23/02/25 // Community, Communion, Church // Peter Williams

Please note that the first section of Peter's preach didn't record correctly. 

For a full copy of Peter's notes and slides (in PDF format), click here.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kFUdWyOU4H59URANpEmoanjrBr3YqrC_/view?usp=drive_link

Acts 2:41-47 ESV

[41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.  [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

2:43 is the response to 2:42, and 2:44 is the response to 2:43 and 2:47 is the response to 2:44.

Who wants all these things? 

Well it starts with being together, praying, worshipping, studying the word, with the holy spirit amongst us, transforming our minds and our behaviour.

Romans 12:2 ESV

[2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

The following verses talk about unity, and different gifts, and that together as a body we are transformed and transformational to the society around us.

And this is one of the purposes of church.

Not a holy club we all attend.

It's a community of believers that makes a difference. Both to each other and the world around us as we go on mission.

Catalyst apostolic foundation - see notes

Prayer

In Acts 2:42, "the prayers" likely refers to the set prayers that took place at the temple. The verse describes the early disciples' devotion to prayer and praise, which was a central part of their lives. They trusted in God's deliverance and regularly included praise in their prayers, drawing from the Psalms for phrases and songs. 

Here are some prayers based on Acts 2:42:

Devoted to the Word and Prayer

"May we be devoted to prayer, and may prayer not be supplemental in our lives and your church. May be fundamental in everything we do". 

Prayer for Acts 2:42

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful example of the early Church who continually devoted themselves to earnest prayer". 

The prayers. Some 'earnest prayer'

Before church prayer meeting 

Communion

Acts 20:7 ESV

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 

They didn't gather to worship. 

They didn't gather to hear Paul teach.

They gathered to break bread.

2 times in the short passage from acts 2. It wasn't an add on. It's an integral part of what we do when we gather. Not as much in big gatherings, but when we meet in houses. 

Encourage you to do over dinner. 

It's not magical, but it is mystical. 

Challenge to do and see what happens. Because it changes our outlook. 

Share in 1 body, and 1 blood.

There is power in this.