Foundations of Faith: Lessons from the Early Church
Summary
In reflecting on the early church as described in Acts 2:42-47, we are reminded of the foundational practices that defined the first Christian communities. These early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. These elements are not just historical practices but are vital to the life of the church today. The apostles' teaching, which we now find in the Scriptures, was central to their gatherings. It is crucial for us to engage with the Bible in a way that is contextual and communal, allowing the Spirit to guide our understanding and application in today's world.
Fellowship was another cornerstone of the early church. It was not limited to Sunday gatherings but was a daily practice of sharing life and faith with one another. This kind of fellowship is essential for building a strong, supportive community. The breaking of bread, both in communal meals and in the Lord's Supper, was a tangible expression of their unity and shared faith. It is a practice that brings us closer to Christ and to each other.
Prayer was also a significant part of their daily lives. Whether through established prayers or spontaneous ones, the early church understood the power of prayer in maintaining their connection with God and each other. Today, we must continue to prioritize prayer, both individually and corporately, as a means of seeking God's guidance and strength.
As we consider the future of our church, we must be aware of the challenges we face, such as declining attendance and changing cultural attitudes. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and transformation. We must be willing to adapt and explore new ways of being the church, while remaining faithful to the core practices that have sustained the church throughout history.
Key Takeaways:
1. Devotion to Scripture: The early church's commitment to the apostles' teaching highlights the importance of engaging with Scripture in a meaningful way. Reading the Bible in context and allowing the Spirit to guide our understanding can transform our lives and communities. [02:41]
2. The Power of Fellowship: True fellowship extends beyond Sunday services. It involves daily interactions and shared experiences that build a supportive and loving community. This kind of fellowship is essential for spiritual growth and unity. [05:39]
3. Breaking Bread Together: The practice of breaking bread, both in communal meals and in the Lord's Supper, is a powerful expression of unity and faith. It reminds us of Christ's presence and our shared identity as His followers. [07:27]
4. The Role of Prayer: Prayer was a central practice for the early church, providing a means of connecting with God and each other. Whether through established prayers or spontaneous ones, prayer remains a vital part of our spiritual lives. [09:30]
5. Embracing Change and Innovation: As we face challenges such as declining attendance, we must be open to new ways of being the church. This requires a willingness to adapt and innovate while staying true to the core practices that define our faith. [21:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:10] - Introduction to Acts 2:42-47
- [02:41] - Devotion to Apostles' Teaching
- [04:04] - Engaging with Scripture
- [05:39] - Importance of Fellowship
- [07:27] - Breaking Bread and Communion
- [08:20] - Devotion to Prayer
- [10:53] - Reflection on Church Practices
- [11:58] - Future of the Church
- [13:14] - Church Growth and Decline
- [14:53] - Challenges Facing the Church
- [16:25] - Innovative Church Models
- [18:48] - Addressing Decline
- [21:02] - Opportunities for Transformation
- [22:10] - Embracing Change and Composting
- [25:55] - Conclusion and Open Discussion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:42-47
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the four key practices that the early church devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42-47?
2. How did the early believers express their unity and shared faith through the breaking of bread? [07:27]
3. What role did prayer play in the daily lives of the early church community? [09:30]
4. How did the early church handle their possessions and goods, and what was the outcome of this practice? [01:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the apostles' teaching have been so central to the early church, and how does this relate to our engagement with Scripture today? [02:41]
2. In what ways does true fellowship extend beyond Sunday services, and why is this important for spiritual growth? [05:39]
3. How does the practice of breaking bread together serve as a reminder of Christ's presence and our shared identity as His followers? [07:27]
4. What challenges does the modern church face that might require innovation and adaptation, and how can these be opportunities for growth? [21:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal engagement with Scripture. How can you incorporate a more communal and contextual approach to Bible study in your daily life? [02:41]
2. Think about your current involvement in fellowship within the church. What steps can you take to foster deeper relationships and community outside of Sunday services? [05:39]
3. Consider the significance of the Lord's Supper in your spiritual life. How can you prepare your heart and mind to experience Christ's presence more fully during communion? [07:27]
4. Evaluate your prayer life. What changes can you make to prioritize prayer both individually and corporately? [09:30]
5. As the church faces challenges like declining attendance, what innovative ideas can you contribute to help the church adapt while staying true to its core practices? [21:02]
6. Identify one area in your church community where you see potential for transformation. How can you actively participate in bringing about positive change?
7. How can you personally embrace change and innovation in your faith journey while remaining grounded in the foundational practices of the early church? [21:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Engaging with Scripture in Community
The early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching underscores the importance of engaging with Scripture in a meaningful and communal way. This engagement is not just about personal study but involves reading the Bible in context, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide understanding and application. In today's world, this means approaching Scripture with an open heart and mind, ready to be transformed by its truths. The Bible is not just a historical document but a living word that speaks into our lives and communities. By studying it together, we can discern God's will and grow in faith. [02:41]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate communal Bible study into your weekly routine, and who can you invite to join you in this journey?
Day 2: Fellowship Beyond Sundays
True fellowship, as practiced by the early church, extends beyond Sunday services. It involves daily interactions and shared experiences that build a supportive and loving community. This kind of fellowship is essential for spiritual growth and unity, as it allows believers to share their lives and faith with one another. By engaging in genuine fellowship, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. [05:39]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your church community you can reach out to this week for a meaningful conversation or shared activity. How can you encourage them in their faith journey?
