A Church With A Heart For Missions and The Resources To Get It Done!
Text: Acts 2:41-47 Rev. Calvin W. Woods, Jr.
41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Introduction
In our text, Luke shows us how God moved by the Holy Spirit after Pentecost and caused the church to grow from 120 members to 3,000 and then God added to the church daily as should be saved. Peter and the other apostles were used by God in a mighty way. Every church loves to experience growth in numbers and in grace. However, what do you do when a church has lost members and the church is in need of a come back. Some churches are in this situation because Jesus is not the center of attention. When that happens, the church must pray and ask God to restore their hearts for missions.
If the Church is going to have a heart for missions and the resources to get it done, we must do what the early church did.
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In order to have a heart for missions, we must teach and obey God’s Word.
- In other words, the content of the apostles’ teaching was the gospel.
- Jesus had to be rejected, crucified, buried, and raised from the dead.
- If the church is going to comeback, we must teach and preach the gospel.
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In order to have a heart for missions, we must have fellowship with one another.
- Essentially, “fellowship” means “joint participation” or “sharing something in common.” It is thus a kind of partnership.
- The Christian should guard against partnering with those outside the faith. Thus, the Christian should not be unequally partnered with unbelievers in Christian endeavors
(2 Corinthians 6:14).
- The most common expression of “fellowship” in the New Testament is that of sharing financial resources – giving: Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality (Romans 12:13).
- If the church is going to comeback, we must fellowship.
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In order to have a heart for missions, we must break bread together.
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The sharing of a meal was perhaps the most intimate form of fellowship one could have with fellow believers.
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In the ancient near eastern world, when a guest was invited to a meal with his host, it was incumbent on the host to provide protection for this guest.
- The eating of a meal is also used as a description of our fellowship with God.
- If our church is going to come back, we must break bread together.
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In order to have a heart for missions, we must pray without ceasing.
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The Jews first hour of prayer was at 9AM. The morning prayer when the gates opened to the temple.
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The Jews second hour of prayer was at 3PM –It was a time of gift giving. The church continued to pray at these times.
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Daniel prayed three times a day. Jesus said, “Go into your secret closet and pray.” There is power in prayer. A prayerless church is a dangerous church.
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If the church is going to comeback, we must love to pray.
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In order to have a heart for missions, we must worship God and witness to the world.
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47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Conclusion: A church with a heart for missions …
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Will pray without ceasing
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Will provide the resources through tithes and offerings
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Will participate in mission projects
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Will pull out tracts and share the Gospel with others
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Will praise God for being who He is! He is Lord!!!
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