Will you be the church?

Aug 16

Matthew 16:18 NASB
I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

Ekklesia = “called out ones” gathering together

The Church is not merely a building or a weekly event. It is a gathering of people who have been called out to follow Jesus together.

Acts 4:32–35 NASB
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the salesand lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

The early Church gives us a picture of what it looks like to truly be the Church.

1. Supernatural Unity

Acts 4:32 NASB
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.

Echad = One

John 17:21 NASB
That they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

2. Radical Generosity

Acts 4:34–35
For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the salesand lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

Acts 2:41–45
So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.And all those who had believed were together and had all things in commonand they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

3. Irresistible Hospitality

Acts 2:46–47
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heartpraising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Romans 12:9–13

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honornot lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lordrejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayercontributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.