THE CHURCH PT#2 What the church should look like. This is the first time this word church is used in the bible. God is going to build HIS church..

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1 THE CHURCH PT#2 What the church should look like We started this mini-topical in Matthew 16:18 - This is the first time this word church is used in the bible. God is going to build HIS church.. Perfect time to talk about this, this being Jan. we have a new year ahead of us again. Good to make sure we are on the same page together THE WORD CHURCH The word church is from the Greek word ekklesia. Ekklesia is not a religious word as originally used among the Greeks. Ekklesia is a compound word meaning "ek, out of, and klesis, a calling" 1 to be CALLED OUT How church is not used- building, programs ect. Out of the 115 times "church" is used in the Greek New Testament, it never refers to the building in which the church meets. "Church" is also never used to denote denominations. While it is true that denominations, as such, did not exist in the First Century, "church" is not applied to unauthorized religious groups such as the Nicolaitanes, etc. (Rev. 2: 6, cf. vs. 1). ****IT IS GOOD TO NOTE THAT WE ARE NON-DENOMINATIONAL. Denomination Means. a religious organization uniting local congregations in a single legal and administrative body 2 In our bylaws read.. 1 (W.E. Vine, vol. 1 pg. 83). 2 Merriam-Webster, I. (1996, c1993). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. Includes index. (10th ed.). Springfield, Mass., U.S.A.: Merriam-Webster. 1

2 We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations. We do not, however, agree with the over-emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to division in the body of Christ. We do understand why denomination exist.. there is different beliefs on the nonessentials.. there is difference in how to baptize ect. A inner-denominational church is accepting all denominations.. these are not that common, they are found on military bases, universities ect. CALLED YOU OUT CALLED YOU IN-TO ( FAMILY ) ** we are family --- Bigger picture the body of Christ in all denomination Local church YOUR HOME CHURCH in that there are responsibilities. Within that family there is responsibilities.. COMMITMENT to each other.. talking about giving and serving.. always looking on how we can do better. SURVEY 300+ come in.. #1 issue was building and parking So together we are going to work on this.. In Bulletin put a number. This is how much we owe on this building million We are going to treat this like what we should be doing on our personal bills. Firing away on this.. Next week special offing to kick this off. I have asked the staff to lead by example in this had you turn to Eph. One of the scriptures that tells us what he church should be doing and what the local church show be about. What is should look like.. 2

3 TURN TO : Ephesians 4: And He Himself gave some to be apostles, its HE HIMSELF.. THIS IS GODS CHURCH- JESUS S CHURCH The Bible Says Jesus Is the Head of the Church. Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. This is HIS CHURCH.. and HE GIVES some to be leaders. GOD IS THE ONE THE PUTS LEADERS IN POSITION.. WE DON T CAMPAIGN FOR OURSELVES, Psalm 75:6 7 For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another. THIS IS GODS CHURCH AND HE PUTS THOSE IN POSITION IF WE LOOK TO HIM Gives this list. Paul would also say in.. 1 Corinthians 12:28 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Apostles and prophets The foundation has been laid, 3

4 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. The foundation- the apostles and prophets. Ephesians 2:20-22 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Here the church is described as a building, and the foundations is described as being the apostles and prophets. You will often read or hear from Bible- teachers pastors and teachers that we are not building the foundation anymore. We re about ready to put the roof on. The Lord Jesus is coming soon, so to maintain the structural illustration, it would be impossible to argue for a continuing foundational ministry for the apostles and prophets. On top of this you have the church some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, pastors and teachers it seems that in the Greek, these are meant to be a single type of gift, the pastor- teacher. pastors poimen a herdsman, a shepherd teachers didaskalos a teacher; one who explains the things of God to others. It is important to God that His people learn to hear and understand His Word. They understood that they were to oversee the people. Care for them,love them and also TEACH THEM.. The apostles understood this need in the church. As the early church began to grow, the apostles got busier and busier. They grew concerned that they were not able to spend the time doing the most important things. And so they asked the church to raise up helpers, deacons, servants to help with the work of the ministry. They said, (Acts 6:4 NKJV) "but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 4

