Week of Prayer & Fasting, 25 30 October 2010 CONTINUING STEADFASTLY Prepared and presented by Pastor Emmanuel Mbakwe 25 October 2010 Continuing steadfastly ~ In Doctrine ~
Reading: Acts 2:42-47 CONTINUING STEADFASTLY Introduction Text: Acts 2:42a And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (KJV) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (NIV) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer (NLT) 2
Introduction Our theme for this season of prayer and fasting is best understood by asking the following question: How do you build an authentic New Testament Church that is missional, attractive and ultimately transformational? 3
Introduction A number of typologies used to describe the Church, for example: (i) Temple or Building (1 st Corinthians 3:16) (ii) Body (1 st Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:30; Romans 12:4-5) (iii) Army (2 nd Corinthians 10:3-5) (iv) Family (John 1:12-13; 1 st John 3:1-3) 4
Introduction Each of these constructs, whether physical or social / human, requires a framework, undergirding, a set of core values or ethos for effective functioning Every structure needs a foundation with the following characteristics: (i) deep; (ii) strong; (iii) balanced Foundation ensures strength, stability, cohesion, growth and progress 5
Background to our focus passage / text Upper Room tarrying period had culminated in the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church Peter s anointed preaching had brought conviction, with three thousand people added to the existing Holy-Ghost-filled one hundred and twenty believers The new converts needed to be taught, inculcated, developed, equipped and integrated for effective Christian living and service A strong foundation for the new community was required 6
Background to our focus passage / text This is about how to build a local Church community that is centred on Christ, committed to one another, united in purpose, prophetic in its worship and constant in prayer Shows us how a local Church can express its Spirit-filled community life in such a way that people from the wider community are attracted and the surrounding culture transformed 7
Four pillars of the early Church s foundation 1. Apostles Doctrine (Preaching / Teaching) 2. Fellowship (Community) 3. Breaking of Bread (The Lord s Supper / Eucharist) 4. Prayers (Thanksgiving, Petition, Supplication, Intercession) Focus on learning, worshipping, sharing / celebrating, praying Operative words continued steadfastly : persevere, repeat; regular, consistent, constant, hold fast, adherence listening, learning, putting into practice 8
Apostles Doctrine A body of beliefs, propositional truths, teachings or principles for living First twelve Apostles called, trained and commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations Doctrine would consist therefore of what the Apostles believed and taught - what they learned from Jesus, having seen Him say and do it Fundamentally about Jesus Christ is both the author and subject 9
Apostles Doctrine Old Testament prophetic promises of a Saviour- Redeemer of the world What did Jesus teach them? Essence of the gospel: Life (Acts 2:23); death (Acts 2:36; 3:6); resurrection (Acts 2:24; 2:36); ascension, intercession and imminent return of Jesus Exclusive focus on Jesus and a call to repent and turn to Him 10
Apostles Doctrine Essential truth: (i) Jesus is the fulfilment of the law; (ii) repent and surrender to Jesus as Saviour and Lord; (iii) the law of absolute love call to love for God and our neighbour; (iv) absolute faith / obedience; (v) absolute sacrifice Absolute allegiance to Jesus This is the first pillar of commitment to transformational community living absolute practical commitment to one person and His set of core values - Jesus 11
Apostles Doctrine No other God, no other King, no other Saviour, no other way (John 14:6) Willingness to die for the sake of Christ and His gospel (Romans 1:16) Doctrine is belief that informs behaviour; conviction that commands and controls conduct It s all about absolute loyalty to Jesus; anything else is false and leads to destruction 12
Benefits and outcomes 1. Growing / deepening reverence for God (Acts 2:43a) 2. Wonders and signs take place (Acts 2:43b) 3. Unity and mutual support within the Body (Acts 2:44-45) 4. Joyful sharing and simple living (Acts 2:46a) 5. Favour of the people around (Acts 2:46b) 6. Naturally supernatural numerical growth of the Church (Acts 2:47b) 13
Summary Every structure needs strong foundation The Church as God s temple, Body, army and family has four key basic foundations for transformational living and service Doctrine is foundational to effective local Church life Christian doctrine is a body of truth that is centered on Jesus as Saviour, Lord, and soon coming Judge and King and practically lived out Continuing steadfastly produces lasting spiritual benefits that affects the Church and transforms the spiritual landscape 14