The Fuel of the First Church Part III

Acts 2:41-47

By Pastor Craig Phelps, January 21, 2023

Introduction –We have been looking at what fueled the flourishing first church that was born in Jerusalem at the feast of Pentecost. We have seen in Acts 2:41-47 how they were fueled by:

1. The Word of God that them.

2. Their with other believers.

3. The which focused them on the death, resurrection and return of Jesus.

4. Their which were an intimate communication with their Heavenly Father.

44b (they) had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

5. They were fueled by their support of the work of the Lord.

  • How were the needs of the first church different than our own?

What we learn from Acts 2:44-45 and 2 Cor 9:6-15 about New Testament giving:

(a) They gave , and . (Acts 2:44-45, 2 Cor 9:7, 13 and 15)

  • How is our giving supposed to be an expression of our gratitude to God for His indescribable gift of Jesus?

(b) They in the Kingdom of God. (2 Cor 9:6, 8, 10, 11 and 13)

  • How is our giving to be an investment into the greatest cause known to mankind, the advancement of the Gospel and the making of disciples?

(c) They gave in to the Lord. (2 Cor 9:8, 10, 11 and 15)

  • What does Paul tell us about God that shows us giving generously makes perfect sense?