252 – Acts 2: Real Life in the Church
Real life is found by…
Living in the power of God
But
in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate
won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he
will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the
coming judgment. JOHN 16:7 NLT
On
the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly,
there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it
filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what
looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And
everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit… ACTS 2:1-4 NLT
“God raised
Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s
right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to
pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today…” ACTS 2:32-34 NLT
The church is at its best when we
are filled by the Holy Spirit
Living with the people of God
All the
believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and
to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer… And all the
believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold
their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They
worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper,
and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all
the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. ACTS 2:42, 44-47A NLT
Let
us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And
let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one
another…. HEBREWS 10:24-25 NLT
Flee
the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace,
along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 TIMOTHY 2:22 NIV
The church is at its best when we
are together
Living for the purpose of God
Peter’s words pierced their
hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should
we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God,
and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to
your children, and to those far away — all who have been called by the Lord our
God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his
listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” ACTS 2:37-40 NLT
A
deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many
miraculous signs and wonders….And each day the Lord added to their fellowship
those who were being saved. ACTS 2:43, 47B
The church is at
its best when we are aligned with God’s mission
Discussion
Questions: