Gathering Around the Word: Acts: 2:42-47

Overview

When you think of ‘church’ what immediately comes to mind? Is it music, or sermons, or Sunday school? Maybe pews, stained glass windows, or the elderly couple that always smiles at you and sits in the same place every Sunday morning? Whatever images enter our minds, society has done its best to define a church as a building following a set schedule every Sunday (and possibly Wednesday evening) with a congregation and a pastor. Unfortunately, we have allowed society to define the church and what it is. It used to be that churches were influential in shaping families and neighborhoods. Now, churches bend and compromise to remain economically viable amidst a generation of people that has lost sight of the true definition of church – church as God intended church to be.
On average, approximately 50 United States’ churches a week close their doors permanently. What is the main reason? Money. They simply can no longer pay their bills. At the same time, churches seem to be getting bigger and more elaborate – the ‘mega church’ has taken hold as the place to be on Sunday morning. Small churches are failing while large churches are thriving. The reason, once again, is money.
In Acts 2: 42-47 we see the beginnings of the church. People have come together to learn about Jesus Christ from the Apostles, to fellowship with one another, and to help one another. They did not choose a church to attend; they simply went where others also wanting to learn and worship were going. ‘Church’ was not an event, or a show. ‘Church’ was all about the spiritual growth and the celebration of Jesus Christ. It was, indeed, what God intended church – His church – to be.

Introduction
How is it that any group is formed? What people – gender, race, background, etc. – comprise a group? Now, let’s examine a group you belong to. Why did that group come together?
Our theme for our current study these past weeks is “God’s Word.” We see today how God’s Word is the unifier, the catalyst, behind the most influential, satisfying group we can possibly be a member of – God’s church.

I. Gathering Through God’s Word (v. 42-43)
Peter had just completed preaching a long sermon and approximately 3,000 people were baptized. This group comprised the first church, and the happenings there within are quite clear. Three elements of the first church’s services are identified: 1) Teaching, 2) Communion, and 3) Prayer. They did not have to wear certain clothing, nor were there any arguments regarding the style of music being sung. Also, notice in verse 46 how they gather together daily. The purpose of the first church – God’s church based solely upon His Son, Jesus Christ – was to learn, celebrate, and pray. They gathered for Christ and Christ alone.

II. Fellowship Through God’s Word (v. 44-47a)
Regarding the Christian sharing revealed in verse 44, the Life Application Bible states, “Recognizing the other believers as brothers and sisters in the family of God, the Christians in Jerusalem shared all they had so that all could benefit from God’s blessings…as part of God’s spiritual family, we have a responsibility to help one another in every way possible. God’s family works best when its members work together.” (p.1622, Living Bible translation).
Notice that the people did not just share their material possessions – they shared everything! The Word of God was shared, as was their worship, their food, their praise, and their time. This heart and attitude of sharing is the true meaning of fellowship. People and modern churches have lost sight of what fellowship truly is. When you live life w/ an attitude as exhibited in God’s first church, it would be impossible not to be blessed and deeply grateful to our Lord.

III. Growth Through God’s Word (v. 47b)
How does the modern church measure growth? Almost without exception, by money and by the number of members. Let me state the obvious here – this is not the means by which God measures growth in His church! God measures growth, or success, within a church two ways: a church’s witness and service, and the individual church members coming closer to God in spirituality and daily living.
Our society is obsessed with money and the material wealth it (and credit!) can purchase. It is not surprising that we classify groups of people according to their annual income, or that we consider rich people to be successful. Are churches any different? No! Big buildings with multiple services and thousands of attendees obviously signify the effectiveness of a given church…does it not? A small group of people meeting in a living room cannot possibly be blessed and growing…right? We need to realize how God views success, and no matter what church you may attend, try to honestly answer one question – Would God be pleased with all this place does and represents?

Conclusion
Church can be different things to different people. In Acts 2: 42-47, we witness the very first church – the first gathering of believers! Whatever images we may have as to what ‘church’ is, God was certainly pleased that thousands gathered together to learn about Jesus and His teachings. God must have been tickled to see believers spending time together, eating together, and sharing with one another. God blessed the efforts of these first people in His church, and He did so because they praised and worshipped His Son without pretense or ulterior motive.
I believe God is watching churches today. He will be pleased with and bless those groups that are in keeping with the ways and hearts of that very first church 2,000 years ago. It is for Him to judge a church’s success, and it is for each and every Christian to do all they can to be part of a church worthy to God! We may have an idea or image of what church should be, but should we not leave the definition of a true church up to God Himself? In today’s Scripture, we see that ideal.