Acts 2:42-47

 

Under normal circumstances, in which a global virus is not involved, some will often say that they can stay at home and study the Bible and worship God. My reply would be; I understand that you’ve never really studied the Bible then have you? God’s Word is full of examples in which Christians were identified with the local church. In fact one could not be identified with Christ apart from being identified and involved in a local church. All of Paul’s letters were written to local churches, signify that if one identifies with being born again in Jesus Christ, they must be involved in a local church! In today’s society many things compete with the local church such as, sporting events, recreation, and hobbies. In fact many people would consider that active involvement with a church is defined as attending one Sunday a month. It appears at times there is no thirst or thrust of commitment to the local gathering of believers. The book of Acts shows the birth of the New Testament Church, and the diagram from which we do a lot of ministry today. I want us to walk away today knowing just how extremely vital the gathering of God’s people really is.   

The Elements of Gathering (Acts 2:42)
 
  1. Devotion to the study of scripture. This would have been the gospels, Jesus’ words, the letter’s that were circulating, letter’s from Paul, Peter, James, and John. These would have also been the Old Testament law and the prophets, the first five books of the Bible, Psalms, Proverbs, and Isaiah. They would have acknowledged God’s hand in His Word, long before they were placed into an official capacity. Why is it important to study scripture pastor? Can’t I just know about Jesus and be fine? My answer is this; if you truly love someone, don’t you want to know everything about that person you possibly can? Don’t you want to know what pleases them, how you can be a servant. When the church gathers to study scripture, you ignite the powder keg of spiritual giftedness of the saints. There are some excellent teachers in this room that God has revealed the mysteries of the faith to. God’s chosen instrument for His glory is through His people! The Holy Spirit works through people, He works through you!
  2. Dedication to fellowship and accountability. Here are people who enjoyed being together. They were partners in spiritual and often times physical warfare. Some of the greatest friends of mine are those I’ve endured the scariest times of battle with. God has a way of shaping and molding our togetherness. Fellowship is the joyous result of a love for Christ and His people!
  3. Demonstration of observing the Lord’s Supper and to have fellowship meals.
  4. Determination to participate in the power of prayer. Prayer is as essential to the Christian as oxygen is for the human being.
 
The Efficiency of Gathering (Acts 2:43-46) The early church was the cornerstone of help! They cared for one another. They were very efficient.
 
  1. They possessed a healthy awe of God (v.43) This awe drove them to recognize the miracles God was doing through His people. God is efficiently and effectively working today, we just may not have the appreciation of His mysterious hand at work. “I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.” CH Spurgeon
  2. They portrayed unity (v.44) The word in verse 42 that signifies fellowship is the word koinonia in the Greek language. This is means that they shared. Unity doesn’t mean that they all operated like robots. They were all unique operating in their spiritual giftedness to fulfill the work of Christ. An orchestra is not 100 people playing trumpets, but a beautiful arrangement of several different instruments played at different times in different tunes for the same goal, to play the master’s music. I’m reminded of what Paul told the Corinthians. Paul talks about the church body working like a human body in 1 Corinthians 12:12 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” Each part of the body of Christ plays a role in Kingdom work according to Ephesians 4:11-13 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” We need one another! Christianity is meant to be done in community!
  3. They participated in servanthood (v.45) They helped meet the needs of the believers in the church. Some say this is communism, but it’s not. They voluntarily gave stuff away and sold stuff, this was not directed by the government or any church governing body. They were being obedient to the movement of the Holy Spirit. They continued to have possessions and to own homes.
  4. They promoted a life of genuine gratitude (v.46) They were thankful for physical nourishment and spiritual nourishment. If you’ve ever been on a mission trip to a third world country you’ll see the gratitude that believers have for the Word of God! They will walk several hours to come to church!
 
The Effectiveness of Gathering (Acts 2:47) God honors the work of His Bride
 
  1. An outwardly joyous church. They were outwardly attractive. People were likely wondering how and why they were so joyous
  2. An evangelistic church.
 
The writer of Hebrews gave us this charge for our good and Christ’s glory. Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Why should this be the cry of every Christian today? God has gifted each believer with a unique ability to minister, but they can only operate within the direction of the total body, the church, the bride of Christ. Jesus is the head of the church and we are His arms, legs, and feet. If we are not connected to the body, are we really connected to Christ? The Church is vital to our maturity as believers. If one never matures, were they born again in the first place? We must enjoy the church on this side of eternity. If we don’t we will never enjoy the gathering for Christ in eternity, that’s for sure!