Acts 2:38-47

Spirit Filled Church


Introduction:

Luke sets the standards of a model church. Last time we dealt with the model sermon by the apostle Peter. Luke now proceeds to give certain characteristics of a model church. It wasn’t a perfect church because saints are sinners too. There are times when the best of churches have doctrinal error and unsanctified lives. For the most part we would do well to emulate the doctrine and life of the church in Acts. They were all engaged in the work of the ministry. (Eph. 4:11-13)


  1. STUDYING CHURCH

  1. Apostles doctrine – v.42

    1. What is a Spirit filled church?

    2. The apostle’s doctrine consisted of the teaching of Theology. – John 7:16

    3. Doctrine precedes fellowship – (Martin Lloyd-Jones)


  1. The Church in Acts

    1. Studied the apostles doctrine and tested it against the Old Testament

    2. The apostles gave us the New Testament – Gal. 1:12; I Thess. 2:13


  1. FELLOWSHIPPING CHURCH

    1. Common participation in God – I John 1:3

      1. Koine Greek – The common language of the people

      2. Common Status – Rom. 10:12; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11)

Turn To: Philippians 2:1-5

      1. Generosity – v.44-45 (Not Communism or Socialism) Luke 12:15; Acts 20:35


  1. WORSHIPPING CHURCH

    1. Formal worship – “breaking of bread and prayers” (temple)

    2. Informal worship – “from house to house”

    3. Corrupt worship – (dark ages and during the Reformation – Calvin)

      1. Satan’s workshop

      2. What about music in the worship service? (They used the Psalter)

      3. Pure motivation for worship – (Gordon Keddie) – Turn To: Psalm 84:1-4


  1. EVANGELIZING CHURCH

    1. The Lord uses means v.47

      1. The Spirit gave them courage and boldness to speak

      2. “The Lord was adding to their number” – I Cor. 3:4-6

      3. “Those who were being saved” (Lenski)


    1. The Lord added them to the church

      1. Not to a lone ranger society or a para church organization

      2. With real officers, Elders, Deacons, and real members where the Word and Sacraments were administered.


Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church 207 First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

7/5/2009