Introduction: In this passage of scripture, we see in vs 47 the corporate body of Christ and also a new local assembly of believers, a new local church forming in Jerusalem. The church started in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth- Acts 1:8. The local church has been instituted by God to get his work accomplished here on this earth. This is the place where people are saved by the preaching of the gospel, where people get right and grow spiritually through the doctrinal teachings of the Holy Bible, and where men and women are called to serve God, just to name a few. These were the things happening in this new local church in Jerusalem.
This new Local Church:
Received the Word Glady– Vs 41 They welcome the Word, thirst and hunger for it, rejoice in it, believe it, practice it. These are people that are glad to have a Word and glad to receive the Word. They received the Word (Truth)- I Thessalonians 2:13 “when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe”. They received it Gladly- Acts 17:11 The Bereans “received the word with all readiness of mind”. The Result- Acts 6:7 “and the Word of God increased”.
Taught the Word– Vs 42 “apostles’ doctrine”. The doctrine is essentially the doctrine that we have received, which we have now. The New Testament, Pauline epistles. They weren’t receiving opinions, thoughts, ideas, rules, principles, religion, human philosophy, or psychology, they were receiving the Word of God. Preachers today aren’t preaching the Word of God and that’s why there are so many anemic Christians in the Church. They taught and Fed- Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, TO FEED THE CHRUCH OF GOD”. The overseer has a responsibility to feed church of God. The local church cannot grow, mature and be transformed, without the teaching of the Word of God.
Continued in Fellowship– Vs 42 being in fellowship with likeminded believers keeps us encouraged, in unity, in prayer for one another, in awareness of each other’s needs. Fellowship is a major part in the Christian life. Fellowship brings Joy- I John 3-4 “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full”. Fellowship Strengthens- When Christians fellowship together it strengthens the individual and it strengthens the church. It’s better to fellowship with Gods people than with worldly people. The best fellowships I’ve had with people have been with other Christians. Bowling, board games, outdoor sports, park day, etc. The local church thrives when there is good fellowship.
Continued in Breaking of Bread– Vs 42 when there is the Word of God, and fellowship, and then there’s food, it seems to add a nice touch (sharing a meal with someone else). Vs 46 “breaking of bread from house to house”. Different people take the burden and responsibility of cooking the meal, clean up, put stuff aways, etc. We are social people and we enjoy preaching, fellowship, and breaking of bread. The local church enjoys good fellowship over breakfast tacos, burgers, and hot dogs.
Continued in Prayer– Vs 42 God speaks to us through his Word and we speak to God through prayer. What a privilege and honor to be able to approach God directly with our prayers. This could be corporate prayer and individual prayers. When you pray- you get an opportunity to: ACTSAdoration- Daniel 4:34-35 We should adore God. Confession- I John 1:9 We should confess to God not man. Thanksgiving- Philippians 4:6 We should thank God for how good He is to us. Supplication- I Timothy 2:1-3 We should supplicate to God, to beg and entreat Him to do something. When you get used to praying together and watching God to do the impossible, move mountains, it will increase our faith and our prayer life. At any given time, all of us need prayer and should be praying for others.
The local church that involves God in the plans, circumstances, problems, situations, and directionof the local church through prayer is better off than one that doesn’t.
Had a Fear of God– Vs 43 These Christians had a fear of God regarding His displeasure and judgment. They had a sense of God presence in their lives. A reverence for God and what was happening. Ananias and Saphira’s situation brought fear- “sold a possession and kept back part of the price”. They lied unto God. Acts 5:11 “great fear came upon all the church” because of how they saw God deal with two people who lied to the Holy Ghost. Paul’s conversion brought Fear- Acts 9:31 “walking in the fear of the Lord” because of how they saw God convert the worst of the worst, and now has become a part of the church.
Was Unselfish in their Giving– Vs 44-45 notice how these are the believers of this church “and all that believer were together”. Acts 4:32-35 this was voluntary not commanded by God. An unselfish giver will: Sell what matters to us- “possessions and goods”- hobbies, excess in the closet, excess in the storage, etc. Acts 4:34-37 and Acts 11:27-30 the church at Antioch send relief to Jerusalem. Give to the poor and needy- Acts 20:35
The love of this world makes us unwilling to give up possessions. Don’t get stuck with earthly things and miss out on heavenly possessions.
Was in Unity– Vs 46 “one accord”. They were of the same spirit, of the same mind. They were after the same thing, God. When a person begins to think and act outside of what God wants, there is disunity. Those thoughts are earthly, sensual, and devilish- the devil wants to divide not unite. These Christians were in unity because they were: In Prayer- Acts 1:14 The right thing to do. In one place- Acts 2:1 The right place to be. In daily worship- Acts 2:46 The right attitude to have. In obedience- Acts 8:6 The right determination to have.
Had great Gladness– Vs 46 You can just picture the gladness, joy, and rejoicing, these early Christians had as they did things together. They worshiped in the Temple- praying and attending regular services. God meets with Christians there and does something special. They worshiped in their Homes- They were sharing together in meals and fellowship.
They worshiped with gladness and singleness of heart- They were sincere, soft and tender to the leadership of God, focused on what they were doing. Ephesians 5:18-19 filled with the Spirit of God.
Had a Burden for the Lost– Vs 47 “and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”. When a preacher is faithful to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, God will honor his word, it will not return void unto Him, and people will get saved. We should all be preaching the gospel- family, friends, co-workers, people at the store, etc. Acts 4:4 we see 5,000 men being saved after the preaching of Peter. Acts 6:7 when the word of God increased, people being saved increased also. Acts 11:21 when we preach, the hand of the Lord is with us, and God draws people unto himself.
Conclusion: This early church is a great example of the way that our local church should be and do. As we have seen, the local church in Jerusalem received the Word gladly, taught the word diligently, continued in fellowship, continued in breaking of bread, and continued in prayer for one another, etc. What a well-rounded, great local church that we can learn from.
Anchor Baptist Church 