Acts 2:42-47
Today's Passage: Acts 2:42-47
This is such an amazing passage to read and study. In it we see the birth of the movement called the church and we learn about some things that are supposed to define the local church
Praise God for the local church and all that God accomplishes in our lives through it! The local church is God’s plan to reach the world! It's the movement of Jesus.
Two misconceptions that we have to correct at the onset of studying the local church... two things we have made it that it is NOT:
1) We have made the local church more about content than community.
2) We have made the local church an event we attend over a movement we join.
We have to correct these. Though content is important... The church is community > content. Though it is something in our calendar.... The church is a movement we join > an event we attend.
The church is a VITAL part of following Jesus. Going to church does not make us forgiven - only Jesus can do that. But I cannot imagine growing in my faith in Jesus without prioritizing the investment and community of the local church.
The church is not God’s way of...
But the church is...
So what are some things we see as defining the local church in Acts 2:42-27?
1) Growth & Accountability (v.42-43)
They were devoted to the WORD of God and growth. This means they were devoted to holding each other accountable too!
2) Friendship (v.44)
They were friends! They had things in common! They were not the same. They were friends - because of Jesus.
3) A part of each others lives (v.45-46)
They worshiped together. They ate together. They were in each other’s homes. They knew each other’s needs.
We need to be careful... We do not need to or have to know everyone or have to. But we should know some people and some people should know us. Connect Groups and our ministries are vital for this!
4) Glad & generous hearts (v.46b-47a)
This does not mean they never faced hardship. This means that their joy was in Jesus. They supported each other and God’s mission.
5) A reflection of Jesus and Fruit (v.47)
They told people about Jesus. They saw fruit. God was moving there. We should see new life and life change in the church.
What a privilege it is to be a part of a church that is marked by those things! To those who are prioritizing the church and giving of their time and energy - THANK YOU! To those of us who need to - come join the movement! God’s plan to reach the world!
What sticks out to you today? Encourages you?
Written By: Nick Parsons
This is such an amazing passage to read and study. In it we see the birth of the movement called the church and we learn about some things that are supposed to define the local church
Praise God for the local church and all that God accomplishes in our lives through it! The local church is God’s plan to reach the world! It's the movement of Jesus.
Two misconceptions that we have to correct at the onset of studying the local church... two things we have made it that it is NOT:
1) We have made the local church more about content than community.
2) We have made the local church an event we attend over a movement we join.
We have to correct these. Though content is important... The church is community > content. Though it is something in our calendar.... The church is a movement we join > an event we attend.
The church is a VITAL part of following Jesus. Going to church does not make us forgiven - only Jesus can do that. But I cannot imagine growing in my faith in Jesus without prioritizing the investment and community of the local church.
The church is not God’s way of...
- Wasting our time.
- Ruining our schedules.
- Giving us another religious ritual.
But the church is...
- Relevant to our lives.
- A catalyst for growth & worship.
- Vital to our lives.
So what are some things we see as defining the local church in Acts 2:42-27?
1) Growth & Accountability (v.42-43)
They were devoted to the WORD of God and growth. This means they were devoted to holding each other accountable too!
2) Friendship (v.44)
They were friends! They had things in common! They were not the same. They were friends - because of Jesus.
3) A part of each others lives (v.45-46)
They worshiped together. They ate together. They were in each other’s homes. They knew each other’s needs.
We need to be careful... We do not need to or have to know everyone or have to. But we should know some people and some people should know us. Connect Groups and our ministries are vital for this!
4) Glad & generous hearts (v.46b-47a)
This does not mean they never faced hardship. This means that their joy was in Jesus. They supported each other and God’s mission.
5) A reflection of Jesus and Fruit (v.47)
They told people about Jesus. They saw fruit. God was moving there. We should see new life and life change in the church.
What a privilege it is to be a part of a church that is marked by those things! To those who are prioritizing the church and giving of their time and energy - THANK YOU! To those of us who need to - come join the movement! God’s plan to reach the world!
What sticks out to you today? Encourages you?
Written By: Nick Parsons
No Comments