The Jerusalem Church Model Acts 2:40-47

4-Fold Dedication

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42 4-Fold Dedication

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32 Doctrine/Teaching

1. This includes joint-participation in worship and in the work of the Lord. 2. Christianity is an “we-religion” not an “I-religion” or an “you-religion” Fellowship

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:16 Breaking Bread

23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, Acts 4:23-24 Prayers

praising God and having favor with all the people praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47 Result

They Responded to the Needs of Each Other

They Responded to the Needs of Each Other 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. Acts 2:44-45 They Responded to the Needs of Each Other

They would sacrifice to provide for others 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. They would sacrifice to provide for others

They would sacrifice to provide for others 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, They would sacrifice to provide for others

They would sacrifice to provide for others 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32-37 They would sacrifice to provide for others

Growing Church

And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, Acts 5:14 Growing Church

However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. Acts 4:4 Growing Church

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying… Acts 6:1a Growing Church

Lessons for Us Today

The Church in the beginning Then those who gladly received his word… Acts 2:41a The Church in the beginning

The Church in the beginning And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42 The Church in the beginning

The church today can & should be the same. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 The church today can & should be the same.

The church today can & should be the same. Then those who gladly received his word… Acts 2:41a The church today can & should be the same.

The church today can & should be the same. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47 The church today can & should be the same.

1. Let us strive to be like those in days of the early church, simply Christians. 2. Christians who simply were devoted to follow God. Conclusion