A New Testament Church

Acts 2:41–47 NKJV

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.

Introduction

Why Today’s Church Has So Little Impact

Too many spectators

most people in church these days are being entertained

more interested in being fed than helping feed

More interested in methods than message

Too concerned about public image

Most of today’s churches are careful not to offend

careful to stay in step with what is popular in the culture

avoid the things that make people uncomfortable

More concern for the lots than the lost

perhaps the greatest tragedy in the entire history of the church is the mega church movement

the bigger the church, it seems, the more likely it is to preach a message to itching ears -

a powerless gospel that moves bodies but not hearts

attracts crowds but not souls

The New Testament Church Was Different and Dynamic

What Made the New Testament Church Different?

Body

Its Efforts in Evangelism (v. 41)

Three thousand converts at Pentecost

This the work of 120 believers

They were all witnessing as commanded (Acts 1:8)

They cared whether or not others went to hell

they cared whether or not Jesus Christ was glorified

Evangelism largely forgotten now

Not many win others to Christ

Few churches hold evangelistic meetings

Most of what is called “evangelism” these days is really membership drives, or club building

In fact, most churches think that by increasing attendance they have increased salvation

We have settled for lesser causes

Being nice, having happy marriages, well behaved kids, doing good in school and success at work - these all pass for Christianity

The world needs the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:3–4)

It is the power of God unto salvation - not an ice cream social

The gospel alone has the power to change men’s hearts - are we preaching it!

men must repent and be saved - there is no other way t heaven

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 NKJV

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

Let’s respond to that need

Its Wonderful Worship (v. 42–46)

They continued steadfastly:

In studying the Word of God

continued in doctrine - this still matters today

In loving the people of God

fellowship - being together - part of one another’s lives

In sharing the table of God

eating together - and sharing their food

In lifting their prayers to God

praying together is still an important part of church

Not formalistic but fiery and faith-building

they were not focused on some formal code - but on a living relationship

Not ritualistic but spiritually refreshing

they were not empowered by some vain ritual - but by the life giving Spirit

“Fear came on every soul”

their worship included a reverence for God - and actual fear of displeasing or ignoring Him

this is so lost in today’s church culture -

in fact, most so called Christians today have no fear of God at all

Mistaken ideas about worship

That it must be filled with ceremony

That it must be characterized by silence

Worship can include praising, singing, sharing (Eph. 5:19)

Ephesians 5:19–20 NKJV

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Its Fantastic Fellowship (v. 44–47)

They loved one another

They cared for people more than things

They responded to crises in each other’s lives

had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

They put away all divisions

If we could be in unity - there is nothing we cannot do

They were all of one accord

No wonder the church exploded in growth

Conclusion

The Testimony of the Church (v. 47)

It had favor with all the people

The public noticed its daily growth

the public notices the growth of today's churches also - but its a different kind of growth -

the growth of past awakenings was noticed in a different way

Evangelism—Worship—Fellowship

How do we measure up?

How can we become more like the New Testament Church?