June 16, 2024 - Acts 2:41-47

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                                                                                                         June 16, 2024

Acts 2:41-47

Lessons Learned

by Wayne Gaeddert

1. Prayer is an expression of dependence on God.

2. Signs and wonders done by the apostles authenticated their message.

3. Baptism symbolizes being buried with Christ and being raised to walk in newness of life. See Romans 6:3-4

4. “The term “fellowship” (koinonia) means more than simply meeting together. It refers to a close association (partnership) or mutual engagement (participation). It involves sharing life together and actively participating in the experiences of others. Fellowship among believers is possible because we have been united in Christ.”

 Personal Study Guide page 31

5. “Notice the early church attended the temple and probably the local synagogues until the rabbis instituted a curse formula (i.e., the Eighteen Benedictions from the Pharisaical reforms done at Jamnia about A.D. 70-90, following the destruction of the temple), which forced synagogue members to curse Jesus. This caused the break between the church and Judaism. The early believers maintained their weekly worship, but also met on Sunday to commemorate Jesus' resurrection. Remember, Jesus Himself met with the disciples, three Sunday nights in a row to set the pattern.” Dr. Bob Utley

6. Love for each other is a sign of a changed heart by God.

• “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

• “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

• “These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” John 15:17

• “and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12

• “...for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” 1 Thess. 4:9

• “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” 1 John 3:11

• “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” 1 John 3:23

• “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

• “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:11-12

7. During Jesus’ ministry, the twelve were called disciples (learners).

After Jesus commissioned them to be His witnesses, they are called apostles (sent ones).

8. Prayer is talking to God about what is on your heart.

9. Prayer is admitting that you are dependent upon God.

10. Application:

• “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

• “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
      it shall not return to me empty,
  but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
      and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

• We depend on each other for spiritual growth. As believers we are not an island, but a community that feeds from one another.