People of Fellowship

Acts 2:41–47 KJV 1900

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Pre-Sermon Ice-Breaker

The story is told of two farmers, one positive and the other negative. They often would see things very differently. One day it rained the Positive farmer said, “Look how wonderful it is that God has provided this rain to water our crops.” The negative farmer said, “Yes, but if this keeps up all the crops will rot a the root.” On another day the sun shined bright and the Positive Farmer said, “Look at the beautiful sunshine God has given us to nourish our crops.” The negative farmer replied, “Yes, but if this keeps up the heat will burn our crops to a cinder.” One day the two farmers were out in a boat bird hunting together . A bird flew by and the farmer shot it and it fell in the water. The positive farmer had a new bird dog and said the the negative farmer watch this. The dog jumped out of the boat ran across the top of the water, picked up the bird, and ran back across the top of the water and put the bird in the boat. The Positive farmer said, “What do you think of that?” The negative farmer said, “I should have known it, that dog can’t even swim.”

Introduction

I wanted to share another word in sign-language with you today. You take two 10 hands. to make a 10 hand you make a fist and hold your thumb up like this. To make this word you will take the one 10 hand and turn it upside down and circle the thumb of the upside down hand around the thumb of the hand held upright. This is the word “fellowship” It is easy to remember because it pictures two fellows in a ship. This is a great tool for learning sign-language, but a lousy tool for learning theology or doctrine. Because Fellowship, Biblical Fellowship is so much more.

In our church building we have a room where we gather for , classes and meals. We call that room the “Fellowship” Hall. But if you think that all fellowship is , is gossip over donuts or handshakes over fried chicken you don’t understand this important Biblical truth. One of the themes we will explore in 2022 is Fellowship. We begin today by taking a look at our text in Acts 2:41-47 and observing the example of the earlier church. Here we see Fellowship in Action.

Luke, a physician and historian, is the acknowledged author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Both documents are addressed to a particular gentile, Theophilus (Lover of God) In Chapter 2 on the day of Pentecost Peter preaches a powerful evangelistic sermon and 3000 people come to Christ. It is here that Peter using precise language helps us see progressively the characteristics of Biblical Fellowship. Lets look at them together.

Body

I. Fellowship Begins with Salvation

Then they...

Acts 2:41 KJV 1900

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

John 1:12 KJV 1900

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

When we receive Christ we become part of a family, Be are a Child of God, a son, a daughter, an heir and a joint-heir.

Acts 11:1 KJV 1900

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

Romans 15:7 KJV 1900

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

II. Fellowship Continues with Discipleship

Acts 2:42–43 KJV 1900

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And They....

Fellowship - Koinonia is the Greek word used here it means common, community, communion, joint participation.

The four marks of a New Testament Church

The Apostles Doctrine

Fellowship

Breaking of Bread

Prayer

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Romans 1:12 KJV 1900

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Philippians 1:5 KJV 1900

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

III. Fellowship is Shared Together

Acts 2:44–45 KJV 1900

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Hebrews 10:25 KJV 1900

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Matthew 18:20 KJV 1900

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Mark 10:9 KJV 1900

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

IV. Fellowship Results in Gladness and Growth

Acts 2:46–47 KJV 1900

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

And they....

Acts 5:42 KJV 1900

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

You take two 10 hands. to make a 10 hand you make a fist and hold your thumb up like this. To make this word you will take the one 10 hand and turn it upside down and circle the thumb of the upside down hand around the thumb of the hand held upright. This is the word “fellowship” It is easy to remember because it pictures two fellows in a ship. This is a great tool for learning sign-language, but a lousy tool for learning theology or doctrine. Because Fellowship, Biblical Fellowship is so much more.

Fellowship Begins with Salvation - Have You been born again?

Fellowship Continues with Discipleship - Are you growing in HIm?

Fellowship is shared Together - Are you sharing Christ as a part of this body of believers”

Fellowship results in Gladness and Growth - Are you experiencing the joy that comes from seeing the Body Grow?

I don’t know know about you, but I am not satisfied with a handshake and a hot dog

. I want more out of my relationship with Jesus than this. I want something that will last and change me and the world in which I live. That comes with true authentic Fellowship.