Reviving the Local Church: Lessons from the Early Church
Summary
The sermon focuses on the centrality and importance of the local church, using the early church in Jerusalem as a model. This church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, is seen as a blueprint for what a local church should be. The early church was marked by devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These elements created a community that was unified, generous, and filled with awe at the presence of God. The sermon emphasizes that the church is not just a gathering of believers but a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 16:18, where He promised to build His church and that the gates of Hades would not prevail against it.
The early church's characteristics are highlighted as a model for modern churches. It was a community devoted to apostolic teaching, humble service, and worship marked by awe. The sermon challenges modern churches to reflect on whether they embody these characteristics and to strive for a deeper sense of community and spiritual vitality. The early church's experience of awe and its impact on evangelism is particularly noted, suggesting that a genuine encounter with God can draw people to the church.
Furthermore, the sermon addresses the challenges and hostilities faced by the church, as prophesied by Jesus. It acknowledges that the church will face opposition, but this is part of its identity and mission. The sermon encourages believers to remain steadfast in the face of adversity, drawing strength from the example of the early church.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Early Church as a Blueprint: The early church in Jerusalem serves as a model for what a local church should be, characterized by devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. This blueprint is a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy and a guide for modern churches to follow. [50:09]
2. Devotion to Apostolic Teaching: The early church's commitment to the apostles' teaching is a model for all churches. This devotion ensures that the church remains grounded in the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ. [55:50]
3. Fellowship Marked by Humble Service: The early church's fellowship was characterized by unity and generosity, with believers sharing their possessions and caring for one another. This spirit of humble service is essential for a healthy church community. [01:02:19]
4. Worship Marked by Awe: The early church experienced a profound sense of awe in their worship, which had a powerful evangelistic impact. This awe is often lacking in modern churches, but it is crucial for a genuine encounter with God. [01:06:41]
5. Facing Hostility with Faith: The church will face opposition, as prophesied by Jesus. This hostility is not unusual but is part of the church's mission. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and draw strength from the example of the early church. [01:14:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [45:32] - Introduction to the Conference
- [46:30] - Speaker Introduction
- [48:14] - Setting the Scene
- [48:34] - Reading from Acts 2
- [49:50] - Importance of the Local Church
- [50:09] - The Church in Jerusalem
- [51:24] - Luke's Progress Reports
- [52:21] - The Church as a Blueprint
- [53:30] - The Exaltation of Christ
- [54:34] - Marks of a Genuine Church
- [56:08] - Four Dimensions of the Church
- [57:37] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [59:40] - The Supreme Model
- [01:00:51] - Apostolic Teaching and Fellowship
- [01:06:41] - Worship and Awe
- [01:14:39] - Hostility and Fulfillment of Prophecy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:42-47
- Matthew 16:18
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the four key activities that the early church in Jerusalem devoted themselves to, as described in Acts 2:42-47? [48:56]
2. How did the early church's sense of awe impact their community and evangelism efforts? [49:12]
3. According to the sermon, what prophecy of Jesus does the existence of the Jerusalem church fulfill? [56:43]
4. What are the four dimensions of the early church community mentioned in the sermon? [56:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the devotion to apostolic teaching help a church remain grounded in the truth of the Gospel? [55:50]
2. In what ways does the early church's practice of fellowship and sharing possessions reflect a spirit of humble service? [02:19]
3. Why is a sense of awe in worship considered crucial for a genuine encounter with God, according to the sermon? [01:06:41]
4. How does the sermon suggest that the church should respond to hostility and opposition? [01:14:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own church experience. In what ways does your church embody the characteristics of the early church in Jerusalem? Are there areas that need improvement? [49:50]
2. How can you personally contribute to fostering a spirit of humble service and generosity within your church community? [01:02:19]
3. Think about your worship experience. Have you ever felt a profound sense of awe during worship? If not, what might help cultivate that sense of awe in your church? [01:06:41]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. How can you draw strength from the example of the early church when facing challenges in your faith journey? [01:14:39]
5. Consider the prophecy in Matthew 16:18 about the church prevailing against the gates of Hades. How does this promise encourage you in your role within the church? [56:43]
6. Identify one specific way you can deepen your devotion to the teachings of the apostles in your personal study or group discussions. [55:50]
7. How can your church become more embedded in the local community to make a greater impact, as suggested in the sermon? [01:13:45]
Devotional
Day 1: The Early Church as a Model of Devotion
The early church in Jerusalem serves as a profound model for what a local church should embody. This community was characterized by a deep devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These elements were not just activities but were the very essence of their communal life, creating a unified and generous community that was filled with awe at the presence of God. This model is seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 16:18, where He promised to build His church and that the gates of Hades would not prevail against it. Modern churches are encouraged to reflect on whether they embody these characteristics and to strive for a deeper sense of community and spiritual vitality. The early church's experience of awe and its impact on evangelism is particularly noted, suggesting that a genuine encounter with God can draw people to the church. [50:09]
Acts 2:42-43 (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."