5 Why are there office given.. FOR 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, why does he raise some up in the church. To be superstars? as leaders we have a job to do.. equipping katartismos complete furnishing, equipping; a pretty rare word in some ancient papyri it s used for house- furnishing ; a related word carries the meaning of training, disciplining, instructing; another similar word is used in Mat. 4:21 to describe the mending of nets. One ancient use was a medical usage, probably with the idea of making well. It s also found in Gal. 6:1 equipping καταρτισμός, οῦ, ὁ (s. prec. two entries; as medical term [Soranus 150, 8]: setting of a bone, etc. But more gener. PTebt 33, 12 [112 B.C.] preparation αὐλῆς; cp. CMRDM 1, 121 s. New Docs 3, 70, no. 42; PRyl 127, 28; Sym. Is 38:12 restoration ) ext. fig. sense (not found in ins or pap) equipment, equipping εἴς τι for someth. πρὸς τὸν κ. τῶν ἁγίων εἰς ἔργον διακονίας to equip God s people (lit. the holy ones ) for service Eph 4:12, though training, discipline (L-S-J-M) deserve consideration as glosses for κ. DELG s.v. ἀραρίσκω. M-M. TW. 3 prec. prec. = preceding Soranus Soranus, I II A.D. List 5 gener. gener. = generally PTebt PTebt = The Tebtunis Papyri List 4 cp. cp. = compare, freq. in ref. to citation fr. ancient texts CMRDM CMRDM = Corpus Monumentorum Religionis Dei Menis List 6 PRyl PRyl = Catalogue of the Greek Papyri in the John Rylands Library List 4 Sym. Sym. = Symmachus, Greek version of the OT List 2, beg., 5 ext. ext. = extension ins Ins, ins = Inscription, Inschrift, inscription(s). Without a period, esp. in lists, as at the beginning of entries; the capitalized form is used in titles. In conjunction with literary works this abbr. refers to the title or description of contents. pap pap = papyrus, -yri someth. someth. = something lit. lit. = literal(ly); literature (refererences to [scholarly] literature) L-S-J-M L-S-J-M = (L-S-J) HLiddell/RScott, A Greek-English Lexicon; New Edition by HSJones/RMcKenzie List 6 DELG DELG = PChantraine, Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque List 6 s.v. s.v. = sub voce (under the word, look up the word) 5

6 To equip the saints.. When Jesus rose from the dead and appeared on the shore to peter and the gang. He told peter to do what?? John 21:17 (NKJV) 17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep. 3 times he told him.. FEED MY SHEEP.. When Paul was giving his last conference to the elders in Ephesus. Acts 20:25 29 (NKJV) 25 And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Shepherd = feed How are we equipped, how are we fed. Little sermons by little pastors that are responsible. What is the equipping method that the bible gives us.. 2 Timothy 3: 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is M-M M-M = JMoulton/GMilligan, Vocabulary of Greek Testament Lists 4, 6 TW TW = Theologisches Wörterbuch zum NT; tr. GBromiley, Theological Dictionary of the NT List 6 3 Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed.) (526). Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 6

7 profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; the unity of the faith In Paul s day, the issue was the division between the Jews and the Gentiles within the church. One of the results of the ministry of apostles, prophets, etc. should be the unity of the church, the Jews and Gentiles accepting each other. In our day, the ministry of pastor/teachers ought to be instructing us towards the unity of the church, not the dividing of the church. We are part of the UNIVERSAL CHURCH!! We all believe in the same thing.. what is that.. next week. What do we need to believe in.. Apostle creed Maturity looks like unity, not looking the other way on sin but being patience with each other. to the measure of the stature helikia stature, i.e in height and comeliness of stature The Body of Christ needs to grow up to be mature, like Jesus. Ephesians 4:13 (ESV) 13 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, Ephesians 4:13 (NLT) 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. This is so much of our heart for the church. That we GROWN UP 7

