The Path of the Church
Acts 2:41-47
* Vv 42 - continued steadfastly: means not to leave or never forsake: forsake what?
1- The doctrine: teaching the principles of the religion
2- Fellowship: a group of people w/ the same interests
3- Breaking of bread: to come apart by force
4- Prayer: an earnest request or supplication
#1 Doctrine = they received it, retained it, and acted on it
I Timothy 1:3-4
As I thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is faith: so do
= they were constant hearers of it, and showed up to receive there portion when it was given out.
2 John 9-10
Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.
#2 Fellowship = they kept close to the Doctrine that was being taught to them and in fellowship with the body.
I Corinthians 1:9
God is faithful, by who ye were called unto the fellowship of his son Jesus Christ our Lord.
* This is why we encourage to you to stay and fellowship after service with us.
* This allows us to become stronger and even more united together.
* The fellowship with one another builds up each another. We may have been through or down the road that you are traveling now with life’s struggles and not fellowshipping and talking to one another we may not get the help we need!!!
Ephesians 4:13-14
Till we all come in the unity of the Faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind and doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
* we have things in common
1- The participation in the church
2- Our friendship
3- Salvation
4- Jesus:
All Christians have the same hope of heaven, the same joys, the same hatred of sin, the same enemies to contend with, the same subjects of conversation, the same feelings, and the same prayers. The key part of a revival is to unite the body of Christians more and more. To bring those that were separated, to a union and love of Christ. Christians are a broad band of brethren, with common interests and united feelings.
1John1:1-7 read - hit the fellowship points!!
#3 Breaking of Bread= our fellowship should not end at the church. We need to visit one another and spend time with one another through out the week. Taking one another out to eat, lighting the load for someone with a big family, cooking for those that are sick, and need your help. The more that we do this for one another three things will happen!
1- it will be easier the next time
2- it will cause the body to become more united and stronger to endure the enemies attacks
3- our love for one another will become stronger.
#4 Praying= the words that God understands!
Ephesians6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
*steadfast in public and private to God Himself:
*in both prayer and supplication = asking and in praise = thanksgiving
*nothing delights the Lord more than to hear from all his children joined together in prayer and praises of his people
Colossians 4:2-3
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. Withal praying for us that God would open unto us a door of utterance to speak to the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
* pray for the increase of grace and life in our souls and pray for one another.
Jude 20-21
But ye beloved building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost Keep yourselves in the love of God looking for the mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life
Bro. Stepp
4/15/08
