Church Hunters -- Part 2

Last time, we looked at the commissioned church. Today, we are looking at the continuing church. So what is a continuing church? It is a church that is continuing in what Christ left us on earth to do. While the commission is the essence of our ministry, the continuing is the environment that God has called us to create in the church. Let's look at Acts 2:42-47--

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The church here continued in several different things here. And not only did they continue, they continued steadfastly. Steadfastly there means faithfully or regularly. They did not fail to make use of these practices and create a godly environment in the church I would like to point out six of these practices, and then show the result of those practices.

1. They continued in teaching -- "doctrine" (v. 42)

The early church was one that heard the words of the apostles. These men had heard directly from Jesus Christ Himself. They'd followed Him for three and a half years. And what they had been taught, they taught to the people. Look where we are today. We have the scriptures, from Genesis all the way to Revelation. We have the very Words of God at our fingertips. As such, our churches should be teaching the doctrines that are found within. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Is my church teaching doctrine that lines up with scripture?

2. Is my church continuing to teach in different settings and formats?

3. Is my church exalting the Bible as the authority for all doctrine, rather than the men who speak in the pulpit?

2. They continued in fellowship -- "fellowship (v. 42); with one accord (v. 46)"

The early church enjoyed each other's company. They were friends. They didn’t just walk in, sing a couple songs, pray, hear some teaching, and leave. They formed relationships with the other members of the congregation. They learned to love these people. Many people in churches today seem to hold to the "come, sit, stand, leave" philosophy of church attendance. But God wants us to continue in fellowshipping with one another, in forming relationships. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Is my church a friendly church?

2. Does the pastor encourage us to fellowship with one another?

3. Do we have opportunities for fellowship (meals, small groups, etc.)?

3. They continued in discipleship -- "breaking bread" (vv. 42, 46)

This practice is a mix of the previous two-- teaching in principle, fellowship in practice. When the early church created relationships, they then were able to teach others more closely. They were breaking bread together, eating meals with smaller groups of people.  This is the practice. The principle comes in the word breaking. When they would break the bread, they would pass it around to all who were at the table. They would spread the bread around so that all could have some, and in the process also spread knowledge around. Where do this principle and this practice leave the church today? In practice, our relationships should deepen to the point where we can implement the principle of discipleship in our everyday living. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Does the church provide ample opportunity for me to learn from other members?

2. Does the church provide ample opportunity for me to teach other members?

3. Is discipleship encouraged along with outreach?

4. They continued in prayers -- "in prayers" (v. 42)

The early church knew the power that prayer had. The apostles had seen The power of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ and had learned how to pray from Him. These prayers filled the church with power. They prayed for God to work in their church, in the lives of other church members, and in their own personal lives. What should this mean for us in our churches? We should be using prayer to fill our church as a whole and the people within the church with power. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Does my church encourage us to pray for one another by providing prayer requests and praises in the service and/or on paper?

2. Does my church provide opportunities to pray for one another?

5. They continued in giving -- "parted them to all men (v. 45); from house to house (v. 46)"

Giving is one of the hardest things to do. As people, we naturally desire for our own welfare to grow through receiving. But here in Acts, the church was naturally giving. Not only did they give, but they gave sacrificially. They would sell off a piece of property and give all the proceeds to the church. The church could then spread that money to people who were in need. As a church now, we should be giving for several things that are even mentioned in the Bible. We should be giving 1) to support the local church ministry and the pastor (I Tim. 5:17-18), 2) to provide for the needs of others (Acts 2:45), and 3) to support the work of missionaries (II Cor. 8:1-5). 

QUESTIONS:

1. Am I going to have an opportunity to give to support the church and the pastor?

2. Am I going to have an opportunity to give to support others who are in the church and in the community?

3. Am I going to have an opportunity to give to support missionaries around the world?

6. They continued in worship -- "Praising God" (v. 47)

Worship is the culmination of all the above practices. Worship is not just a style of music, but rather an environment, a culture, and a lifestyle that glorifies God. When the early church did all of the above, they also continued in worshipping God. God was honored. God was glorified.

QUESTIONS:

1. Do the actions of this church exemplify worship of God?

2. Is the church's atmosphere and environment one that places a priority on worship?

3. Am I able to glorify God in my actions in this ministry?

Now, what was the result of this atmosphere? What did God do for this church? Look at the end of verse 47: "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." When this church created an environment surrounded around God-honoring practices, God brought in the souls who would be saved and would join the church. The church grew as a result of honoring God. They grew in numbers and in spiritual matters. This church is a great example for us to follow. 

1. Photo credits: www.godtube.com/watch/?v=YKKWGPNX