Reflection: In what ways can you personally contribute to fostering a deeper sense of community and devotion within your local church this week?
Day 2: Grounded in Apostolic Teaching
The early church's commitment to the apostles' teaching is a foundational model for all churches. This devotion ensured that the church remained grounded in the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ. By prioritizing the apostles' teaching, the early believers were able to maintain a strong and unwavering faith, even in the face of challenges. This commitment to sound doctrine is crucial for the health and growth of any church community. Modern believers are encouraged to examine their own commitment to biblical teaching and to seek ways to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures. [55:50]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate more time for studying the Bible into your daily routine this week?
Day 3: Fellowship Through Humble Service
The early church's fellowship was marked by unity and generosity, with believers sharing their possessions and caring for one another. This spirit of humble service is essential for a healthy church community. The early Christians understood that their resources were not their own but were to be used for the benefit of the entire community. This selfless attitude fostered a deep sense of belonging and mutual support among the believers. Modern churches are challenged to reflect on whether they embody this spirit of humble service and to seek ways to cultivate a culture of generosity and care within their communities. [01:02:19]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Identify one person in your church community who may need support or encouragement. How can you serve them in a practical way this week?
Day 4: Worship That Inspires Awe
The early church experienced a profound sense of awe in their worship, which had a powerful evangelistic impact. This awe was not just an emotional response but was rooted in a genuine encounter with the living God. Such worship drew people to the church and inspired them to seek a deeper relationship with God. In contrast, modern churches often struggle to cultivate this sense of awe in their worship services. Believers are encouraged to seek a more profound and authentic worship experience that reflects the majesty and holiness of God. [01:06:41]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: Reflect on your personal worship experience. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence in your worship this week?
Day 5: Steadfast Faith in the Face of Hostility
The church will face opposition, as prophesied by Jesus. This hostility is not unusual but is part of the church's mission. The early church faced significant challenges and persecution, yet they remained steadfast in their faith. This resilience was rooted in their trust in God's promises and their commitment to the mission of the church. Modern believers are encouraged to draw strength from the example of the early church and to remain faithful in the face of adversity. By doing so, they can fulfill their calling and witness to the power of the Gospel. [01:14:39]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: Consider a current challenge or opposition you are facing. How can you draw strength from the example of the early church to remain steadfast in your faith?
Quotes
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. [00:48:56]
The early church in Jerusalem serves as a model for what a local church should be, characterized by devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. This blueprint is a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy and a guide for modern churches to follow. [00:50:09]
This very first picture that he gives to us of this first local church is intended to present to us the foundations on which the Holy Spirit was building this marvelous new community of Believers that so obviously made a tremendous impact on the city of Jerusalem and indeed throughout the ages of church history. [00:51:56]
The early church's commitment to the apostles' teaching is a model for all churches. This devotion ensures that the church remains grounded in the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ. [00:55:50]
The early church's fellowship was characterized by unity and generosity, with believers sharing their possessions and caring for one another. This spirit of humble service is essential for a healthy church community. [01:02:19]
The early church experienced a profound sense of awe in their worship, which had a powerful evangelistic impact. This awe is often lacking in modern churches, but it is crucial for a genuine encounter with God. [01:06:41]
The church will face opposition, as prophesied by Jesus. This hostility is not unusual but is part of the church's mission. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and draw strength from the example of the early church. [01:14:39]
The early church's experience of awe and its impact on evangelism is particularly noted, suggesting that a genuine encounter with God can draw people to the church. [01:08:45]
The early church's characteristics are highlighted as a model for modern churches. It was a community devoted to apostolic teaching, humble service, and worship marked by awe. [01:00:51]
The early church's fellowship was characterized by unity and generosity, with believers sharing their possessions and caring for one another. This spirit of humble service is essential for a healthy church community. [01:02:19]
The early church's experience of awe and its impact on evangelism is particularly noted, suggesting that a genuine encounter with God can draw people to the church. [01:08:45]
The early church's characteristics are highlighted as a model for modern churches. It was a community devoted to apostolic teaching, humble service, and worship marked by awe. [01:00:51]
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