God s Original Design for the Church: Part 2 Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV) Last week, I started a message that was taken from Acts 2. The focus was the early church the first church. I gave you four points taken from verse 42 Vs. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. The church was just birthed, 3,000 people had just put their faith in Jesus Christ, were baptized, and now were continuing in 1. The apostle s doctrine which meant they were a Bible believing church. 2. Fellowship which meant they were serious about significant relationships. 3. Breaking bread which meant they were a Christ-centered church. Jesus said when we come to the communion table to do that in remembrance of Him the focus being Christ and the cross. 4. Prayers which meant they were a praying church. Their relationship with Christ was not a onetime deal it was an everyday experience. This is God s original design for the church. It s not rocket science; it s a simple solution for success. It worked in that day and it continues to work in these last days. It s what we are about here at Wildwood. Now, we want to continue in our text because it doesn t stop at verse 42. I want to point out the fruit that comes from making verse 42 a part of what we do when we gather as a church Vs. 43 Then fear came upon every soul... 1. It was an awe-inspiring church. The transformation of an unbelieving heart has to be one of the most powerful things to watch God do. Copyright 2013 Chris Fraley 1
And here we read that the early church was awestruck with what God had done in their midst. There was a sense of fear and awe that God had shown up in a big way, and everyone knew it. Listen to what the psalmist says about fear The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. Psalm 111:10 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) That s what had taken place with the 3,000 people that day. I am sure many of them were there at Passover when the crowds were yelling, Crucify Him, and mocking Him as He hung on the cross. But now there is a holy fear a sense of awe. They were not awed by the church s programs or outreaches, it had nothing to do with anything human; there was a supernatural work taking place and everyone knew it. Vs. 43 and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 2. It was a supernatural church. We see this constant rhythm of the Holy Spirit working on and through the church. Signs and wonders did not have the wacky, weird label that it does today. Today, when we think of signs and wonders, we think of people swinging from chandeliers or people roaring like lions. We don t see that in the early church miracles were flowing in and through the church. We should not be afraid of signs and wonders it s evidence that He is alive and well. And it was not just for the apostles... Copyright 2013 Chris Fraley 2
So Jesus said to them, for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 (NKJV) And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Mark 16:17-18 & 20 (NKJV) Walk through the book of Acts and you will see over and over that signs and wonders were flowing through the church they even prayed that they would Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31 (NKJV) Vs. 44-45 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 3. They were a sharing church. There was a heart to meet one another s needs to let go of earthly possessions in order to meet those needs. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. Acts 4:32 (NKJV) But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully, will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a Copyright 2013 Chris Fraley 3
cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NKJV) It s one of the byproducts of having your residency in heaven you know you re not taking it with you, so it s not something you hold on to. You also start to take on the heart of Jesus. He was a giver, and so those who follow Him will be givers. They were willing to part with it so that the needs of others could be met. There was no fundraisers, no pledge drives, no pledge cards, no capital campaigns, or thermometers to guilt them. They had a heart to give for the furtherance of the kingdom. Vs. 46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God 4. They were a thankful church. That s what the grace of God does in our lives it makes us a grateful people. Realizing that we were in a pit and He pulled us up and out; realizing where we were headed in our sin and that God, in his great love for us, undeserving love, granted us forgiveness and heaven. Christians should be the most thankful of all people we going to heaven! in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) Now, I want to point out something here They gathered in the temple, but they also gathered in their homes. It s what we do here at Wildwood. Copyright 2013 Chris Fraley 4
There is a place for the large gathering, where the pastors instruct, where we pray and worship together. But just like the early church, there should also be an emphasis on the small group. Where we get to make significant relationships. If you feel lost at Wildwood, then get involved in a small group. You don t have to know everyone that attends I don t even know that! But if you know ten people that you are praying with, serving with, walking through the storms of life with, then you re going to feel at home here. The early church knew the importance of both gathering corporately and in small groups intimately. Vs. 47 and having favor with all the people. 5. They were an attractive church. The grace of God had made a great change in their lives, and others could look in and see it. When the grace of God has transformed our lives, it can be extremely attractive to those looking in. When I was in high school, one of my friends, one of my punker friends, came to Christ. It was amazing for me to look in at his life and see the transformation. He was one of those guys with the big anarchy sign on everything he owned. He had authority issues with everyone he came into contact, but after he gave his life to Christ, he totally respected authority he even esteemed those in authority. Though I was not all that interested in being under authority at that time in my life, I was blown away at how radical his transformation was. I was attracted most of all to what the Lord was to him, what the Lord did in him. And in time, I realized what he had was exactly what I needed in my own life. Vs. 47 And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. 6. They were a growing church. Copyright 2013 Chris Fraley 5
Here is God s prescription for church growth it wasn t slick, expensive, and well-rehearsed programs that added to the church. It was the Lord that added to His church. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV) It was a burden lifted when I really started to understand this. Growth was not the priority of the ministry you try and carry that burden and you will end up quitting the ministry; it s not for the pastors, nor for a church to carry. It s a work of the Holy Spirit to convict, to draw, and it s our privilege to give a platform for people to make a decision for Christ. I remember being a youth pastor, asking the senior pastor, Where would a person that does not know Christ be introduced to Christ? Where is there an opportunity for the lost to be saved? He could not answer those questions. It burdens me today that in so many churches there is no passion for the lost, there are no opportunities for the lost to be saved. Listen to what Jesus said Do you not say, There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! John 4:35 (NKJV) Then He said to His disciples, The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Matthew 9:37 (NKJV) The harvest is ripe and plentiful. Let s be committed to reaching it. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17 (NKJV) Copyright 2013 Chris Fraley 6