Embracing Early Church Practices for Modern Faith
Summary
Today, I explored the profound practices of the early church as described in Acts chapter 2, emphasizing the importance of devoting ourselves to the apostles' teachings, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. This reflection is crucial as it connects directly to our current series, "Build Your Church," where we aim to align our modern church practices with those foundational days of the early church.
We began by acknowledging the departure of Anthony Malone, our student ministry director, who has made significant contributions to our community. His move to North Carolina marks a bittersweet transition, reminding us of the constant evolution within our church family.
Delving into the scripture, we focused on the early church's commitment to learning and living out the teachings of Jesus. This was not merely academic; it was a way of life that involved deep relational engagement and communal living. The apostles, having been direct disciples of Christ, provided teachings that were rich with the firsthand experience of Jesus' ministry. Their devotion was not casual but was marked by a rigorous commitment to embodying these teachings daily.
Fellowship was another cornerstone of the early church that we examined. This wasn't just about casual socializing but about forming deep, supportive relationships that mirrored the teachings of Jesus. These relationships were active and intentional, requiring personal investment and genuine care for one another.
We also reflected on the practice of sharing meals, including the Lord's Supper. This was both a spiritual and communal practice, reinforcing the unity among believers and providing a tangible expression of their shared faith. It was a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and a celebration of the community He established.
Prayer was highlighted as a vital practice. It was not confined to specific times or rituals but was a constant, ongoing conversation with God. This open line of communication with the divine was foundational to the early church's strength and unity.
Lastly, we discussed the radical generosity of the early church. Their willingness to sell possessions and provide for those in need was a powerful testament to their commitment to live out the teachings of Jesus. This wasn't organized charity but spontaneous acts of kindness that flowed from their devotion to God and each other.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Devotion to Teaching: The early church's commitment to the apostles' teachings underscores the importance of grounding our lives in the Word of God. This is not merely about knowledge but about transformation through deep understanding and application of scripture. As we continue to explore these teachings, let us strive to be covered in the dust of our Rabbi, Jesus, following Him so closely that His life and teachings profoundly shape our own. [29:07]
2. The Essence of Fellowship: True fellowship involves more than just attending church services; it requires active and ongoing participation in each other's lives. This kind of deep, relational engagement is what strengthens a community and fosters a supportive environment where believers can grow together in faith. [32:25]
3. Sharing Meals as Communion: Gathering to share meals, including the Lord's Supper, is a practice that binds the community together, reminding us of our shared faith and the sacrifice of Jesus. This communal act is both a physical and spiritual nourishment, reinforcing the unity among believers. [38:42]
4. The Power of Prayer: Continuous prayer was a hallmark of the early church's daily life. This practice is a powerful tool for maintaining a personal connection with God and should be integrated into our daily routines, not just reserved for specific moments or needs. [45:22]
5. Generosity as a Reflection of Faith: The early church's example of radical generosity is a powerful reminder of the impact our faith should have on our actions. As we strive to emulate the generosity of the early believers, let us consider how our own resources can be used to bless others, reflecting the love and generosity of Christ. [50:16]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [23:54] - Farewell and Prayer for the Malones
- [25:35] - Introduction to Acts 2 and Early Church Practices
- [29:07] - Devotion to Apostolic Teaching
- [32:25] - Importance of Fellowship
- [38:42] - Sharing Meals and Communion
- [45:22] - The Role of Prayer in the Early Church
- [50:16] - Demonstrating Generosity
Study Guide
### Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:42-47 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. They were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
2. John 13:34-35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV): "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
### Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 2:42-47, what specific activities did the early believers devote themselves to?
2. How did the early church's practice of selling their possessions and sharing the proceeds reflect their values and priorities?
3. According to Acts 2:47, what was the result of the early church's lifestyle and practices on their community?
4. From John 13:34-35, what is the new commandment Jesus gave, and what is its intended outcome?
### Interpretation Questions:
1. Considering the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, how might these practices have strengthened their community?
2. How does the act of sharing possessions and resources in Acts 2 reflect the commandment to love one another as described in John 13?
3. What might be the significance of the Lord adding to their number daily in the context of the early church's communal practices?
4. How does sharing meals, including the Lord's Supper, serve as a form of worship and remembrance as instructed in 1 Corinthians 11?
### Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in learning and applying the teachings of Jesus. What is one step you can take this week to deepen your engagement with scripture?
2. Identify a relationship within your church or community where you can demonstrate greater love and support. What specific action will you take this week to strengthen that relationship?
3. Consider your own resources and possessions. Is there something you can share or give to meet the needs of someone in your community this week?
4. Plan a meal with someone from your church or community. How can this act of fellowship enhance your mutual support and encouragement?
5. Prayer is vital in maintaining a connection with God. What is one change you can make in your daily routine to incorporate more intentional times of prayer?
