1. The Company We Keep Acts 4:23
In this next section of Acts 4 we come to the end of the account of the first opposition to Christianity.
In it we find Peter and John and the healed man in a totally different setting.
(Acts 4:23 KJV) And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
What a change in atmosphere!
Only a few minutes before they were in the midst of the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court of ancient Israel, being interrogated and threatened.
Now they were in the midst of their own company!

2. KEY INSIGHT: #1 - God WANTS us to be together.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
KEY INSIGHT #2 - God LOVES it when we are together.
(Mal 3:16 KJV) Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
This morning I want us to spend some time considering our relationship to the Body of Christ, and the blessings of fellowship in the Body of Christ.
1.) It is so refreshing to go from an environment that is worldly and anti-Christian into the company of believers. It is like coming home to family.
(Mat 23:8 NKJV) But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.

3. (Gal 6:10 NKJV) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
(Eph 2:19 NKJV) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
(1 Pet 2:17 NKJV) Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
2.) The Body of Christ is not only like family, it is the place where God adds RICHNESS and QUALITY to our lives.
(Psa 55:14 KJV) We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. (There is a RICHNESS in the going to gather with the company of God’s people - Might not have felt that way with screaming kids in the car)
(Psa 119:63 KJV) I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. (Used to be a companion of those who did NOT fear the Lord – that broke His laws.)

4. 3.) The Body of Christ is where we receive encouragement and strength.
(Eccl 4:9-12 KJV) Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. {10} For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. {11} Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? {12} And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
(1 Th 5:11 NKJV) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
(Gal 6:2 NKJV) Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
KEY INSIGHT: Bear literally means - to lift.
It is derived from the word which means - a pace; foot. Thus the word carries with it the idea of removal.
KEY APPLICATION: Think of how YOU can be used of God to help carry away someone’s burden.
When you have a burden you want to be in the company of God’s people.

5. 4.) The Body of Christ is a place of harmony
(Phil 1:27 NLT) But whatever happens to me, you must live in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ, as citizens of heaven. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the Good News.
(Heb 3:13 NKJV) but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
(Heb 10:24-25 NKJV) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, {25} not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
4.) The Body of Christ is a place of harmony
(Amos 3:3 KJV) Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
KEY INSIGHT: True believers will ALWAYS feel out of step with the world.
But you and the body of Christ march to the beat of the same drummer.

6. (Acts 1:14 NKJV) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
(Acts 2:1 NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
KEY INSIGHT: The word accord comes from the Greek word homothumadon
homou – at the same place or time thumos – passion
5.) The Body of Christ is where we experience share together in the things of Christ (koinonia)
(Acts 2:42 NKJV) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
KEY INSIGHT: Fellowship is from the Greek word koinonia
Definition - partnership Derivation - a sharer

7. KEY INSIGHT: It is this koinonia that knits the individual members of the Body of Christ closely together.
KEY INSIGHT: The body of Christ is so close that it takes on a SINGLE identity.
(Acts 2:44 NKJV) Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
KEY INSIGHT: The body of Christ is a place where lives are very close and they are shared in gladness.
(Acts 2:46 NKJV) 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,
The word gladness means exultation.
It is derived from the word which means to jump for joy; to exult

8. 6.) The Body of Christ is a place where the weak are loved, and where there is an attitude of giving.
(Acts 20:35 NKJV) "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'“
KEY INSIGHT: Support = to take hold of in turn; succor;
Weak = to be feeble – It is derived from the word which means strengthless.
(1 Th 5:14 NLT) Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
7.) The Body of Christ is a place where we receive comfort based upon our common faith.
(Rom 1:11-12 NKJV) For I long to see you… that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

9. 8.) The Body of Christ is a place of acceptance.
(Rom 15:7 NKJV) Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
KEY INSIGHT: The word receive means to take to ones self.
QUOTE: Spoken to George Muller – Come as often as you please; heart and house are open to you.
(Eph 2:14 NKJV) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
REVIEW:
1.) The Body of Christ is family.
2.) The Body of Christ is the place where the quality of your life is enriched.
3.) The Body of Christ is the place of encouragement and strength.
4.) The Body of Christ is a place of harmony and agreement.

10. 5.) The Body of Christ is the place where we share together in the things of God.
6.) The Body of Christ is where the weak are loved and there is an attitude of giving.
7.) The Body of Christ is the place of comfort based upon our common faith in Jesus.
8.) The Body of Christ is a place of acceptance.
These are the reasons that God has given to us for continuing steadfastly in fellowship.