What Believers Do: We Gather

Introduction

Illustration

“What did you give”?

Series Recap

Transition to:

Text (Acts 2:42-47)

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. 43 Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Ac 2:42–47.

FOCUS: THE FELLOWSHIP

WHAT IS “THE FELLOWSHIP?”

Prayer

“Fellowship”

Koinonia

Most literally: a group that has something in common

An “association”.

Webster: a community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience.

Later, the term koinonia would also be used for the Lord’s Supper.

Today, we would call a fellowship a “community”

Community: a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society (Webster)

Just like “community” and “communion” sound the same because they have a common root, “fellowship” and “communion” sound the same in greek. They are the same word, but are used in some slightly different ways.

They all revolve around the idea of community: having something in common with others.

“The Fellowship” is the local community of people who are following Jesus.

A Christian Community

The early church was part of the society around it. They didn’t close themselves off from everyone else.

Different from other communities:

They gathered more often. “Day by day”.

They were open to outsiders. “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

They had a good reputation: “...and having favor with all the people.”

What do Christian communities do?

They gather.

This was different from other communities. Gathering was not a weekly or monthly thing. They gathered all the time. At the temple, in each others’ homes.

They gathered to hear and learn the scriptures.

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. Acts 5:42

Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 1 Tim 4:14

They gathered to worship and give thanks to God.

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,[d] singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:16-17

They gathered to pray.

When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. James 5:13-16

They gathered to give.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace 1 Peter 4:10

Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints, 26 because Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased, and indeed are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to them in material needs. Rom 15:25-27

They kept gathering.

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. Acts 20:7

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. Acts 5:42

Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not gather with me scatters. Matt 12:30

And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. Heb 10:24-25

BIG IDEA:

Jesus’ followers do life together. We gather to give.

Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you[l] pray for, it will be done for you[m] by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” Matt 18:19-20

So what?

Christians gather together.

To learn God’s word, to worship, and to pray.

To encourage and challenge one another.

To eat! To share and meet each others’ needs.

To celebrate and suffer together.

To love God and love one another together.

The church isn’t a building. The church is people following Jesus.

Being together physically is important. It’s how we obey Jesus.

Conclusion? What did you give?