THE BOOK OF ACTS MARCH 9, 2025
DEVOTED TO GATHERING

SCRIPTURE
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. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 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—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. Acts 2:42-47

Ekklesia: Those called out from the world to gather together.


The Church is a gathering of Christians with common spiritual beliefs & behavior.


Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish… Psalm 92:13


THE BASIS & BLESSING OF GATHERING

Fifty-nine times in the New Testament, we are told the saints “________ one another.”


1/ We gather to worship the Lord with one another.

Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord… Ephesians 5:18-19


2/ We gather to love one another.

Let love be genuine… Love one another with brotherly affection. Romans 12:9-10


3/ We gather to help one another.

Carry each other’s burdens… Galatians 6:2


4/ We gather to pray for one another.

Paul…prayed, and he laid his hands on Publius’ father and healed him. Acts 28:8


5/ We gather to encourage one another.

Encourage each other and build each other up… 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We are to release encouragement & to receive encouragement.


6/ We gather to confess to one another.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16

“Love is giving another person the power to destroy you & trusting they won’t.” Sinek


7/ We gather to restore one another.

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. Galatians 6:1


8/ We gather to meet the needs of one another.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24


9/ We gather to serve one another.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards… 1 Peter 4:10

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7





10/ We gather to understand Scripture with one another.

When they were alone, the people around Jesus, along with the Twelve, asked Him about the parables. He (explained the parables)… Mark 4:10-11


11/ We gather to grow in grace with one another.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit… Ephesians 4:2-3


Dallas Willard measured his walk with the Lord based on his level of irritability.


12/ We gather to embrace the mission with one another.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; & you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8


The Harvest is coming! But will churches make room? Will she be hospitable?


13/ We gather to remind one another that Christ is coming for us.

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. Hebrews 10:25