Church on Fire

Acts 2:42-47 “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.”

I. Intro

Two thousand years ago, a spark was ignited and Christianity was born. It spread like a wildfire across Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and around the entire world. Every church says they want to be on fire for God, but aren’t willing to be on fire for God. Why are our churches today or Christians for that matter not on fire for Jesus? Do we think we don’t need to be set on fire? Do we think the level of fire we currently have for God is sufficent? Has there been a time in your life where you were closer to God or more on fire for God than you currently are? Let’s be honest here. What about when you got saved? Think back to the day when you life and mind was transformed. Your life was changed forever. Are you as much on fire today as you was that day? What has extinguished your fire for Christ? How do you rekindle that fire? We will cover all this in this message, but first let me catch you up on the context of this passage. Held 50 days after Passover, Pentecost was also called the Festival of the First Harvest. Jesus was crucified at Passover time, and He ascended 40 days after His ressurrection. The Holy Spirit came 50 days after the ressurrection. Jews of many nations had gathered together in Jerusalem for this festival. Thus, Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:14 “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:” was given to an international audience, and it resulted in a worldwide harvest of new believers. God made his prescence known to this group of believers in a spectacular way-roaring wind, fire, and the Holy Spirit. Would you like God to reveal Himself to you in such a recognizable way? Christianity is not limited to any race or group of people. Christ offers salvation to all people without regard to nationality. When the gathered crowd recognized that something supernatural was taking place, they naturally wanted an explanation. At this point, Peter stepped forward and explained the truth about God. This should be the pattern in our lives as well. Hopefully we are living in such a way that people will see Christ in us.

II. Why are churches not on fire for Jesus?

God’s Word doesn’t pierce our hearts anymore.

The word ‘pierce’ (chepher) [khay-fer] simply means “a pit or shame.”

Hebrews 4:7 “Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

Fear of God is abscent in churches today.

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

We wonder why churches today are dead and closing its doors, and missing out on the blessings of God.

III. Four Ingredients of a church on fire

Biblical Teaching and Preaching (v. 42)

The pattern of the early church is to be continually devoting themselves to biblical teaching and preaching.

The word translated ‘devoting’ (proskartereo) [pros-kar-ter-eh-o] means to be constantly diligent.

Not only attending church when you feel like it, every blue moon, or once a year on Easter or Christmas.

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

Too many preachers and pastors today are teaching their doctrine, and not the doctrine of God’s Holy Word.

Biblical Teaching and Preaching contributes to the spiritual growth of every Christian, no matter your spiritual birthday. But you must DEVOTE yourself to attending faithfully.

Fellowship (v.42)

1 John 1:3 “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

Fellowship with fellow believers is a command from Christ.

Jesus had fellowship with His disciples.

The NKJV says ‘steadfastly’ in doctrine and fellowship.

Not only are we to continue in fellowship with fellow believers, but also fellowship with Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Christ Centered Worship (v. 42)

“Breaking Bread” is an early church way of referring to the Lord’s Supper. They followed and practiced this ordinance frequently.

We only do the Lord’s Supper quarterly, and some churches a lot less frequently than that. But the early church did it most likely every day!

Cities have food and blood banks. They are designed to help others live. Although these banks are set up to collect, they are not designed to simply hoard and store. The resources they gather help people to live-either by the infusion of food or by the infusion of nutrients from blood. God has saved and blessed Christians so that we can share the blessings God has given us with others.

Fervent Prayer (v. 42)

Immediately, the church is born, and just as a newborn child spontanousely begins to breath, and inhale oxygen so the new church reflexively began to pray.

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

Prayer is a Christian’s lifeline to god.

Illustration on communication.

V. Conclusion

Along the California coastline, there are some of the largest living organisms on the planet-Redwood trees. The redwoods are 300 feet high, and up to 40 feet around. Some of them have been there for over 250 years. They are a magnificent sight. The trees are so massive because they only grow in groves and their roots intertwine underneath the ground. No intertwining, no growth. No connectedness, no growth.

the early church was the model for which we must follow if we want our church to be on fire for God. If we want our nation to have a Great Awakening, it starts with the church. Don’t think our church is too small to accomplish this. It starts with repentance, and the Holy Spirit can use us if we are willing. But we must be sincere in our hearts.