Post by Guadalupe on Oct 1, 2012 13:36:57 GMT -5
Received this via email from a friend and it truly blessed us. We hope it blesses you too.
The Community of Believers
CLP Sunday School lesson notes 9-30-2012 (Christian Light Publications-CLP)
Acts 2:38-47; 4:32-37
They Gladly Received the Word
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves
from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day
there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
v. 37 They were pricked in their heart. Was that not enough? What does repent
mean? Repent – is more than just a conviction but a changing of ways. A
turning around in life. What does the name of Jesus Christ do for you?
v. 38 Peter knew a fresh repentance. He had just needed to change
his ways. Mt 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him,
Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept
bitterly. How fresh is repentance to me? Is that significant to witnessing? We
can only preach what we have practiced. Have you received God’s gift? How
precious is His promise - the Holy Spirit - to us? Do we view society as
warped and desire to be free from it?
Untoward; warped, crooked
Baptism followed repentance and faith.
a.. faith that Jesus is the Christ
b.. faith that Jesus gives remission of sins.
c.. This faith gives the capacity to receive the empowerment of the Holy
Spirit.
This baptism is for believers that have the ability to express faith. Can we
find these characteristics in our community?
a.. The community of believers hear the word.
b.. The community of believers convicted.
c.. The community of believers sense a call of God. V. 39
d.. The community of believers have faith and repent of sins.
e.. The community of believers receive the Holy Ghost.
f.. The community of believers rely on the promise.
g.. The community of believers are in the midst of an untoward generation
(unfriendly people)
For the promise is unto each of us and our children that are able to know and
believe by faith.
The community of believers preach with power: What do we preach?
a.. The sufferings of our loving Savior and his resurrection are clearly in
focus.
b.. The miracle of communication that all may understand is about them. Does
God make it obvious that people understand today? Do we tell people what they
need to understand?
c.. Devout men were listening and open for information and conviction. Acts
2:5 Do we find men that are sincerely seeking?
d.. The Holy Spirit wrought by and with the preaching of the Word. Do we know
that God is at work today?
Baptism is significant. You were known to be either “of them” or not of them.
Baptism is a public identity statement of our position and relationship with God
and a connecting with the local church. They were known mainly by a life that
matched more than by the one time event of water baptism.
“We need not inquire, whether the apostles did it by dipping or sprinkling, both
being lawful: but this may be said, it is hard to guess how such a quantity of
water could be brought to the place, as might serve for the decent dipping of
three thousand persons in so short a time.
And, upon supposition that the water was not brought to them, but they went
down to that; baptizing so many by dipping, would have required a week rather
than a day to dispatch it in.” W Burkitt
They Continued Steadfastly
Ac 2:42 And they continued stedfastly 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 favour with all the people. And the Lord added to
the church daily such as should be saved.
What are key ingredients in sustaining life for Christ’s church? What is the
key focus in our church?
Steadfast – earnest à How earnest are we to keep the word? To fellowship with
the saints? To pray?
Community continued steadfastly:
a.. in the apostles doctrine – The first rule of the church. Committed to
writing for today. Not left to the hazards and uncertainty of tradition. To
cultivate unity in Jesus Christ.
a.. delivered to them by Jesus
b.. taught by the apostles
c.. contained in the holy scriptures
b.. in breaking of bread –
a.. communion- remembering the Lord’s supper and its meaning. From house to
house – privately, not in a public place. V. 46
c.. In fellowship
a.. Fellowship meals
b.. Feasting on the “bread of life” reviewing truth, examining truth,
constantly, Daily devotion.
d.. in prayers – vital spiritual communication for the community.
e.. With one accord
f.. In the temple (the place of prayer and worship)
g.. With gladness ( the joy of the Lord)
h.. With singleness of heart ( one primary focus in life, new and different
from what it had been)
i.. Praising God. (Giving credit where credit is due)
j.. Having favor with all the people. With an exception of a few people in
society this seems to be typical of God’s people.
“fear came” This is a result of being able to see God at work in our midst.
The drama of life’s changes by the power of God cannot be overlooked. Do we
have a special sense of God’s presence and power at work? What is it doing for
us?
“TOGETHER” -unity, a sense of belonging, like being at home with the family.
How private should our lives be?
“all things common” shared as family to meet the needs of each other. Gives
evidence of bonding.
