Alive to Community

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 NLT – 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

a. Devoted to Scripture

i. Acts 2:42a NLT –42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…

ii. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT – 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

iii. Joshua 1:8 NLT – 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

b. Connecting over meals and Communion

i. Acts 2:44-45 NLT –44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

ii. 1 John 1:3 NLT – 3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

iii. Luke 22:19 NLT – 19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

c. Praying & Exalting Jesus Together

i. Acts 2:42 NLT – …and to prayer.

ii. Acts 1:14a NLT – 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer…

iii. Acts 4:29-31 NLT – 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

iv. John 14:13-14 NLT –13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

v. Acts 2:46-47a NLT – 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.

vi. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT – 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

a. The Church grew!

i. Acts 2:47b NLT – And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

- Read & Meditate on Acts 2:42-47 this week.

- Evaluate: Am I connecting with my Church family?

- Action: Initiate a meal with someone this week and get to know them. Pray for each other.