Devotional
Day 1: Living the Word in Daily Life
The early church was not merely a gathering of believers; it was a community deeply rooted in the teachings of the apostles, which were direct reflections of Jesus' life and ministry. This devotion was not about acquiring knowledge for the sake of knowledge but was aimed at transforming lives. Believers were encouraged to live out these teachings daily, making their faith an active and visible force in their lives. This kind of devotion requires a commitment to not only understand the scriptures but to allow them to guide every decision and action. [29:07]
James 1:22-25 ESV
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: How can you more fully embody the teachings of Jesus in your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 2: Cultivating Authentic Relationships
True fellowship in the early church went beyond superficial interactions; it was about forging genuine, supportive relationships that reflected the teachings of Jesus. This kind of fellowship involves sharing life's joys and struggles, encouraging one another, and growing together in faith. It requires an intentional effort to be part of each other's lives, which strengthens the community and fosters a nurturing environment where believers can thrive. This deep, relational engagement is essential for a vibrant church community. [32:25]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to strengthen your relationship through shared experiences or spiritual support?
Day 3: The Communion of Shared Meals
Sharing meals, including the Lord's Supper, was a central practice in the early church that bonded the community. This act of breaking bread together was not just about physical nourishment but was a profound spiritual communion that celebrated their unity and shared faith. It served as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant. Such communal meals are a powerful expression of fellowship and faith, reinforcing the bonds among believers. [38:42]
Acts 2:46-47 ESV
"And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of sharing meals into your spiritual life to foster deeper connections with fellow believers?
Day 4: Prayer as a Way of Life
Prayer in the early church was not confined to specific times or rituals; it was a continuous, living conversation with God. This practice was a cornerstone that maintained a personal and communal connection with the divine, empowering the believers and strengthening their faith. Integrating prayer into daily life as a constant practice can transform one’s faith journey, making it a dynamic and responsive relationship with God. [45:22]
Colossians 4:2 ESV
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: What specific times or activities could you dedicate to prayer today to cultivate a more continuous conversation with God?
Day 5: Generosity as a Reflection of Faith
The radical generosity of the early church was a direct reflection of their commitment to the teachings of Jesus. Their willingness to sell possessions and provide for those in need demonstrated a profound trust in God and a desire to live out their faith through actions. This example challenges us to consider how our resources can be used to bless others, reflecting the generosity of Christ. [50:16]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What are practical ways you can demonstrate generosity this week, using your resources to reflect Christ’s love and provision?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There was a recent Harvard study guys about families that eat dinner together three or more nights a week. And they saw incredible, incredible stats from this guys. It improves the kids' academic performances, increases their self-esteem, reduces the risk of substance abuse in the household, depression, teen pregnancy, and obesity, three nights a week." [38:42]
2. "Prayer is an interesting one for me personally. Here's what I mean by that. I grew up in a Christian family. This is not my parents' fault. Okay. I'm very used to praying before meals, praying before bed. Like that's when we do this. It happens in these preset ways, right? There's just those times like you have to pray or it feels weird." [42:15]
3. "I think there are a few ways that we do that beyond the orderly way that we just have systems built in, right? I think that one of those ways is to pray for some longer periods of time, to dedicate some time to prayer more than 42 seconds, right? I am 100% the person that I've confessed this a lot of times." [43:57]
4. "And so I'd encourage you, dedicate yourself to some longer chunks of time. The other thing is going to sound weird, but because I find myself falling into systems, I have this thing I'll do every so often where I'll set some alarms on my phone, but not for a specific time every day." [45:22]
### Quotes for Members
1. "They devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles. And the apostles are these 12 men who followed Jesus so closely, who were there for his entire ministry from the day he was baptized by John the Baptist through his resurrection, his ascension." [27:22]
2. "Being devoted to the teachings of Jesus is a higher calling. And I think so often we view our responsibility to dive into God's word. We view the importance of that as just, it's something we should probably do sometimes as Christians. That's not the picture we get here." [29:07]
3. "They were devoted to fellowship, to having deep relationship with each other, to having this life in common with one another. And this kind of relationship, this kind of fellowship, is not something that just naturally happens. It is, it's not a passive thing." [32:25]
4. "We can't live out the one another's of scripture. We can't live out this idea of fellowship if the only way we're engaging is through a computer screen or a TV screen. And so it's a great tool when we're homesick and we can't come because we don't want to get everybody else sick, right?" [33:58]
5. "They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. And they, they just start sharing. This is incredible, okay? I think we as adults lie to ourselves about how generous we are. This is, I just think that we've found ways to hide our selfishness better, that are less public." [47:10]
6. "And so we should absolutely be a generous church today. We should live this out over and over and over again. And so many of you do. You know, at Crosspoint, we have something called the Dollar Club. And we probably don't talk about it nearly as much as we should." [50:16]
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