Christians know how to give relief to each other. This gathering of
thousands of new believers is no small matter. Food and housing for days is
serious business for a small area to provide. This is likely why we do not read
of this type of activity again associated with some “radical” sacrifice by the
Christians. Am I in position to make sacrificial contribution to promote the
church and maintain His people for sharing the gospel?
Do we have a daily relationship with God? With others? How much
do we praise? THE LORD ADDED DAILY
a.. to the church ( the called out ones) from sin and the world
b.. such as should be saved (delivered) from sin.
They Were of One Heart and Soul
Ac 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one
soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was
his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the
Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors
of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were
sold,
35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto
every man according as he had need.
36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being
interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles'
feet.
A multitude Do we see addition to God’s family? Why or why not?
a.. believed (one message), (one doctrine)
b.. one heart (one goal, purpose), (one affection)
c.. one soul (one mind, one body, (one thought)
d.. not selfish but sharing and contributing (one mission)
gives potential for GREAT power: Great power follows what?
a.. for witnessing of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. What is the most
important message for our day? The power of God? Do we have a message to
share?
Gives GREAT grace upon all
v. 33 “great grace” oh, how sweet!
They experienced no lack:
1.. spiritually 2:42
2.. emotionally 2: 46-47
3.. physically 4:34
a.. The great power working quickly and effectively to change sinful lives in
to the likeness of Jesus.
b. V. 31 They had just experienced a GREAT prayer.
The sacrificial sharing from those that are able continues today for the special
needs that exist.
Introduction to Joses (Barnabas) probably one of many examples for the time.
a.. son of consolation – a character trait recognized by the apostles
benefiting the church
b.. a Levite – Jewish – acquainted with OT law
c.. of Cyprus – not at home – Branching out, reaching out,
d.. having land – entrepreneur, investor, business man
e.. sold it – a shift, a change of vision, preparation for a new investment
f.. laid it at the apostle’s feet – Placed at the disposal of others he could
trust to fulfill his desires. Multiplying our efforts through others. Merging
into the “BIG BUSINESS”.
What is my life purpose? Life fulfillment? Life goals? Am I taking steps to
fulfill God’s purpose in the community of believers? Do I add to or subtract
from the group? Is my life a message to others around me? Do you sense your
“life message”? Do we come up to this level of oneness today? Why?
Posted by Wendell Rohrer
Posted by Wendell Rohrer
The Community of Believers
CLP Sunday School lesson notes 9-30-2012 (Christian Light Publications-CLP)
Acts 2:38-47; 4:32-37
They Gladly Received the Word
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves
from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day
there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
v. 37 They were pricked in their heart. Was that not enough? What does repent
mean? Repent – is more than just a conviction but a changing of ways. A
turning around in life. What does the name of Jesus Christ do for you?
v. 38 Peter knew a fresh repentance. He had just needed to change
his ways. Mt 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him,
Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept
bitterly. How fresh is repentance to me? Is that significant to witnessing? We
can only preach what we have practiced. Have you received God’s gift? How
precious is His promise - the Holy Spirit - to us? Do we view society as
warped and desire to be free from it?
Untoward; warped, crooked
Baptism followed repentance and faith.
a.. faith that Jesus is the Christ
b.. faith that Jesus gives remission of sins.
c.. This faith gives the capacity to receive the empowerment of the Holy
Spirit.
This baptism is for believers that have the ability to express faith. Can we
find these characteristics in our community?
a.. The community of believers hear the word.
b.. The community of believers convicted.
c.. The community of believers sense a call of God. V. 39
d.. The community of believers have faith and repent of sins.
e.. The community of believers receive the Holy Ghost.
f.. The community of believers rely on the promise.
g.. The community of believers are in the midst of an untoward generation
(unfriendly people)
For the promise is unto each of us and our children that are able to know and
believe by faith.
The community of believers preach with power: What do we preach?
a.. The sufferings of our loving Savior and his resurrection are clearly in
focus.
b.. The miracle of communication that all may understand is about them. Does
God make it obvious that people understand today? Do we tell people what they
need to understand?
c.. Devout men were listening and open for information and conviction. Acts
2:5 Do we find men that are sincerely seeking?
d.. The Holy Spirit wrought by and with the preaching of the Word. Do we know
that God is at work today?
Baptism is significant. You were known to be either “of them” or not of them.
Baptism is a public identity statement of our position and relationship with God
and a connecting with the local church. They were known mainly by a life that
matched more than by the one time event of water baptism.
