What are churches supposed to be doing? Do we help our city or help our church members? Do we reach the lost or disciple existing believers? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about what activity a church should be doing.
Ekklesia – a church is an intentional gathering of people who follow Jesus.
What is a church supposed to be doing?
Acts 2:42-47
Based on this passage, there are several activities a church should be engaged in. Not all activities happen at once, and different size gatherings are better for different things.
1. They engaged in Bible study. (v42).
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Romans 15:4
The Bible is bread for daily meals, not cake for special occasions.
2. They fellowshipped with one another (v42).
Hebrews 10:24 ESV “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
You’ll ask someone to watch your stuff, but are you asking others to watch your soul?
3. They ate meals together. (v42).
Acts 20:7 NIV “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”
Sharing a meal with someone is a quick way to reveal the real you.
4. They prayed together (v42).
Matthew 18:19-20
Your prayer life reveals what you think about God. If you think He’s listening, you’ll talk to Him.
5. They practiced supernatural ministry (v43).
Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[a] drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
6. They helped others in need. (v44-45).
Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Wanna make God happy? Help someone out!
7. They met in large gatherings, and in a small gatherings (v46).
Acts 5:42 “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
If you only meet in small groups, or you only meet in large groups, you’re missing out on the full benefit of being a part of a church.
8. They praised God (v47)
Psalm 150:1-6
We worship because we want to give back to God the love He first gave us.
9. They received new believers (v47).
Churches are not only called to disciple existing believers, but we receive new believers too.
1 Peter 2:2
Are you engaging in church activity?