Notes
...I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Matthew 16:18b
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”’
“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
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.
Acts 2:32-42
The Church is God's idea; it brings Him glory, it is for our good, and it brings hope and healing to a hurting world. He pours out the Holy Spirit onto His people so that we can spread the Good News of what Jesus has done and is doing.
In Acts 2:42, there are three things that the writer mentions these early believers were devoted to, and from them we can learn what we, as members of the same Church, should also devote ourselves to:
1) Devoted to Learning
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
You are never too old to learn new things. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus told His disciples to go and make more disciples. The word “disciple” means “student” or “learner.” As followers of Jesus–disciples–we are to bring others into the Church, build them up, train them, and send them out into the world to begin the cycle again.
2) Devoted to Community
A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:39
As members of the Church, we should be devoted to each other. One of the greatest ways God works is through HIs people. We need each other, both to develop and grow as well as to accomplish our God-given mission. Find people who will be your cheerleaders and encourage you, and people who will be your challengers, helping you to mature.
3) Devoted to Prayer
Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30:21 (NASB)
The Church is a house of prayer. Prayer means talking to God, and also pausing to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying. It’s a consistent conversation with God, including direction, correction, connection, and provision.
The verse above implies movement; God is a moving God. He has a mission to accomplish through His people. As you are moving through life, listen intently to God by praying continually.
Group Questions
- What is the purpose of the Church as God’s idea for bringing hope and healing to the world?
- Why is it important for believers to be devoted to learning, community, and prayer, as seen in Acts 2:42?
- How can we cultivate a lifestyle of continual prayer, where we listen intently to God's direction and guidance in our lives?
- What are some reasons for connecting with a local church?
Prayer
Thank you for the global Church, which brings hope and healing to the world. And thank you for bringing us to Valorous Church, so that we can learn together and encourage and challenge each other. Help us to devote ourselves to learning, community, and prayer, just as the early believers in Acts did.