The Pattern Church

The Pattern Church

A sermon outline of Rev. James R. Reynolds, Sr.

TEXT: Acts 2:41-47

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The early church is our model and they key to our effectiveness if bound up in truth and how we handle it.

Love for Truth

vs. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:

In Word

Doctrinal Aspect of it. "received HIS Word".

In Deed

In practice of it. "they were baptized"

In Spirit

Their emotions were involved. "They GLADLY received His Word."

Asmenos -- gladly, delightedly, with pleasure

Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Perseverance In Truth

vs. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

In Substance

Apostles' Doctrine

Fellowship

Breaking Bread

Prayers

Praise (vs. 47)

In Practice

In the Temple vs. 46

House to House vs. 46

Acts 8:3; 10:22; 12:12; 16:15; 20:20; 21:8; 28:30-31

In the Streets

Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

Reverence for Truth

v. 43 And fear came upon every soul:

The Evidence

Fear - terror - dread

Reverential Fear

Of His Person

Of His Power

Of His Pleasure

They did not want to displease Him.

The Cause

vs. 43 …and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Many Wonders - "Tevas"

Something strange; Causing the beholder to marvel.

Many Signs

Wonders appeal to imagination, but signs appeal to the understanding.

Unified by Truth

vs. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

In Faith

…that believed…

In Spirit

…were together…

In Charity

…had all things common;

Results of Truth

vs. 47 …And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

It is Confirmed

"The Lord added

Mark 16:20

It is Successful

"added to the church daily"

increase

It is Dynamic

"Such as should be saved."

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

SAVED - SOZO … heal, preserve, make whole