“We need not inquire, whether the apostles did it by dipping or sprinkling, both
being lawful: but this may be said, it is hard to guess how such a quantity of
water could be brought to the place, as might serve for the decent dipping of
three thousand persons in so short a time.
And, upon supposition that the water was not brought to them, but they went
down to that; baptizing so many by dipping, would have required a week rather
than a day to dispatch it in.” W Burkitt
They Continued Steadfastly
Ac 2:42 And they continued stedfastly 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 favour with all the people. And the Lord added to
the church daily such as should be saved.
What are key ingredients in sustaining life for Christ’s church? What is the
key focus in our church?
Steadfast – earnest à How earnest are we to keep the word? To fellowship with
the saints? To pray?
Community continued steadfastly:
a.. in the apostles doctrine – The first rule of the church. Committed to
writing for today. Not left to the hazards and uncertainty of tradition. To
cultivate unity in Jesus Christ.
a.. delivered to them by Jesus
b.. taught by the apostles
c.. contained in the holy scriptures
b.. in breaking of bread –
a.. communion- remembering the Lord’s supper and its meaning. From house to
house – privately, not in a public place. V. 46
c.. In fellowship
a.. Fellowship meals
b.. Feasting on the “bread of life” reviewing truth, examining truth,
constantly, Daily devotion.
d.. in prayers – vital spiritual communication for the community.
e.. With one accord
f.. In the temple (the place of prayer and worship)
g.. With gladness ( the joy of the Lord)
h.. With singleness of heart ( one primary focus in life, new and different
from what it had been)
i.. Praising God. (Giving credit where credit is due)
j.. Having favor with all the people. With an exception of a few people in
society this seems to be typical of God’s people.
“fear came” This is a result of being able to see God at work in our midst.
The drama of life’s changes by the power of God cannot be overlooked. Do we
have a special sense of God’s presence and power at work? What is it doing for
us?
“TOGETHER” -unity, a sense of belonging, like being at home with the family.
How private should our lives be?
“all things common” shared as family to meet the needs of each other. Gives
evidence of bonding.
Christians know how to give relief to each other. This gathering of
thousands of new believers is no small matter. Food and housing for days is
serious business for a small area to provide. This is likely why we do not read
of this type of activity again associated with some “radical” sacrifice by the
Christians. Am I in position to make sacrificial contribution to promote the
church and maintain His people for sharing the gospel?
Do we have a daily relationship with God? With others? How much
do we praise? THE LORD ADDED DAILY
a.. to the church ( the called out ones) from sin and the world
b.. such as should be saved (delivered) from sin.
They Were of One Heart and Soul
Ac 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one
soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was
his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the
Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors
of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were
sold,
35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto
every man according as he had need.
36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being
interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles'
feet.
A multitude Do we see addition to God’s family? Why or why not?
a.. believed (one message), (one doctrine)
b.. one heart (one goal, purpose), (one affection)
c.. one soul (one mind, one body, (one thought)
d.. not selfish but sharing and contributing (one mission)
gives potential for GREAT power: Great power follows what?
a.. for witnessing of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. What is the most
important message for our day? The power of God? Do we have a message to
share?
Gives GREAT grace upon all
v. 33 “great grace” oh, how sweet!
They experienced no lack:
1.. spiritually 2:42
2.. emotionally 2: 46-47
3.. physically 4:34
a.. The great power working quickly and effectively to change sinful lives in
to the likeness of Jesus.
b. V. 31 They had just experienced a GREAT prayer.
The sacrificial sharing from those that are able continues today for the special
needs that exist.
Introduction to Joses (Barnabas) probably one of many examples for the time.
a.. son of consolation – a character trait recognized by the apostles
benefiting the church
b.. a Levite – Jewish – acquainted with OT law
c.. of Cyprus – not at home – Branching out, reaching out,
d.. having land – entrepreneur, investor, business man
e.. sold it – a shift, a change of vision, preparation for a new investment
f.. laid it at the apostle’s feet – Placed at the disposal of others he could
trust to fulfill his desires. Multiplying our efforts through others. Merging
into the “BIG BUSINESS”.
What is my life purpose? Life fulfillment? Life goals? Am I taking steps to
fulfill God’s purpose in the community of believers? Do I add to or subtract
from the group? Is my life a message to others around me? Do you sense your
“life message”? Do we come up to this level of oneness today? Why?
Posted by Wendell Rohrer
Posted by Wendell Rohrer