Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday worship services.
This Sunday’s Sermon – “Marks of a Christian: Commitment”
Main Text – Acts 2:41-47
Overview of Acts – Written by Luke who wrote the Gospel of Luke so this is a sequel book. Luke uses a journey them in these two books. In his Gospel, it’s the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem. In Acts, it’s the journey of the Apostle Paul and the gospel to Rome (ends of the earth.)
Book of Acts – Focuses on the early church. Church means “gathering” or “assembly.” Luke wants us to see what God’s new family looks like.
The book begins at a fast past culminating in the Day of Pentecost and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Now, we get to take a breath to see what all of this means for the Christian community.
This text is often used as a template for the 4 marks of a healthy church: 1) teachings 2) common life of the believers 3) breaking of bread 4) prayers. A church needs all of these things, plus they overlap. I’m going to adapt these four marks to the five marks as part of the sermon series: 1) prayers 2) presence, 3) gifts 4) service 5) witness.
Teaching – Without teaching, we can easily revert to the ways of the world and lose our distinctiveness as a church.
Common Life (fellowship) – Without this, we can become too isolated.
Breaking of Bread (Holy Communion) – Without the Sacrament, we lose the foundation of our faith that Jesus died and was resurrected.
Prayer – Without prayer, we forget that we are a people who are to work toward bringing heaven to earth. That’s what prayer is – bringing heaven to earth.
When the church is vibrant in these four areas, no wonder signs and wonders happen all around us (verse 43.) The Holy Spirit is able to bring transformation to lives.
Early Christians saw themselves as a family. In the 1st century, a family often all shared in a common trade/business. They saw themselves as one. Baptism reminds us of this oneness! We have a common purpose and mission. It can be hard to feel as one when there are so many people (not just the 12 disciples!)
They probably sold extra property that they possessed, not their primary homes. This was significant since land was tied to their ancestral heritage. This meant that the early church had a lot of commitment among the people.
The early church had love (agape) which is why they shared their possessions.
People (the unchurched) are often attracted to this unique way of living and being “community.” That’s why people were being saved and becoming part of the early church.
This Sunday’s Sermon – “Marks of a Christian: Commitment”
Main Text – Acts 2:41-47
Overview of Acts – Written by Luke who wrote the Gospel of Luke so this is a sequel book. Luke uses a journey them in these two books. In his Gospel, it’s the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem. In Acts, it’s the journey of the Apostle Paul and the gospel to Rome (ends of the earth.)
Book of Acts – Focuses on the early church. Church means “gathering” or “assembly.” Luke wants us to see what God’s new family looks like.
The book begins at a fast past culminating in the Day of Pentecost and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Now, we get to take a breath to see what all of this means for the Christian community.
This text is often used as a template for the 4 marks of a healthy church: 1) teachings 2) common life of the believers 3) breaking of bread 4) prayers. A church needs all of these things, plus they overlap. I’m going to adapt these four marks to the five marks as part of the sermon series: 1) prayers 2) presence, 3) gifts 4) service 5) witness.
Teaching – Without teaching, we can easily revert to the ways of the world and lose our distinctiveness as a church.
Common Life (fellowship) – Without this, we can become too isolated.
Breaking of Bread (Holy Communion) – Without the Sacrament, we lose the foundation of our faith that Jesus died and was resurrected.
Prayer – Without prayer, we forget that we are a people who are to work toward bringing heaven to earth. That’s what prayer is – bringing heaven to earth.
When the church is vibrant in these four areas, no wonder signs and wonders happen all around us (verse 43.) The Holy Spirit is able to bring transformation to lives.
Early Christians saw themselves as a family. In the 1st century, a family often all shared in a common trade/business. They saw themselves as one. Baptism reminds us of this oneness! We have a common purpose and mission. It can be hard to feel as one when there are so many people (not just the 12 disciples!)
They probably sold extra property that they possessed, not their primary homes. This was significant since land was tied to their ancestral heritage. This meant that the early church had a lot of commitment among the people.
The early church had love (agape) which is why they shared their possessions.
People (the unchurched) are often attracted to this unique way of living and being “community.” That’s why people were being saved and becoming part of the early church.
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