8 This is why we talk straight on topic like giving.. serving. its time to grow, time to be mature. Our goal as Christians and as a church is to grow up. Paul called the Corinthians immature, carnal, babes. (1 Cor 3:1-4 NKJV) And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. {2} I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; Peter talks about the pure milk of the Word (1Pet. 2:2), but here the idea of milk is more like baby food in contrast with adult food. He s calling them babies. {3} for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? {4} For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? When my kids we little, in the swing. say DA DA.. that is awesome at 6 months or so.. Not 22 that would be tragic. Never grown. The word of God helps us grow.. When you grow up, know the word, know the one that loves you and saved you. Then.. 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, The Greek words Paul uses here speak of violent storms that toss boats around on the ocean. The thing that tosses immature Christians around is bad doctrine, bad teaching. Strange winds * shepherding movement. * holy laughter * Christians being demon possessed * Gospel of Judas ( lost books of the bible ) 8

9 This year we have this supposed new gospel of Judas which has popped up to tell us that Judas was really misunderstood and that he was really the good guy trying to help Jesus win freedom from his physical body. Divenchi code not Easily swayed. You find yourself looking for the latest thing in spiritual things. If it new it not true if its true its not new. 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head Christ Here s where Paul gives us some solid guidance on what helps us to grow up. There are two important words here: Truth. Love. Truth We have lots of things that we will call the Truth. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). The gospel - that Jesus died for our sins and that we can be forgiven and receive eternal life if we will trust in Jesus that too is the Truth. But I think it s much broader than that. I think that speaking the truth is a key to growing up. speaking the truth aletheuo to speak, tell, teach, or profess the truth. This word is based on the word for true, alethes, which literally means not hidden. Sometimes we have the notion that we can cover up the truth and that would be okay, just as long as we don t blatantly tell a lie. I m not sure that floats with this idea of truth, not being hidden. Love ἀγάπη agapē, ag-ah -pay; from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; spec. (plur.) a love-feast: (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love. 4 i.e. i.e. = that is spec. spec. = specific, specifically 9

10 Some people are good at speaking the truth. And they re constantly in your face reminding you of everything you ve ever done or said that was wrong. They seem to find it their calling in life to criticize and belittle everyone and everything around them. Paul uses that strange Greek word, agape, for love. The Greeks had other words for love, some describing human sexual love, others describing the love for family, another word describing the love of emotions and friendship. but none of these words quite described the kind of love that God has for us and that we ought to have for one another. And so we believe that Jesus and His disciples took an unknown word and gave it a depth of meaning to describe this love of God, and they used the word agape. Paul gave us the fullest definition: (1 Cor 13:1-8 NKJV) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. {2} And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. {3} And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. You may be good at speaking the truth. You may be good at speaking your mind, but if you don t do it in love, it doesn t do anyone any good. People don t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. So what is love? Is it having a physical attraction to someone? Is it having a warm feeling in your heart, a sentimental feeling about a person? Is it feeling good about a person? No. Paul then goes on to define what he means by love. {4} Love suffers long (or, is patient ) and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; {5} does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil (or, doesn t keep a record of wrongs ); {6} does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; {7} bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. {8} Love never fails We might think that some people are good at telling it like it is, but they do not communicate it with love. plur. plur. = plural 4 Strong, J. (1997). The new Strong's dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 10

11 We might look at others and think that they re good at loving people, but they don t always tell us what they need to tell us. Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy. Would you rather have your surgeon use a serrated bread knife or a sharp scalpel? Which one leaves a scar? Sometimes we might think that it doesn t matter how we say it as long as we say it. That s wrong. It does matter how we say it. The key to growing up is both speaking the truth in love. TRUTH WITHOUT LOVE IS BRUTALITY LOVE WITHOUT TRUTH IS HYPOCRISY 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. We are all a part of the body of Christ. And if I m following Paul correctly here, he is saying that two things cause the growth of the body. Jesus He s the head, the one from whom the whole body is grown up from. You you are a part of the body, and the body needs each of us to do our part to grow up. Be a part You and I are all parts of the Body of Christ. We all have different functions, but we re all important for the Body to work properly why are we here.. we are a equipping center what is our curriculum the bible how do we do it.. love 11

12 what is the results.. that we become mature one more place to go what he church needs to look like. What we need to be doing.. we learn from the early church TURN TO ; Acts 2: Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? There was the conviction. They realized that they had made a terrible mistake in crucifying God's promised Messiah. What shall we do? How shall we atone? What shall we do? It is fascinating to see what an incredible work of the Holy Spirit happened here. Peter offered absolutely no invitation, merely a declaration of truth, but the listeners themselves gave the invitation! Cut to the heart is a good way of describing the conviction of the Holy Spirit. They now knew that they were responsible for the death of Jesus (as each of us are), and that they had to do something about it. When God is working on someone s heart, they want to come to Him; they will act to come to Him. Perhaps that s why people are listening to this right now, because they want to come to God! Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit Now the word repent, originally, meant a change of thought or idea. Recognizing that my first thought was wrong. Rethinking the issue. But then the meaning became a little deeper. It was that of changing. Now you may realize that you are wrong, but you may go on doing the wrong thing. You may realize that is a wrong idea but you may 12

13 continue to follow it. So it is your pattern of life in consistency with your thinking. So having a change of mind which will bring a change of your life pattern. Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; Now Jesus said go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. So Peter said let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. So Peter said to them, repent, be baptized for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Repent, and let every one of you be baptized: Responding to the question, What shall we do? Peter gave them something to do. This means that we must do something to be saved, we must do something to follow Jesus; it doesn t just happen. Repent sounds like such a harsh word in the mouths of many preachers and in the ears of many listeners, but it is an essential aspect of the gospel. Repent has been rightly called the first word of the gospel For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call For the promise (what promise? The promise of Joel 2, that in the last days I will pour My Spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men shall see visions. Your old men shall dream dreams. Upon My servants and handmaidens, I will pour out My Spirit in that day says the Lord.) is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." That promise is to you and to your children and to those who are afar off even as many as the Lord our God does call. This promise of the power of the Holy Spirit is ours, who have been called by God and have submitted our lives to Jesus Christ. As many as the Lord our God shall call, the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit is to you! And we all need this power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives! Now how it will be manifested is up to the Spirit. Paul tells us the Spirit divides to each man concerning the gifts of the Spirit to each man, severally, each man, as He will. That is His category. His sovereignty in the giving forth of the gift. But Paul said covet earnestly the best gift and yet I will show you a more excellent way. Though I have all of these gifts and powers and abilities, if I don t have love, it becomes meaningless. So the supremacy of love and the fruit of the Spirit in my life, the real evidence of the Spirit in my life will be the love that flows forth out of my life. And if I don t have that love, though I may speak with tongues or work miracles or what ever else, I would have a great 13

14 difficulty in proving that I was genuinely filled with the Holy Spirit. The real evidence is this love working in and through our lives! The promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off: As they repented and demonstrated faith and obedience by baptism, the gift of the Holy Spirit would be given to them as it was given to the original group of disciples. Peter also specifically promised that the promise of the Holy Spirit would be given to those who believe in all succeeding generations (all who are afar off) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, Be saved from this perverse generation. 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers So the church began with a real bang! A good jump start as about three thousand people responded to Peter s invitation were baptized and going together with the church. Notice these are the activities of the early church. This is the pattern. This is the model. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine (This is, they got in and started studying the Scripture, now with a new insight, now knowing that Jesus is the Messiah. The Old Testament suddenly becomes alive because you can find Him throughout the whole Book. He is there. And thus it s exciting now to read the Old Testament and discover Jesus in the Old Testament!) and fellowship, (The word fellowship is koinonia, this beautiful family kind of a spirit and feeling where we, as the Body of Christ, recognize that we are all a part of one another. We begin to work together in unity, in harmony as the Body of Christ.) in the breaking of bread, (The taking of the broken bread and the cup together as they remembered the death of Jesus Christ and His suffering for us.) and in prayers. Four things, the study of the Word, the unifying in love, the breaking of bread together and praying. About three thousand souls were added to them: This day of Pentecost saw an amazing harvest of souls. The church went from about 120 people to 3,120 people in one day. 14

