The Fellowship of the Church

Text: Acts 2.42-47

Thesis: To prove that the early church had a continual family-like fellowship, which enabled

             them to do much good; therefore, we today should emulate this fellowship.

Introduction:

(1)    Family reunions, cookouts, etc.

(2)    Potlucks, finger foods, etc.

(3)    Dashing out the door, etc.

(4)    What was the early church like?

Discussion:

I.                   They studied together (v. 42)

A.    We do that by Bible school, worship services, etc.

B.     This extended far beyond the building for them.

C.     No wonder the Hebrew writer wrote, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together […]” (Heb. 10.25).

II.                They “had all things common” (v. 44)

A.    They helped each other out as needed.

B.     Thus, they recognized each other’s needs.

C.     Are we to do this?

1.      Spiritually speaking, YES.

a.       Gal. 6.1-2  “Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”

b.      We have an obligation!  Paul told us to have the mind of Christ, which means that we must not “merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2.4).

2.      What about physically speaking?

a.       Matt. 7.12 – The Golden Rule teaches us this

b.      Matt. 25.31-46 – The Judgment Scene Depicted teaches us to help those who are thirsty, etc.

c.       Gal. 6.10 – “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

D.    Song: A Common Love

III.             They ate together (v.46b)

A.    We do this at potlucks, but ….

B.     They were in each other’s houses.

Conclusion:

(1)    The early church acted like a family.

(a)    One wrote, “Sermons may get them into the church the first time, but what keeps them coming are friendships that foster inward awareness and support” (Van Ens).

(b)    That is why church discipline was and should be effective today.

(c)    Song:

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love,

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above!

(2)    They had a true love one for another.

(3)    With this love, they were able to do great things even in the face of persecution.

(4)    What about us today?