Reviving the Early Church's Spirit of Community

Devotional

Day 1: Yearning for Transformation

The early church was deeply committed to learning about Jesus and His teachings. They didn't just seek information but aimed for transformation, applying what they learned to their lives. This commitment to learning and applying the teachings of Jesus made their community attractive and impactful. [14:19]

Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Reflection: Think about a recent teaching or scripture that challenged you. How can you apply this teaching to transform a specific area of your life today?

Day 2: Authentic Fellowship

The early believers practiced koinonia, a deep, authentic fellowship that went beyond mere social gatherings. They shared their lives, resources, and burdens, creating a community where everyone felt supported and valued. This level of genuine connection is rare but incredibly attractive. [21:15]

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: Identify someone in your church community who may feel isolated. How can you reach out to them this week to offer genuine fellowship and support?

Day 3: Feasting on the Word and Wine

The early church regularly shared meals and took communion, remembering Jesus' sacrifice. This practice wasn't just a ritual but a meaningful act that reinforced their unity and commitment to Jesus. Regularly coming together to remember Jesus' sacrifice can deepen our faith and community bonds. [23:19]

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Reflection: How can you make your next communion experience more meaningful? Consider inviting someone to share a meal and discuss the significance of Jesus' sacrifice together.

Day 4: Devotion to Prayer

Prayer was a cornerstone of the early church. They prayed together consistently, which strengthened their unity and dependence on God. Martin Luther said, "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without oxygen." Prayer is essential for a vibrant Christian life. [26:08]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: Set aside a specific time today to pray for your church community. What specific needs or people can you lift up in prayer to strengthen the unity and faith of your congregation?

Day 5: Generosity and Sacrifice

The early believers sold their possessions to support those in need, demonstrating their commitment to the community and the gospel. This radical generosity was a powerful witness to the world. When we prioritize the needs of others and give sacrificially, we reflect the heart of Jesus and make the church more attractive. [29:45]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Consider a possession or resource you have that could benefit someone in need. How can you give generously and sacrificially this week to reflect the heart of Jesus?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

The church exists to offer something more attractive than what the world offers. This is exemplified in the early church as described in Acts 2:42-47. The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. They were unified, open-hearted, and generous, creating a community that was deeply attractive to others. The early church's ethos was one of openness and inclusivity, welcoming everyone regardless of their background. This was revolutionary, especially in a time when lineage and status were significant barriers.

The early church's attractiveness wasn't due to flashy worship services or charismatic leaders but because of their genuine love, generosity, and commitment to learning and living out the teachings of Jesus. They yearned to learn, hung out and shared their hang-ups, feasted on the Word and wine, prayed together, and sold their possessions to support one another. This created a community where everyone felt seen, loved, and included.

In contrast, today's church often gets caught up in minor doctrinal differences and personal preferences, leading to division and numerous denominations. The focus should return to the core principles of love, unity, and generosity. The early church's model shows that when believers are genuinely committed to these principles, they become a powerful, attractive force that draws people in.

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Key Takeaways

1. 4g&t=859s'>[14:19]
2. Authentic Fellowship: The early believers practiced koinonia, a deep, authentic fellowship that went beyond mere social gatherings. They shared their lives, resources, and burdens, creating a community where everyone felt supported and valued. This level of genuine connection is rare but incredibly attractive.

3. Feasting on the Word and Wine: The early church regularly shared meals and took communion, remembering Jesus' sacrifice. This practice wasn't just a ritual but a meaningful act that reinforced their unity and commitment to Jesus. Regularly coming together to remember Jesus' sacrifice can deepen our faith and community bonds.

4. Devotion to Prayer: Prayer was a cornerstone of the early church. They prayed together consistently, which strengthened their unity and dependence on God. Martin Luther said, "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without oxygen." Prayer is essential for a vibrant Christian life.

5. Generosity and Sacrifice: The early believers sold their possessions to support those in need, demonstrating their commitment to the community and the gospel. This radical generosity was a powerful witness to the world. When we prioritize the needs of others and give sacrificially, we reflect the heart of Jesus and make the church more attractive.

