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Working out the 3 Working out the 3 challenges through the challenges through the example of the early example of the early church church

Acts 2.42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts.

The early church experienceThe early church experience

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts., praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2. 42-47

AV- ‘they continued steadfastly’

determination to persevere towards goal

idea of commitment and purpose

attitude must be right - putting God first

They devoted themselves...They devoted themselves...

Putting God first requires a knowledge of God – who He is and His plans and purposes.

These are revealed through the Word and the Spirit.

The OT was coming alive for them as they understood it in the light of Jesus as Messiah

Think about that Emmaus Road experience – ‘beginning with the prophets...’ Luke 24.27

We need to create opportunities to devote ourselves to hearing and responding to what the Bible says... Sundays, homegroups....

Teaching...Teaching...

This is the first time of 19 in the NT when the word Koinonia is used – no real translation but means to share

Community (Common Unity) - serving others for the common good

Neighbour – one who is near through actions and attitude. The example of the Good Samaritan.

Ekklesia – gathering of people – to build each other up ‘strive to bless someone’ R.Müller

Fellowship...Fellowship...

Nehemiah 3 – communities building wall. ‘It’s all about living within that sense of a

joint enterprise, a family business in which everyone has a proper share and a proper place.’ T. Wright

This links to the ‘body’ idea of 1 Corinthians where◦ no one is more or less important and, ◦ everyone is needed

Communion – why? ◦ Command of Jesus – ‘Do this...’◦ Presence of Jesus - he was recognised by them

when he broke the bread Luke 24.35

BUT also...

Meals with each other..they met in each others houses and ate with each other v46

Breaking of BreadBreaking of Bread

Discipline of Jewish prayers – 3 times a day Daniel 6.10

In Acts 3.1 Peter and John were going to the Temple at the time of prayer (afternoon)

Dynamic in prayer. T Wright, ‘We are called to live at the overlap both of heaven and earth...’◦ Our Father in heaven....Thy kingdom come...’

Be prepared for earthquakes! Acts 4.31’

The PrayersThe Prayers

Full of awe = WOW not woe!

Signs and wonders

Sense of community .. Meeting needs

God provides the growth

Results ...Results ...