Scott Marques
Scott Marques read Acts 2:42 - 47
He called and encouraged the leaders to a high standard of living. He said that rural churches are important and that both rural and urban churches can benefit from each other. People working and helping in the rural context are not simply the 'crumbs' from the urban area but the best. God has given to us a place to live and a work to do.
Jesus walked with the disciples for 3 years and they learnt from him and watched him closely. The things that Jesus did characterised his life:
1. He devoted his life to the word of God
2. He was devoted to fellowship
3. He was devoted to breaking break
4. Shared his belongings
5. He was devoted to going to the Temple
6. He honoured his family etc, etc
The disciples learnt from Jesus and they implemented it when he was gone.
There are 7 things that came out of this scripture which are vital to our personal life and the life of the church:
1. Devotion to the gospel: to the Apostles teaching. Do you know the good news? before you know Christ you are hopeless and can call on anyone or anything but nothing can remove your sin. We are powerless. We cannot please God on our own. God came to the earth, lived as a man and was sinless. On the cross he took our punishment/sin and gave us his righteousness as a gift of love. All we have to do is receive it. John 3:16" For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus dealt with our sin on the cross. We are the righteousness of Christ in God. The grace of God teaches us to say NO to sin and worldly passions. Our way to heaven is not based on repentance but on our identity. Our identity is that we are 'married' to Jesus. The gospel causes us not to want to sin, but even if we do, we are forgiven. Is your mind on behaviour or on belief? Do you believe in Christ? The righteousness of God is a free gift and not based on anything you have done. When you sin, you are still a child of God but not living right. Let our faith be in God and not in other things. Our identity is based on faith and not our feelings and lifestyle. Be Holy for I am Holy says the Lord.
2. Fellowship is a commitment to relationship. Love one another and be humble.
3. Breaking of bread and prayer. Have communion one with another.
4. Worship. Fear the Lord.
5. Sold possessions and belongings: sold because you are producing and you can be generous.
6. Family: stay connected with the Apostles and other churches. They were a family of churches. If churches are not growing, it's a bad sign. Lets not plateau but grow from glory to glory. Lets stay connected but GROW.
Summarised by Molly Manhanga
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