Excerpt: In Christ, we’re not just attenders—we’re family. Acts 2 shows a church devoted to God’s Word and to one another, marked by awe, generous love, and steady growth. The invitation is simple and challenging: take time to know and encourage each other.
Big Idea
In Christ, we are family—and as family we take the time to know and encourage one another.
Scripture
Acts 2:42–47 — “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And all who believed were together and had all things in common… day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes… praising God… And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Acts 1:8 — “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”
The Church Family We See in Acts 2
1) Devoted
- Apostles’ teaching — Today, we sit under Scripture (the New Testament is the apostles’ teaching). We don’t stand over God’s Word to judge it; we stand under it and let it shape us.
- Fellowship — More than potlucks; it’s sharing life because we share Christ. We hold things “in common”—faith, time, and even practical help.
- Breaking of bread — Remembering Jesus through the Lord’s Supper so we don’t forget the gospel.
- Prayers — A steady rhythm of praying together in gathered worship and in homes.
2) Awe
A holy reverence rested “on every soul.” God authenticated the message through signs and wonders; the point was clear—Jesus is alive and His gospel is true.
3) Love
They were together, knew each other’s needs, and responded with open hands—even selling possessions to care for one another. Their meals were marked by “glad and generous hearts.”
4) Growth
They gathered in the temple (large gathering) and in homes (small groups). Their love created favor with outsiders, the gospel was shared, and the Lord added daily.
Why Deep Relationships Feel Hard
Time, pace, and privacy can all become barriers. Acts 2 invites us to slow down and make space—to be present, to listen, to encourage, and to let others do the same for us.
How We Live This at LifePoint
- Sunday gatherings — We worship, sit under the Word, pray, and take Communion together.
- LifeGroups — We meet across the week in homes to share life, Scripture, prayer, and practical care.
Practice This Week
- Read Acts 2:42–47 and pray it for LifePoint (name what you long to see).
- Text or call one person from church to encourage them specifically.
- Open your home or calendar for a simple meal with someone from your group.
Next Steps
- Respond to Jesus — If you haven’t trusted Christ, believe the gospel today: repent and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
- Baptism — If you’ve believed but haven’t gone public with your faith, take the next step of baptism.
- Membership — Say “these are my people” by becoming a covenant member.
- Join a LifeGroup — Step into family rhythms of Scripture, prayer, and care.
A Closing Prayer
Lord, make us a church family marked by devotion to Your Word, sincere fellowship, the table of remembrance, and bold prayer. Fill us with awe, gladness, and generous love. Give us favor with our neighbors, and add to Your church those who are being saved. Amen.
Get connected: Find a LifeGroup here: lifepointmv.com/next-steps/lifegroups. Ready to begin practicing generosity as family? Give here: lifepointmv.com/giving.
