New Year, Same Mission_Acts

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) The Local Church: Minimum vs. Maximum

I would define a local church like this: a local church is a group of baptized believers who meet regularly to worship God through Jesus Christ, to be exhorted from the Word of God, and to celebrate the Lord’s Supper under the guidance of duly appointed leaders.

Seven Minimum Requirements of Church

Believers - in the gospel of Christ

Act 2.44 “44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”

Jhn 1.12-13 “12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Baptized - a public profession of faith

Act 2.41 “41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

Matt 28.19 “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

Regularly Assembling Together

Act 2.46 “46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,”

Heb 10.25 “25 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.”

Worship Together

Act 2.46-47 “46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Rom 15.6-7 “6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

Exhortation From The Word of God

Act 2.42 “42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Act 2.46 “46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,”

Matt 4.4 “4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ””

Celebration of Lord’s Supper

Lk 22.19 “19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.””

Under Authority of Appointed Leaders

Act 2.41-42 “41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Act 14.23 “23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

Four Marks of a Maximized Church

A Groaning Church

Act 2.42 “42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Appetite for the word

Devoted to the word of God

Abhorrence of sin

Appeal for the lost

Devotion to Prayer

A Glowing Church

Act 2.43 “43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.”

Their Power

Displayed attractive faith

Their Persuasion

Their Possessions

A Going Church

Act 2.45 “45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”

Man could not stop them

Mistreatment could not stop them

Misfortune would not stop them

Daily involved in evangelism

A Growing Church

Growth in Attention - Knowledge

Gathering together in large and small groups

Growth in Attendance - Numbers

Constant interaction with one another

Growth in Affection - Notoriety

Radical generosity, especially within the church

A spirit of awe, gladness and praise

Growth in Attitude - Nurture

Group Questions

What’s the most challenging aspect of this text for you? Why?

What’s the most encouraging aspect of this text? Explain your answer.

What are some contemporary challenges we face in imitating this early Christian community?

Which of these 10 descriptions most resonated with you? Why?

With regard to these four vital signs, which is our local church’s greatest strength?

With regard to these four vital signs, which is our local church’s greatest weakness?

What are some changes you can make and steps you can take to address some of these weaknesses personally?

What is the biggest obstacle standing between you and deep, genuine relationships with other believers?

Do you think outsiders observing our local church would be attracted to the faith because of it? Why or why not?

How might you more fully devote yourself to the study of the Scriptures and prayer?

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