The book of Acts begins with the outpouring of God's promised Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. As a result, the preaching of the gospel and the witness of the newly formed church sparks a flame that spreads across the Roman Empire.
The opening of Acts discloses a primary theme throughout the book. As believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit they bear witness to the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. This is how the church is established and continues to grow, spreading locally and then continuing to the ends of the earth.
It is important to recognize that the church did not begin or grow through its own power or initiative. Believers were empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, and this remains true today. Christ's work, both in the church and in the …show more content…
Devoted to breaking bread (Acts 2:42) 1. The context would suggest this refers to the Lord's Supper which is a type of fellowship for it is called a sharing, a communion - 1Cor. 10:16 2. Jesus Himself instituted the Supper and was observed weekly 1Cor. 11:23-34; Acts 20:7
v. Devoted to steadfast prayer (Acts 2:42) 1. Jesus taught His disciples to pray and not lose heart - Lk 11:1-4; 18:1-8 2. He now serves as our High Priest, through whom we can pray Heb. 4:14-16
VI. Devoted to brotherly love (Acts 2:44-46) 1. Demonstrated in our text, but also later - Acts 4:32-35 2. Such love was a sign of true discipleship - Jn 13:34-35 3. Other churches had a similar love for their brethren - 1Cor.16:15; 1Th 4:9-10
VII. Devoted to daily service (Acts 2:46) 1. Note the phrase "continuing daily" 2. They did not serve the Lord just one day a week 3. Perhaps it was "daily service" that resulted in "daily additions". Acts 2:47; 5:42
VIII. Devoted to purposeful unity (Acts 2:46) 1.United in their worship, and in their concern - Acts 4:32 2.The sort of unity for which Jesus prayed - Jn
The opening of Acts discloses a primary theme throughout the book. As believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit they bear witness to the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. This is how the church is established and continues to grow, spreading locally and then continuing to the ends of the earth.
It is important to recognize that the church did not begin or grow through its own power or initiative. Believers were empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, and this remains true today. Christ's work, both in the church and in the …show more content…
Devoted to breaking bread (Acts 2:42) 1. The context would suggest this refers to the Lord's Supper which is a type of fellowship for it is called a sharing, a communion - 1Cor. 10:16 2. Jesus Himself instituted the Supper and was observed weekly 1Cor. 11:23-34; Acts 20:7
v. Devoted to steadfast prayer (Acts 2:42) 1. Jesus taught His disciples to pray and not lose heart - Lk 11:1-4; 18:1-8 2. He now serves as our High Priest, through whom we can pray Heb. 4:14-16
VI. Devoted to brotherly love (Acts 2:44-46) 1. Demonstrated in our text, but also later - Acts 4:32-35 2. Such love was a sign of true discipleship - Jn 13:34-35 3. Other churches had a similar love for their brethren - 1Cor.16:15; 1Th 4:9-10
VII. Devoted to daily service (Acts 2:46) 1. Note the phrase "continuing daily" 2. They did not serve the Lord just one day a week 3. Perhaps it was "daily service" that resulted in "daily additions". Acts 2:47; 5:42
VIII. Devoted to purposeful unity (Acts 2:46) 1.United in their worship, and in their concern - Acts 4:32 2.The sort of unity for which Jesus prayed - Jn