Assembling the Saints

Acts 2:42-47

January 15, 2006
Speaker: Randal Myers

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The Church in Acts

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - Acts 2:42-47

What do we notice about the church here?

They are devoted to

the Apostles' teachings,

fellowship,

the breaking of bread,

and to prayer.

They were passionate about

the Word of God,

taking care of others,

worship,

and being together.

The Church in Hebrews (30 to 40 years later)

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. - Hebrews 10:32-35

What a difference

The writer finds it necessary to remind them of how things used to be.

He addresses their current situation earlier:

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one anotheróand all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25

Why Should We Assemble?

It follows the Biblical example (Acts 2:42,46)
It honors the Lord's day (Revelation 1:10)
To be obedient (Hebrews 10:25)
To allow for proper growth (Hebrews 5:11-6:3; 1 Peter 2:2-3; Ephesians 4:14)
To be in the presence of Jesus (Matthew 18:19-20)
To provide an opportunity for fellowship (1 John 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:25)
To fulfill your role (Ephesians 4:15-16)
To submit to the leadership (Hebrews 13:17)
To build an sense of community
To reveal true priorities

Would you like to study this topic further?

Detailed lesson outlines, audio tapes, and compact discs of this lesson are available free of charge from the Highlands church of Christ.

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