“Jesus never called us to dabble in following Him, but He calls us to be devoted to Him.”
Sermon Title: VITAL SIGNS: HEALTHY CHRISTIAN, HEALTHY CHURCH
Scripture Text: ACTS 2:42
Sermon Notes:
ACTS 2:42-47 NIV
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
FOUR VITAL SIGNS:
I. Temperature
II. Pulse
III. Breathing
IV. Blood Pressure
What is your spiritual well-being?
ACTS 2:42 NIV
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
“dabble” – to do something when it’s convenient or when you’re in the mood or when you need something or when you have to.
“devoted” – to be zealous, dedicated, loyal in giving love or attention.
I. THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING:
Am I meeting God on a regular basis in the Bible?
ACTS 2:42 NIV
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
“A Christian alive to God loves his Word.”
I. THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING:
Am I meeting God on a regular basis in the Bible?
Devoted ——–> Dabbling
II. FELLOWSHIP:
Is God transforming my relationships?
ACTS 2:42 NIV
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
fellowship | Greek: koinonia
communion, sharing in common
“True fellowship not only connects the church to one another but also connects them to Christ.”
2. FELLOWSHIP:
Is God transforming my relationships?
Devoted ——–> Dabbling
III. BREAKING OF BREAD:
Am I sharing my life with others?
ACTS 2:42 NIV
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
ACTS 2:46 NIV
46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
“The distinction of the fellowship of believers is exhibited in the genuine sharing of life with true joy and gladness.”
3. BREAKING OF BREAD:
Am I sharing my life with others?
Devoted ——–> Dabbling
IV. PRAYER:
Am I continually communicating with God?
ACTS 2:42 NIV
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
ROMANS 15:30 NIV
30 I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
struggle | Greek: sunagonizomai
to struggle in company with
“Meaningful praying is when we move from “need” to “want.”
“Real prayer comes not from gritting our teeth but from falling in love.” — (Richard Foster)
- THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING
- FELLOWSHIP
- BREAKING OF BREAD
- PRAYER
“Jesus never called anybody to dabble in following him.”