Acts 2:39-47

 

Acts 2:39-47

The Bride of Christ

 

Act 2:39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 

Act 2:40  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 

Act 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

Act 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

Act 2:43  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 

Act 2:44  And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 

Act 2:45  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 

Act 2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 

Act 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 

 

          1.      The Church is Made up of Those that Call Upon the Name of the Lord – vs. 39

a.       While it is God that calls us to Himself, He offers salvation to all those that call on His name. Therefore, the gospel must be preached.

                                                              i.      Romans 10:13-15 

           2.      The Church is Made up of Those that have been Preserved from the Judgement of this                                Generation – vs. 40

a.       There is a coming judgment for all those who do not repent

                                                              i.      Colossians 1:13-14 

          3.      The Church is Made up of Those that have made a Public Declaration of their Faith Through                     Baptism – vs. 41

a.       There are two simple things that happen to necessitate the joining of the church

                                                              i.      Receive the Word with gladness

1.      1 Thessalonians 1:6 

                                                            ii.      Be baptized

1.      Romans 6:3-4 

         4.      The Church is Made up of Those that Long to Fellowship Rightly with Other Believers – vs. 42

a.       They Continued Steadfastly in:

                                                              i.      John 8:31-32 

                                                            ii.      Hebrews 10:39 

b.      Apostles Doctrine

                                                              i.      Ephesians 2:19-20 

c.       Fellowship

                                                              i.      Hebrews 10:25 

                                                            ii.      1 John 1:7 

d.      The Lord’s Supper

                                                              i.      1 Corinthians 11:2 

                                                            ii.      1 Corinthians 11:23-25 

e.       Worship or prayer

                                                              i.      Ephesians 6:18 

         5.      The Church is Made up of Those Who have an Awe of God – vs. 43

a.       Acts 19:13-18 

         6.      The Church is Made up of Those that have a Genuine Love for their Brothers and Sisters in                        Christ  – vs. 44-45

a.       1 John 3:14 

b.      This is not about communism as Jim Jones tried to say

                                                              i.      Proverbs 1:10-15

         7.      The Church is Made up of Those that are Filled with Joy – vs. 46

a.       The reality is that they could not be stopped from worshipping God. They did it everywhere they could in every from.

                                                              i.      They worshipped in the temple

1.      Acts 21:26-30 

                                                            ii.      They worshipped in their houses

1.      Psalm 128:3-4 

                                                          iii.      They worshipped over meals

1.      1 John 1:3 

         8.      The Church is Made up of Those that are Filled with Praise – vs. 47

a.       When God’s people publicly praise Him two things are produced

                                                              i.      They gain favor with all people

1.      Psalm 126:1-3 

                                                            ii.      People are drawn into their number

1.      Psalm 47:1-3