15 Think of how this touched lives. Many of the 3,000 were undoubtedly pilgrims who came to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost, expecting something special from God, but not expecting anything like this. Many in this crowd would eventually travel far from Jerusalem, back to their homes, taking the good news of Jesus Christ with them. Those who gladly received his word were baptized: Those who believed on Jesus that day did so gladly, even making a dramatic statement in baptism. They would not have submitted to baptism unless they were fully convinced of who Jesus was and their great need for Him as a Savior. The life of these first believers. How could you baptize 3,000 people? There were huge resources of water available on the temple mount, and pools and reservoirs nearby, so it was not difficult to find a place where the baptisms could take place. 1- They continued Steadfastly 4342 προσκαρτερέω [proskartereo /pros kar ter eh o/] v. From 4314 and 2594; TDNT 3:618; TDNTA 417; GK 4674; 10 occurrences; AV translates as continue four times, continue instant once, continue steadfastly once, attend continually once, give (one s) self continually once, wait on once, and wait on continually once. 1 to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one. 2 to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing. 3 to continue all the time in a place. 4 to persevere and not to faint. 5 to show one s self courageous for. 6 to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly. 5 Yes this word means to be steadfast, meaning not to give up. 3 to continue all the time in a place. 4 to persevere and not to faint. 5 to show one s self courageous for. 6 to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly. v v: verb TDNT Theological Dictionary of the New Testament TDNTA Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume GK Goodrick-Kohlenberger AV Authorized Version 5 Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship. 15

16 But is also means.. 1 to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one. 2 to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing. To be after it.. for God, not just hanging in there. They were steadfast, they were GOING FOR IT.. they were doing Christianity they were living it. They were walking it. Some of the translating say they DEVOTED THEMSELVES.. What are you devoted to. Sports.? job? family.. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching... Note carefully that this verse literally says, They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching. It is very important that we note this term continually devoting because it governs the other characteristics of the church where the Spirit reigns. It denotes a steadfast and singleminded devotion to a certain course of action. These 3,000 baby Christians were continually devoting themselves to God s Word as it came from the apostles. Think of those poor apostles there were only twelve of them. There must have been nights when they fell into bed thinking they could never utter another word. What did they teach? The epistles? The epistles had not been written yet. The Gospels? There were no written biographies of Christ at that time. What, then, did they teach? The Old Testament, the sayings of Jesus as they recalled them, the Sermon on the Mount, the final conversations in the Upper Room... These new Christians, under the reign of the Holy Spirit, were hungry for God s Word. And that is what they were fed. Why don t we see the power as in the book of acts.. How devoted are we??? apostles doctrine 16

17 They were diligent and constant inn their attendance upon the preaching of the word. They continued in the apostles doctrine, and never disowned nor deserted it; or, as it may be read, they continued constant to the apostles teaching or instruction; by baptism they were discipled to be taught, and they were willing to be taught. Note, Those who have given up their names to Christ must make conscience of hearing his word; for thereby we give honour to him, and build up ourselves in our most holy faith. 6 THEY CONTINUED * IN * these things. To stay in the word of God.. When the church was young and so many were coming to Jesus, the disciples decided to raise up faithful men.. reason they said Acts 6:2-4 (NKJV) 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Now when Church were planted to the elders that were to rule over the fellowships they were to be "able to teach" Paul s letters to his protégés Timothy and Titus also reflect the priority of preaching the Word. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching (1 Tim. 4:13). I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction (2 Tim. 4:1 2). An elder must be one who holds fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict (Titus 1:9). The content for the church is clearly to be revealed truth. God designed the church to be a place where His Word is proclaimed and explained. Paul mandates such a priority all through the Pastoral Epistles, where he described the ongoing process to Timothy when he wrote, 6 Henry, M. (1996, c1991). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Ac 2:42). Peabody: Hendrickson. 17

