SERIES: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CHURCH (3 OF 4)
Scripture: Acts 2:42-45
This content is part of a series.
NOTE: This sermon is part 5 and 6 of a 12 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.
PREVIEWS:
Part 5: Is Prayer Being Offered?
Series: What To Look For In A Church
Stuart Briscoe
Acts 2:42
Healthy relationships require clear communication. In Scripture God speaks to us; in prayer we speak to Him. The health of all churches is directly relat¬ed to the commitment to teaching and prayer. The Jerusalem church was devoted to both.
I. How They Learned to Pray. Luke 11:1 13
A. The disciples observed Christ's practice of prayer.
B. The disciples requested Christ to teach them to pray.
C. The Lord expected them to practice prayer: "when you pray…"
D. Jesus taught them the principles of prayer.
1. Prayer is only as valuable as its object is viable-"Father."
a. A Father whose name is to be honored.
b. A Father whose kingdom is to be desired.
c. A Father whose will is to be obeyed.
2. Prayer can legitimately address physical needs-"daily bread."
3. Prayer should impact relational issues-"forgive as we forgive."
4. Prayer deals with spiritual struggles-"lead us not…temptation."
5. Prayer is work requiring perseverance and perspiration.
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Part 6: Is Generosity in Evidence?
Series: What To Look For In A Church
Stuart Briscoe
Acts 2:43-45
In the Jerusalem church "everyone was filled with awe" because of what God was doing. This produced a deep sense of community and a "wonderful sense of generosity" (4:33 Phillips). We can learn a lot from their experience and example.
I. How the Spirit of Generosity Was Generated.
A. They recognized a new sense of community.
1. "Everyone was filled with awe." 2:43
a. The dramatic evidence of God's power at work.
b. The powerful reminder of spiritual and eternal issues.
2. "The believers were together." 2:44a
a. They were bound together by a common belief system.
b. They were bonded by their minority status.
3. "(They) had everything in common." 2:44b
a. Differences were less significant than commonalities.
b. "Heart and mind" shared common purpose. 4:32
B. They developed a fresh sense of compassion.
1. Their heritage had taught ritual tithing and caring for the needy.
PREVIEWS:
Part 5: Is Prayer Being Offered?
Series: What To Look For In A Church
Stuart Briscoe
Acts 2:42
Healthy relationships require clear communication. In Scripture God speaks to us; in prayer we speak to Him. The health of all churches is directly relat¬ed to the commitment to teaching and prayer. The Jerusalem church was devoted to both.
I. How They Learned to Pray. Luke 11:1 13
A. The disciples observed Christ's practice of prayer.
B. The disciples requested Christ to teach them to pray.
C. The Lord expected them to practice prayer: "when you pray…"
D. Jesus taught them the principles of prayer.
1. Prayer is only as valuable as its object is viable-"Father."
a. A Father whose name is to be honored.
b. A Father whose kingdom is to be desired.
c. A Father whose will is to be obeyed.
2. Prayer can legitimately address physical needs-"daily bread."
3. Prayer should impact relational issues-"forgive as we forgive."
4. Prayer deals with spiritual struggles-"lead us not…temptation."
5. Prayer is work requiring perseverance and perspiration.
--------------------
Part 6: Is Generosity in Evidence?
Series: What To Look For In A Church
Stuart Briscoe
Acts 2:43-45
In the Jerusalem church "everyone was filled with awe" because of what God was doing. This produced a deep sense of community and a "wonderful sense of generosity" (4:33 Phillips). We can learn a lot from their experience and example.
I. How the Spirit of Generosity Was Generated.
A. They recognized a new sense of community.
1. "Everyone was filled with awe." 2:43
a. The dramatic evidence of God's power at work.
b. The powerful reminder of spiritual and eternal issues.
2. "The believers were together." 2:44a
a. They were bound together by a common belief system.
b. They were bonded by their minority status.
3. "(They) had everything in common." 2:44b
a. Differences were less significant than commonalities.
b. "Heart and mind" shared common purpose. 4:32
B. They developed a fresh sense of compassion.
1. Their heritage had taught ritual tithing and caring for the needy.
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