AN UNSTOPPABLE PLAN Series: Acts - The Unstoppable Church Acts 2:42-47 Jesus said “I will build my church (ekklesia)” (Matt. 16:18) ekklesia is a compound Greek word - ek means “out” kaleo means “to call” The church is “called out” for a purpose and with a plan. Acts 2:42-47 Jesus has made the purpose and plan of the church clear. A LOVE FOR GOD Devoted to His Word (v.42) The Holy Spirit and the Word are not exclusive of one another. The Spirit and the Word will come together to mature us and conform us to the image of Christ. Devoted to Prayer (v.42) Our study in Acts will reveal how serious these early believers were about prayer. (See Acts 4:31, 12:5, 13:1-3) Individual prayer and corporate prayer - Prayer in the temple and homes Prayer for the sick and persecuted Fasting and prayer Prayers of thanksgiving Prayers of praise Devoted to Worship (v.46-47) Priority and practice of meeting together Large group gatherings Small group gatherings - Hebrews 10:25 Two words that should characterize our worship Joy Praise A LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER Devoted to the Fellowship (v.42) tē koinōnia (the fellowship) means “to share with someone in something above the relationship itself” our relationship with Jesus is the true basis of “fellowship” Together and held all things in common (v.44) - koina means “common” and this is speaking to “common faith” Practicing Radical Generosity (v.45) This is not a “communism” but rather an understanding that God is our provider who is generous and we too are to be generous. Practicing Hospitality in the Breaking of Bread (v.46) House to house sharing in meals together “breaking of bread” became associated with the Lord’s Supper in the second century A LOVE FOR NON-BELIEVERS God Was Adding to their Number Each Day (v.47) Go and make disciples “they were praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” What do people think when they think about “Christians” and the Church? Jesus said we should be known for our love. (John 13:35) Next Steps: How would you measure your love for God, for fellow Christians, and for those who need Jesus?