18 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2). A commitment to the apostles' teaching is foundational to the growth and spiritual health of every church. Peter wrote, Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (1 Peter 2:2). One of the focuses of the early church was Teaching the Word.. Expostory Preaching and teaching.. When Paul was leaving the leaders for the last time in Miletus ACTS 20 - "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men FOR I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God" All of it.. 3- fellowship Fellowship (κοινωνιᾳ [koinōniāi]). Old word from κοινωνος [koinōnos] (partner, sharer in common interest) and this from κοινος [koinos] what is common to all. This partnership involves participation in, as the blood of Christ (Phil. 2:1) or co-operation in the work of the gospel (Phil. 1:5) or contribution for those in need (II Cor. 8:4; 9:13). Hence there is wide diversity of opinion concerning the precise meaning of κοινωνια [koinōnia] in this verse. It may refer to the distribution of funds in verse 44 or to the oneness of spirit in the community of believers or to the Lord s Supper (as in I Cor. 10:16) in the sense of communion or to the fellowship in the common meals or ἀγαπαε [agapae] (love-feasts). 7 COMMUNITY DOING LIFE TOGETHER.. 7 Robertson, A. (1997). Word Pictures in the New Testament. Vol.V c1932, Vol.VI c1933 by Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. (Ac 2:42). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems. 18

19 The basic meaning of koinōnia (fellowship) is partnership, or sharing. Those who receive Jesus Christ become partners with Him and with all other believers (1 John 1:3). That fellowship is permanent, because our shared eternal life is forever. The joy associated with it, however, may be lost through sinful neglect of its duties. Importance of the local church. "we are going to have church at home" For a Christian to fail to participate in the life of a local church is inexcusable. In fact, those who choose to isolate themselves are disobedient to the direct command of Scripture. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. The Bible does not envision the Christian life as one lived apart from other believers. All members of the universal church, the body of Christ, are to be actively and intimately involved in local assemblies. 8 FELLOWSHIP WITH EACH OTHER FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD κοινωνία [koinonia /koy nohn ee ah/] n f. From 2844; TDNT 3:797; TDNTA 447; GK 3126; 20 occurrences; AV translates as fellowship 12 times, communion four times, communication once, distribution once, contribution once, and to communicate once. 1 fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse. 1A the share which one has in anything, participation. 1B intercourse, fellowship, intimacy. 1B1 the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in 8 MacArthur, J. F. (1994). Acts. MacArthur New Testament commentary (Ac 2:43). Chicago: Moody. n n: noun or neuter f f: feminine TDNT Theological Dictionary of the New Testament TDNTA Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume GK Goodrick-Kohlenberger AV Authorized Version 19

20 fulfilling the apostolic office). 1C a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship. 9 Koinonia is also translated Communion 4 times - 1 John 1:7 (NKJV) 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Walking (Gr peripateō) is the regular metaphor for living or conducting one s life in these epistles 10 How do we walk in the light, walk in his given word.. One of the main thing in FOLLOWING JESUS is don t that very thing breaking of bread The breaking of bread (τῃ κλασει του ἀρτου [tēi klasei tou artou]). The word κλασις [klasis] is an old word, but used only by Luke in the N.T. (Luke 24:35; Acts 2:42), though the verb κλαω [klaō] occurs in other parts of the N.T. as in verse 46. The problem here is whether Luke refers to the ordinary meal as in Luke 24:35 or to the Lord s Supper. The same verb κλαω [klaō] is used of breaking bread at the ordinary meal (Luke 24:30) or the Lord s Supper (Luke 22:19). It is generally supposed that the early disciples attached so much significance to the breaking of bread at the ordinary meals, more than our saying grace, that they followed the meal with the Lord s Supper at first, a combination called ἀγαπαι [agapai] or love-feasts. There can be no doubt that the Eucharist at this period was preceded uniformly by a common repast, as was the case when the ordinance was instituted (Hackett). This led to some abuses as in I Cor. 11:20. Hence it is possible that what is referred to here is the Lord s Supper following the ordinary meal. To simply explain τῃ κλασει του ἀρτου [tēi klasei tou artou] as= The Holy Communion is to pervert the plain meaning of words, and to mar the picture of family life, which the text places before us as the ideal of the early believers (Page). But 9 Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the test of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (G2842). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship. 10 KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 20