### [14:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:56] - Introduction to Acts 2:42-47
[03:12] - Prayer for Transformation
[04:20] - The Ethos of the Early Church
[05:43] - The Revolutionary Message of Inclusivity
[08:09] - Jesus' Choice of Ordinary People
[09:28] - Division in Modern Christianity
[10:10] - Imperfections in the Church
[11:50] - The True Attraction of the Church
[14:19] - Yearning to Learn
[19:02] - Authentic Fellowship
[23:19] - Feasting on the Word and Wine
[26:08] - Devotion to Prayer
[29:45] - Generosity and Sacrifice
[31:12] - Worship and Witness
[35:12] - Casting Nets, Not Stones
[36:25] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the four main activities the early believers devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42? [01:56]
How did the early church demonstrate their generosity and support for one another? [01:56]
What was the result of the early church's unity and practices as described in Acts 2:47? [01:56]
According to the sermon, what made the early church so attractive to others? [04:20]

Interpretation Questions

Why was the early church's commitment to learning about Jesus and His teachings so impactful? [14:19]
How does the concept of koinonia differ from our modern understanding of fellowship? [21:15]
What significance did sharing meals and taking communion have for the early church community? [23:19]
How did the early church's practice of selling possessions to support one another reflect their values and priorities? [29:45]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own commitment to learning about Jesus. How can you deepen your study and application of His teachings in your daily life? [14:19]
Think about your current relationships within the church. How can you foster deeper, more authentic connections similar to the koinonia described in the sermon? [21:15]
How often do you participate in communal meals or communion? What steps can you take to make these practices more meaningful in your faith community? [23:19]
Evaluate your prayer life. How can you incorporate more consistent and communal prayer into your routine? [26:08]
Consider your approach to generosity. What is one specific way you can practice radical generosity in your community this week? [29:45]
Reflect on any minor doctrinal differences or personal preferences that may have caused division in your church experience. How can you shift your focus back to the core principles of love, unity, and generosity? [09:28]
Identify one person in your life who feels excluded or marginalized. How can you extend the inclusivity and openness of the early church to them this week? [05:43]

Sermon Clips

1. "The central ethos of the early church. Was that they were unified people. They were a unified people that prayed with an open spirit. That learned with an open mind that loved with open hearts and serve with open doors and gave with open hands. That that was the ethos of the early church. They loved with an open heart. They gave with an open hand. They were not closed fisted. They welcome people with open doors and they learn with open minds. They were hungry to learn about Jesus." [04:20] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What made the church attractive? The openness love. I may not agree with you, but I love you and I accept you. That's what Jesus did. No, no, no woman at the well. Listen, you, you, you've had several husbands and the guy you're living right now. He ain't your husband. I accept that that was your lifestyle. I don't agree with it, but you still are welcome. Roman centurion. You, you, you worship many gods, but, but, but, but because you have faith enough to ask me to heal your servant. I'll do that. Even though I don't agree with how you worship, you are welcome." [11:50] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "They yearn to learn. The Bible says all the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. They devoted themselves to it because they were yearning to learn. They were excited about what they were learning. They yearn to learn. And here's the thing about it. Do we not do that here? Mosaic church. We just said, Bible study starts back Wednesday and we heard this. It's like you have a doctorate, a doctor teaching Bible. This woman has spent countless hours to the point where she's written a couple of books right now and spent countless of dollars." [14:19] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "They hung out and shared their hang up. They hung out and shared their hang ups. They hung out and share their hangups. Hang ups. Too many of us are doing Christianity in isolation. Too many of us don't have no tribe. We don't have nobody to connect with. One of the things that Andre Lebron said that when he was in the NFL is that the first thing he did was find people who were like him. People that he could pray with. People that he could be transparent with. And people who were sold out to Jesus." [19:02] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "They prayed together and stayed together. One of my favorite times. I love that. I get to pastor this church. I really do. It's such, I love it. I love it. I love it, but just as equally. Nowadays, what I love is the prayer that, that, that I do every morning at 7 00 AM on social media, the number of people that gather the, a part of it, the testimonies of the people who are a part of it. I mean, they're real testimony has happened. I'm talking about, I mean, I can't, I'm blown away. Every time somebody shares something, I'm loving that." [26:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "They were worshiping and witness. They were worshiping and witnessing. Watch this. The Bible says in chapter Acts, chapter two, forty six to forty seven. They worship together at the temple each day. They met in homes for the Lord's Supper and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. All the while. They were praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. I'll stop there. Here's what I mean when I say they worship and they witness. Do y'all know why they went to the temple? One, because most of them were Jewish. Well, the other part was that was the place where they witnessed." [31:12] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "What was attractive about the church was that it was nonjudgmental. It was literally the model of Jesus. Jesus says, I come not to, he says, I didn't come to judge the world. I came to save the world. Too many of us spend time judging. Here it is. He didn't, God didn't send his son to judge the world, but he did it. To save the world. We can't save the world being judgmental. We don't save the world. Here it is by casting stone. We save the world by casting a net because he called us to be fishers of men, not judges of men." [35:12] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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