What Does The Book Say? What Does The Church Do? Acts 2:42

I. The Church Teaches vs. 42a

A. They devoted to the preaching and teaching of the Word. They couldn’t get enough of it. Why? They knew that it contained the Words of life. John 6:68

John 6:68 NASB95

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.

B. This was not an entertainment for them, but necessary in order to grow in their relationship with Jesus. II Tim. 3:16-17

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NASB95

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

C. It’s necessary for salvation. While people can be saved anywhere and a variety of ways, the gospel must be presented, that is spoken. I Cor. 1:21

1 Corinthians 1:21 NASB95

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

D. Without the preaching of the Word, you have a religious country club, where politics, tradition, opinions rule the day, instead of Jesus.

II. The Church Fellowships vs. 42b

A. They liked being together. It wasn’t regulated to a service time. Adults still segregate to their own families.

B. They ate together! Acts 2:46

Acts 2:46 NASB95

Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

C. They had communion to celebrate and remember Christ’s sacrifice.

III. The Church Prays vs. 42c

A. They prayed. Together, and separately. (Prayer ministry ex)

B. Prayer changes things, sometimes it changes you.

C. Powerful, persistent prayer leads to power in every walk of life! “Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time”_ Charles Stanley Jam. 5:13-18

James 5:13–18 NASB95

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.