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:
I.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.
II. 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.
III. 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.
IV. 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).
V. 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: ACTS
VI. 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.
VII. 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.
VIII. 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:
IX. Had great Gladness- Vs 46 You can just picture the gladness, joy, and rejoicing, these early Christians had as they did things together.
X. 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.
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.
