Adult Ministry

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:42-47

1. They were Devoted to the Apostle’s Teaching. This is the equivalent of saying that they were devoted to the Word of God (both the Old and New Testaments).
2. They maintained Intentional Fellowship. This communicates a relational component to discipleship. Disciple-Making is impossible outside of community.
3. There was a prevalent Culture of Generosity. No one felt as though their possessions were of greater importance than the needs of those around them.
4. They lived in a continual Posture of Worship. They continually ascribed worth to the Sovereign Lord.
5. They Practiced the Spiritual Disciplines. The text says devoted to the Breaking of Bread. Most likely, this is a reflection of their participation in the Lord’s Supper. The implication is that the Sacraments (Spiritual Disciplines) of the Church (Communion, Baptism, Washing the Saint’s Feet, the Laying on of Hands/Anointing with Oil, meditation, study, worship, solitude, simplicity, service, guidance, confession, etc.) maintained a central role in the life of the church.
6. They were Unceasing in Prayer. While it should be self-explanatory, we often neglect prayer and treat it as optional rather than non-negotiable in the life of a disciple.
7. They had Signs Following. This manifests itself in two primary ways. First, is the miraculous. Signs and wonders were present. This generated an awe on both those inside and outside the church. Disciple-Making should always have the miraculous in view. Second, they existed as a conversion community. Their numbers weren’t stagnant. God continually provided increase and people were converted to Christ.