16)
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
The New King James Version Chapter 3
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
2. Second, the church experienced fellowship, which describes believers’ connection with one another, their mutual sharing of the life of Christ with each other.
they devoted themselves to fellowship!!!!
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
3. there was education. These early Christians grew in the knowledge of the Word and the apostles’ doctrine. You can’t grow beyond what you know.
they had devotion to the apostles’ teaching. Thus, believers learned God’s perspective (based on his inerrant Word) on every matter so that they could obey him, experience spiritual growth, and make kingdom impact.
A disconnected Christian is a disobedient and unfruitful Christian. (2:42).
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
4. the church engaged in outreach. They were meeting peoples’ needs, and God was adding to the church daily.
they were engaged in evangelistic outreach because every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved (2:47). Everyone was involved in evangelism; they weren’t merely letting the apostles take care of it.
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
When those four components are engrafted into the life of the church and, therefore, engrafted into the individual lives of its members, their spiritual development will be well balanced, and growth will occur. With three thousand conversions to faith in Christ, the church was off to an amazing start.2:42–47
The early church was known for these four activities that should be foundational for every kingdom-minded local church.
worship
fellowship
doctrine
outreach