21 in Acts 20:7 they seem to have come together especially for the observance of the Lord s Supper. Perhaps there is no way to settle the point conclusively here. 11 Their fellowship was symbolized by obedience to the spiritual duty of the breaking of bread, a reference to the celebration of the Lord s Supper, or Communion. This duty is not optional, since our Lord commanded it of every believer (cf. 1 Cor. 11:24 29). In Communion, all believers meet on common ground at the foot of the cross (Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:20), since all are sinners saved by the grace of God in Christ. Communion acknowledges the wondrous work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. Communion further exemplifies the unity of believers, since in it all partake together symbolically of the same Lord (Eph. 4:5). Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:16 17, Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. Communion calls for self examination and purging of sin, thus purifying the church. Nothing is more vital to the church s ongoing, regular confrontation of sins in the lives of its people than the thoughtful expression of devotion to the remembrance of the cross. (For an indepth discussion of the Lord s Table, see 1 Corinthians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary [Chicago: Moody, 1984], 265ff.) 12 It can be confusing. was it breaking bread together in a meal or in communion. BOTH, in the early church that is exactly what they did. They ate together and in that time they had communion. 5- prayer The prayers (ταις προσευχαις [tais proseuchais]). Services where they prayed as in 1:14, in the temple (Acts 3:1), in their homes (4:23). IT WAS A PRAYING CHURCH to prayer (2:42e) 11 Robertson, A. (1997). Word Pictures in the New Testament. Vol.V c1932, Vol.VI c1933 by Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. (Ac 2:42). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems. cf. confer (Lat.), compare 12 MacArthur, J. F. (1994). Acts. MacArthur New Testament commentary (Ac 2:43). Chicago: Moody. 21

22 The first fellowship was eagerly and persistently engaged in the critical duty of prayer. Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscles of omnipotence. Understanding the sense of loss His disciples were feeling as they anticipated His leaving, the Lord Jesus Christ had promised in John 14:13 14 that whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. The early church took that promise as the source of God s provision for all their needs, and they relentlessly pursued divine help. The prayer in view here is not only that of individual believers but of the church corporately (cf. 1:14, 24; 4:24 31). Sadly, prayer is much neglected in the church today. Programs, concerts, entertainment, or the testimonies of the rich and famous draw large crowds. Prayer meetings, on the other hand, attract only the faithful few. That is undoubtedly the reason for much of the weakness in the contemporary church. Unlike the early church, we have forgotten the Bible s commands to pray at all times (Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:11), and to be devoted to prayer (Rom. 12:12; Col. 4:2). The first fellowship knew the critical importance of pursuing spiritual duties. They knew the church must be made up of saved individuals, devoted to studying the Word, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Those elements are the unique expressions of the life of the church. They are the means of grace by which the church becomes what God wants it to be. 13 Handout on prayer.. fasting in prayer.. One of the most important, we have that living relationship with Jesus. When Jesus taught us to Pray- OUR FATHER MY FATHER.. there is a love relationship. Jesus said: John 4: But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. Worship = to turn toward and to kiss, cf. confer (Lat.), compare 13 MacArthur, J. F. (1994). Acts. MacArthur New Testament commentary (Ac 2:43). Chicago: Moody. 22

23 when is the last time that you worship him, not lord can you help me with this or that, but to really worship him, to come close and be intimate with him. God desires that we would have that intimate relationship with him. Raise our hands, Daddy hold, When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, Our father. this was radical, to say God is your father. that is radical so the church was about feeding from the word of God, community, communion remembering what Jesus did for us and praying together. 23