the acts 2 church acts: the unfinished story of the church series [7] acts 2:42-47

The Acts 2 ChurchThe Acts 2 Church

Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [7]Church Series [7]

Acts 2:42-47Acts 2:42-47

THE FOUR PULSATING WORDS: LESSONS FOR OUR WAY OF LIFE

• “Devote” (v.42): Four commitments that never stopped. Gk. proskartereó means to attend constantly

which implies a willful ongoing effort. It points to our need for FOUR ESSENTIAL

PRACTICES as the church.

• “Awe” (v.43): Fear of the Lord in the center of all. They were awestruck by the Spirit’s work and

had a vertical orientation. It points to our need for GOD-CENTEREDNESS in

all things.

THE FOUR PULSATING WORDS: LESSONS FOR OUR WAY OF LIFE

• “Together” (vs. 44,46): A communal way of life and care.

They experienced life-together organically as a spiritual community.

It points to our need for INTERDEPEDENCE as the body of Christ.

• “Day by Day” (vs. 46,47): A holistic approach to faith and life.

Their spiritual life was not compartmentalized but an everyday life experiencing joy and love for one another.

It points to our need for HOLISTIC LIVING as authentic community.

THE FOUR ESSENTIAL PRACTICES: LESSONS FOR OUR DEVOTION

1) “The Apostles’ Teaching”: Devote to SCRIPTURE as the church’s foundation.

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of

the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

Ephesians 2:19-20

We are to build the church on Scripture—the sound doctrine of the Apostles’ teaching (i.e., true gospel/Jesus).

Scripture is the source where we get vision/direction—it is the supreme authority that shapes the church.

This first essential practice must be our beginning point of our church life as a biblically functioning community.


2) “Fellowship”: Devote to communal sharing in FERVENT LOVE for one another.

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (vs. 44-45)

Gk. koinonia means “sharing in common”—their common sharing their experience of the Triune God.

Their motivation was overflowing fervent love for another—it was not communism but communalism of love.

This second essential practice must be our mark as a Christ’s community in which we love one another as Christ loved us.

“Look," they say, "how they love one another" (for they themselves hate one another);

"and how they are ready to die for each other" (for they themselves are readier to kill each

other).Tertullian, the second century Church

Father/Historian


3) “Breaking of Bread”: Devote to WORSHIP in everyday life as well as in gatherings as Christ’s community.

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles… 46 And day by day, attending

the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food

with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (vs. 43, 46-47)

The breaking of bread may mean both two things: (1) The Lord’s Supper and (2) common meal sharing.

Whenever they met, they met/experienced God (worship); subsequently, the church grew in number and favor.

This third essential practice must be our central practice as a worshipping church whose fear of the Lord is alive and real.


4) “The Prayers”: Devote to prayer as an essential way of SPIRIT-DEPENDENCE.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col. 4:2, NIV)

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance,

making supplication for all the saints. (Eph. 6:18)

In essence, their spiritual vitality and power was a result of the outpouring/filling of the Holy Spirit.

How do we keep dependent on the Spirit so we can be continuously filled by his power? Through praying!

This fourth essential practice must be our open-secret of relentless and utter dependence on the power of the Spirit.

The Validity of Our Christian Good NewsUnless there is a transformation of contemporary church life so that once again the task of evangelism is something which is seen as incumbent on every baptized Christian, and is backed up by a quality of living which outshines the best that unbelief can muster, we are unlikely to make much headway through techniques of evangelism. People will not believe that Christians have the good news to share until they find that bishops and bakers, university professors and housewives, bus drivers and street corner preachers are all alike keen to pass it on, however different their methods may be. And they will continue to believe that the Church is an introverted society composed of ‘respectable’ people and bent on its own preservation until they see in church groups and individual Christians the caring, the joy, the fellowship, the self-sacrifice and the openness which marked the early Church at its best.

- Michael Green

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

1. Among the four pulsating words for a vital church, which one challenges you most? What will you do?

1. In what ways can you devote yourself more to the four essential practices of a vital church (Scripture/teaching, sharing/loving, worshipping, & praying)?

1. In light of today’s text, what do you sense as our church’s growth need? What is your first step in contributing to our church’s growth need?

COME OUT TO THE “PREP/WORK DAY”!!!

March 24th & 31st (Saturdays): 9am - 12noon

The renovation is 99% done!!! Bring anything you can donate (toys,

play mat, children’s books, sofa, microwave, fridge, etc.).

WE NEED YOU—bring some cleaning tools and gloves, and work on preparing our new facility (cleaning windows, organizing the kitchen & storage area, making signs/décor, etc.).

To celebrate, we will have adult services there on April 1st & EASTER Sunday (4/8)!

Be a part of our new beginning!

CENTRAL HOMEGROUP GATHERING!

Tonight @5pm [in Santa Ana/Tustin]

ALWAYS OPEN to ALL! Come and experience the

heart of the CrossWay community!

We are continuing our Genesis study on “the Life of Joseph” tonight.

For more information or directions, contact contact Kate at 714.542.2844.

EASTER & NEW FACILITY CELEBRATION

Sunday, April 8th @10am Celebrate the Risen Lord &

God’s provision for our new facility!

A Special Easter Message, CrossWay Story, Potluck lunch, & much more…

Good Friday Service will be on April 6th @ 7:30pm.

Invite Your Unchurched Friends!

UPCOMING PRAYER MEETINGS

Join in your area biweekly on Tuesdays @8pm!

4/3: [NORTH] Steve & Taylor’s Place (in Buena Park)

4/17: [CENTRAL] Paul & Kate’s Place (in Santa Ana)