Day 3: Unity Through Breaking Bread
The practice of breaking bread, both in communal meals and in the Lord's Supper, is a powerful expression of unity and faith. It serves as a reminder of Christ's presence and our shared identity as His followers. By participating in these practices, we are drawn closer to Christ and to each other, strengthening the bonds of our community. This unity is vital for the church's mission and witness in the world. [07:27]
"So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment." (1 Corinthians 11:33-34, ESV)
Reflection: Plan a meal with fellow believers this week, focusing on building relationships and sharing your faith stories. How can this time together deepen your sense of community?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer was a central practice for the early church, providing a means of connecting with God and each other. Whether through established prayers or spontaneous ones, prayer remains a vital part of our spiritual lives. It is through prayer that we seek God's guidance, strength, and wisdom, allowing us to align our lives with His will. By prioritizing prayer, both individually and corporately, we can experience God's transformative power in our lives and communities. [09:30]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Set aside a specific time each day this week for focused prayer. What specific needs or concerns can you bring before God, trusting in His provision and guidance?
Day 5: Embracing Change with Faithfulness
As the church faces challenges such as declining attendance and changing cultural attitudes, there is a need to embrace change and innovation. This requires a willingness to adapt and explore new ways of being the church while remaining faithful to the core practices that have sustained the church throughout history. By doing so, we can seize opportunities for transformation and growth, ensuring that the church remains a vibrant and relevant witness in the world. [21:02]
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of church life where you see the need for change or innovation? How can you contribute to this transformation while staying true to the church's core values?
Quotes
But what I am going to preach is are the things that Luke writes in this that the church was doing because these are things that all churches can do. The western world has kind of forgot about the putting stuff together, but the rest of these I think hold water. First of all they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. [00:02:02]
But I think the most important thing is the effort to actually do it the first time. To take and hear the Bible read out loud as we do on Saturday morning at Hollybrook as I try to do here. Hear it out loud and then reimagine it in our world, in our time for what we can do to follow God's way. It is the effort and not the specific that's important. [00:03:06]
But I thought that was an interesting devotion because you open it up for the day and the week and the year and the month and it has a verse and you see it and you pray. That's not the way the apostles read the Bible. That's not the way that I think we need to read the Bible. There's nothing wrong with it but without the other parts of it and when you go from one verse in one book to another verse in the next book the next day there's no continuity. It doesn't help all that much. [00:04:42]
Read it in context. Read it out loud to yourself or come to church and hear someone else do it and then listen for the Spirit to help because that's what John says that the Spirit is here for. Jesus said I sent the Spirit to tell you everything that you need to know. [00:05:17]
And that's part of what we need to know. Second they the people the disciples and the apostles devoted themselves to fellowship. We're good at that. We welcome people. We talk to people. We want people an ongoing everyday product. I don't even know if it's always on Sundays because we don't get that many new people anyway to sit to ask to go out to lunch and all that. I think it's every day that we are out in public or with friends or with family saying hey did you think about that? Did you read that? What do you think of that? [00:05:58]
We go out, and part of our fellowship is to eat together, and that's wonderful, and that's important. That's part of being a family, and that's part of being a family. What church is all about. But it's also more than that. It's more than just breaking of bread among ourselves. It's when we do it in the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. [00:07:37]
And that's why I make it a 15 to 20-minute thing that we do. It's that important because we only do it 12 times a year, though there were three weeks we did it in a row. But we can be in the Spirit with here, and I think it's one of the few times that Jesus is so close, just around the corner. We can almost feel him when we do communion. So they fellowship together. They ate together. [00:08:03]
Now, we could, and people do argue over whether or not the word does should be there. Over, they devoted themselves to prayers, or devoted themselves to the prayers. The means there are prayers that were already around that they were doing. Pastor Ray and the other pastors in the world don't have to stand up here and go, what do I have to think of today? They're there. They're in the Psalms. They're in the Proverbs. They're in the Lord's Prayer. Other prayers. We used to do in that room with Pastor Frank, sit and read a daily prayer every day. [00:09:09]
Those are the things that these men and women were doing every day. They would sit with themselves as a group. They would sit with themselves as a group. As a community. And do the Lord's Prayer. Now, do you know that there are churches that don't receive, recite the Lord's Prayer? They just don't do it. [00:10:05]
We talked about the future of the church. The future of churches out there. And that's what pastors and ruling elders on sessions all do when we get together. What can I do? What is the silver bullet that I can do to grow my church to have more rear ends in the future? [00:12:39]
That means you get to where you're comfortable and you think it's always going to stay that way. And even worse, when you're declining or when you need to start doing something else, you keep all that line because you just think where you're at is stupid. Okay? Lots of churches are on that red line. They don't even know it, but they're kidding themselves. [00:14:53]
The Holy Spirit's going to do something in this church. We are either going to transit into something else. Probably a Presbyterian church. I don't know. We don't know. We don't know what happens here. There are churches that are starting to do this. Change your thinking a little bit. But we're going to transition and we will be on the other side. Whatever that other side is. [00:21:35]
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