Acts 2 42 47 And they continued steadfastly

Acts 2: 42 -47 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need…”

Acts 2: 42 -47 “…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, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (NKJV).

The Character of the Church Our goal and our aim is to emulate that church. We want to be sure that we are the same church that Jesus died for and built—the church that belongs to Him.

The Character of the Church A Studious Church “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…” (Acts 2: 42). They understood the importance of growth following conversion. “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John. 8: 31). They understood the power of God’s word (Rom. 1: 16).

The Character of the Church A Unified Church They “were of one heart and one soul” (Acts 4: 32). The early church was a tight knit family. They spent time together because they realized the need to lean on one another. Unity is part of having the mind of Christ (Phil. 2: 5 -11).

The Character of the Church A Prayerful Church They were a church that was prayerful (Acts 2: 42). We are to be prayerful all throughout our lives (I Thess. 5: 17). Prayer is effectual—prayer should be made for one another (James. 5: 16).

The Character of the Church A Generous Church They shared with those in need to the point that they “had all things in common” (Acts 2: 44). Many sold possessions and goods, and then gave to those who had need (Acts 2: 45). No one lacked anything because of the willingness of others to give (Acts 4: 32 -37). They understood the words of Jesus on giving (Acts 20: 35).

The Character of the Church A Happy Church “They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2: 46). We are to come to God with thankfulness (Phil. 4: 6). We must recognize that all good gifts come from God (James. 1: 17). God supplies our daily needs, as He did theirs (Matt. 6: 11).

The Character of the Church A Respected Church They conducted themselves “having favor with all the people” (Acts 2: 47) God has always called for his people to live blamelessly before others (Titus 2: 7 -8).

The Character of the Church An Evangelistic Church The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2: 47). This shows they continued teaching others (Acts 4: 4; 5: 14; 6: 7). Everyone was involved in this (Acts 8: 4). This continued Jesus’ charge to the apostles (Mark 16: 15 -16). The power is in God’s word—we only need to tell it (Heb. 4: 12)