Dynamics of Body Life

Dynamics of Body Life

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Acts 2:37-47

I.              The Body of Christ is made up of people who have

A.               Repented of their sins

B.                Believed in the Gospel

C.               Been baptized in water

II.           Dynamics of Body Life (Acts 2:40-47)

A.               They have converted to a new way of living

1.          Acts 2:40 (NKJV) “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse [i.e. “crooked”] generation.’”

2.          Acts 3:19 (NKJV) “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”

3.          Genuine converts live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

B.                They are enthusiastic in their faith

1.          Acts 2:41 (NKJV) “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized;”

2.          Romans 14:17 (NKJV) “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

3.          Genuine converts are joyful in their salvation

C.               They are committed to covenant community

1.          Acts 2:41 (NKJV) “And that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”

2.          Acts 2:44 (NKJV) “Now all who believed were together”

3.          Acts 2:46 (NKJV) “So they continued daily in one accord…”

4.          Acts 2:47 (NKJV) “…And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

5.          Genuine converts live out their faith in a community of faith

D.               They are steadfast in discipleship

1.          Acts 2:42 (NKJV) “And they continued steadfast in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

a               Apostle’s doctrine: The true faith, the true gospel

b              Fellowship: Relationships based upon righteousness and truth

c               Breaking of Bread: Covenant relationships

d              Prayers: Connecting heaven and earth

2.          Genuine converts pursue a lifestyle of discipleship

E.                They are sacrificial in their love

1.          Acts 2:44-45 (NKJV) “…and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

2.          Genuine converts are concerned about the well-being of their brothers and sisters in Christ

F.                They enjoy sharing time and meals together

1.          Acts 2:46 (NKJV) “So they continued steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”

2.          Genuine converts cultivate relationships within the body

G.               Their attitudes and conversation are characterized by praise to God

1.          Acts 2:47 (NKJV) “praising God”

2.          Genuine converts see the goodness of God and are thankful

H.               They live their lives as a testimony before others

1.          Acts 2:47 (NKJV) “And having favor with all the people…”

2.          Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

3.          1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praised of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

4.          Genuine converts live their lives to glorify God

III.        Response to the Word

A.               Repent of living like the world

B.                Commit to a new way of living

C.               Live out your faith in a community of faith