Four principles of faith - Resulting in Unity and Power

Part 2

Learning from the early church

Introduction :- Acts.2:42-47. Four principles of faith - Resulting in Unity and Power

Before we consider the above it is necessary to understand the prime requirement to become a member of the church of Jesus Christ was to experience being “born - again”, as Peter preached the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in verses 22-36, followed by their enquiry v37, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter answered v.38-41, “Repent, be baptized, ----- etc. v.41, indicates that 3000 people responded to the message of salvation.

1. Acts.2:42. a. The Apostles Doctrine (teachings)

b. The Fellowship (koinonia)

c. The Breaking of bread (communion/ the Lord’s table)

d. Prayer - corporate prayer.

These four great principles need to be closely examined, as they led to vibrancy and power in the life of the early church. Today they are unfortunately sadly neglected by so many. Which may be a reason that few churches or individuals experience the abundant life Jesus promised. Jn.10:10b.

Acts.2:42 cont. a. Four faith principles - Resulting in unity and power

b. Four things disciples committed themselves to do.

i. LEARNING CHURCH.

Disciples committed or devoted themselves to learn about Jesus from Apostles

a. Matthew.28:19-20 They were obediently to what Jesus had commanded.

b. Matthew.5:1-7:29 They were passing on what they had heard from Jesus

2.Tim.2:1-2. Exactly as Jesus had done. Luke.2:46-47

c. John.7. The Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus taught in the temple, v14. Men

sent to take Him captive came back without Him, v46, saying “No one

ever spoke the way this man does”

ii. FELLOWSHIPPING CHURCH - FELLOWSHIP (Gk Koinonia)

A special quality of togetherness. Matthew.18:20 Jesus is present where 2 or more

gather together in His Name, Eph.2:4-6. Hebrews.10:25.

Cell groups belonging to and in submission to the leadership of a large church, are

given lots of opportunities to grow spiritually, to know and be know.

“Lone ranger Christians” are acting contrary to the teaching of scripture,

concerning God’s order of leadership in the church. Proverb says:- “Rolling

stones gather no moss”

iii. OBEDIENT CHURCH - REGULARLY BREAKING BREAD

Jesus Himself commanded His disciples to “break bread” or take communion as

often as we can in remembrance of Him, also referred to as the Lord’s Supper.

Matthew.26:17-29, Mark.14:12-21, Luke.22:15-20 and 1.Cor.11:23-25. The

reason for this is that focus is to be placed fully upon the person and redeeming

work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In partaking of Breaking of Bread, we are brought

to remembrance that Jesus has paid the full price for our salvation by the shedding

of His blood, death upon the cross, burial and resurrection, effectively we are

looking back to that momentous event, we are also a present witness of our faith

in the Lord, and prophetically looking forward to His coming. Heb.13:8, “Jesus

Christ the same yesterday(past), today(present) and forever(future). Additionally

note that Breaking of Bread replaced the O/T Passover Feast, Ex.12.

iv. “PRAYING CHURCH”

a. Followed the example of Jesus who regularly prayed.

b. They realized the value of Prayer

c. Fully aware of the need and power of the Holt Spirit. Zech.4:6

d. Facing opposition they immediately prayed to the Lord, Acts.4:23-31.

e. Acts.4:32-34. Experienced the results of prayer .