Soul Winner

In the last few weeks I have been thinking a lot about the early church of Jerusalem. I thought it would great if this week we took a look at a famous passage. In these verses you will learn some lessons about church function and growth- try and see how these two things relate.  We will specifically look at four things they did and the results.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

The first thing/function that sparked further growth is the apostles’ doctrine: Apostles are messengers and multipliers in that they multiply themselves in the lives of others. Because of this, apostolic teaching is different from regular teaching. Apostolic teaching and preaching is always outward looking, always expects change and produces multiplication. Apostolic teaching is Great Commission teaching, it encourages the hearer to go with the gospel, win the lost, baptise them, and teach them. There needs to be a return to this kind of teaching; the kind that has as its foundation the truths of the Great Commission. Only then will the Church take the Gospel from person to person and from place to place like it is supposed to.

The second thing is fellowship (Koinonia): Koinonia is more than just fellowship, it is a family relationship. The people of Acts 2 were relating to one another as family because they knew they were in the family of God (Eph.2:19). They met together and ate together because that is what families do. Koinonia caused them to love each other so much that they cared for each other more than things (v.45). They were able put away all divisions and respond to crises in each other’s lives- no wonder growth exploded.

Philippians 1:5 describes koinonia as “fellowship in the gospel.” The apostle John tells us how this comes about; he writes, “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship (koinonia) with us; and truly our fellowship (koinonia) is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3). This indicates to us that “fellowship in the gospel” is a spiritual bond which comes about when one accepts the gospel. That is why these new disciples were able to “live out” verse 42. Similarly; because you and I have received the Gospel, we have within us the capacity to live out koinonia in our respective communities.

The third thing/ action/ function that sparked revival and growth was the breaking of bread: This is a reference to the Lord’s Supper. Because they were family they ate a whole meal together. They didn’t relegate the Lord’s Supper to the taking of just a piece of bread and a sip of wine or fruit juice like much of the church does today.

The last thing was prayer: This is intercessory prayer. The church of Jerusalem had a lot of opposition and persecution. They’d pray for the redemption of individuals and for the redemption of the city. They’d pray for more power and for more signs and wonders to take place in Jerusalem. The first part of verse 42 says, “they continued steadfastly”- they did these things with great intensity and gusto. The results were outstanding: The fear of God gripped the church and preceded the many wonders and signs done through the apostles. (v.43)

Love and camaraderie increased in intensity (v.44)

Tithing was replaced by sharing “as anyone had need”. When we understand that we don’t tithe anymore but give and share, we can begin to meet the needs of the needy that live around us. It is then that the kingdom of God expands and even explodes in a community. (vs. 44, 45)

In v. 46 we see a new phenomenon taking place. The disciples are going to the temple every day, not to worship but to fish for souls; this was a soul-winning strategy (Acts 4:1-4). Because devout Jews gathered at the temple five times a day it presented the disciples with an opportunity to catch fish. They would teach and have discussions with the devout Jews and God fearers that lived in Jerusalem. Afterwards, the disciples would eat together with the new converts and seekers… “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (v.46) “praising God and having favor with all the people.

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (v.47)

This verse is the culmination of the wonderful events on the day of Pentecost and the work of the 120 believers since then. The one hundred and twenty disciples, who had already learnt from Jesus how to win souls, interacted with the three thousand and those they were winning daily. These new disciples seem to have learnt the Lord’s methods by osmosis- yet another proof that evangelism is not one great event (v.41) but a daily ministry of God’s people.

I hope you enjoyed our little bible study this week, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me or contact me on Facebook

Blessings
Marty