Sunday Scripture

  

Lovely graphic by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

Again this Sunday, I'm sharing from the Made for Community reading plan from Love God Greatly that I worked on back in 2015.  With this study, as I have often done, I used the SOAP method of Bible study.  Just a quick reminder that the S is for Scripture, O is for Observation, A is for Application and P is for Prayer.  The fifth section is Living in Community with the Local Church.  So here we go with the Scripture for the first day of that section.  I really dove in deep on this one, so prepare yourself!

S= "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."  (Acts 2:42)

O= Peter has just preached a wonderful sermon with the theme "Jesus is Lord and Christ."  

When his listeners heard this, "they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' "(verse 37).

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." (verse 38).

Verse 41 shows that the crowd took Peter's words seriously: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day thre were added unto them about three thousand souls."  Thus began the first church.  Verses 42-47 describe how the church functioned at that time.

Verse 42 states that these new believers continued steadfastly:
* in the apostles' doctrine (teaching)
* in fellowship
* in breaking of bread
* In prayers.

C.I. Scofield writes."Among the factors which were present in the early days of the church were ... fellowship, prayer, preaching, doctrine ... " and more.  

Warren Wiersbe explains in Be Dynamic: "The believers continued to use the temple for their place of assembly and ministry, but they also met in various homes.  The 3000 new converts needed instruction in the Word and fellowship with God's people if they were to grow and become effective witnesses.  The early church did more than make converts; they also made disciples. 

 He adds, "Two phrases in Acts 2:42 may need explanation.  'Breaking of bread' probably refers to their regular meals, but at the close of each meal they probably paused to remember the Lord by observing what we call 'the Lord's supper'.  

"The word 'fellowship' means much more than 'being together'.  It means 'having in common' and probably refers to the sharing of material goods that was practiced in the early church ... 

    "The church had a powerful testimony among the unsaved Jews, not only because of the miracles done by the apostles, but also because of the way the members of the fellowship loved each other and served the Lord."

A= I also need to continue steadfastly in absorbing biblical teaching, in fellowship, in hospitality, and in prayer.  If each member or attender of our churches would be doing that, we would also have a testimony because of the way that we love one another and the way we serve the Lord together.  Each of us must continue to grow and to walk with the Lord and with one another as He would have us to.

P= "Lord, I pray that You will help me to "keep my own heart warm" as a former pastor once taught me.  Help me to stay in Your Word on my own and to faithfully assemble with Your people to take in good Bible teaching.  Help us to have true fellowship and to spend good, quality time together with one another in prayer.  Help us to open our hearts and homes to one another.  Lord, I pray that You will help believers who may not be walking closely with You to take responsibility to grow and change as You would have them to.  I thank You for all You will do, in Jesus' name, Amen."

There is this week's simple study!  May we all take it to heart this Sunday!