April 1, 2007

Turkey April/May 2007
Teaching Overview - They were Devoted to... (pt. 2)

Steve Lane

SJCC Introduction

Acts 2: 42
Make sure we are moving in the things we will be teaching
The tools of ministry: The Word, Prayer, Relationship/Presenting Christ

Doulos (Greek): One whose will is swallowed up in the will of another; one who serves another to the disregard of his own interest

A. Introduction

Matthew 28: 18 - 20
2 Corinthians 5: 20

B. They Devoted Themselves to...

Acts 2: 42 - 47

Proskartereo (Greek): Devoted; to be earnest toward; to persevere; to be constantly diligent; to adhere closely; to give self continually to

1) The Word
2) Fellowship/koinonia - Participation, communication, communion, sharing and partnering
Hebrews 3: 12
"We were delighted to share not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well."
3) The Lord's Supper - Communion, remembering the cross
Romans 6
Galatians 2: 20
4) Prayer - lack of prayer in the body is a sure sign that the church has not truly...
Acts 1: 14
Acts 2: 42
Acts 4: 23 - 24, 27 - 31
Acts 6: 4
Acts 12: 5
Acts 13: 3
Prayer in the Spirit on all occasions. Pray Continuously. Pray for us, we pray for you.
In earnest prayer; wrestling in prayer; spiritual battle praying

What was the early church praying for?
The whole church took on the cause of Christ
5) The one concern of the devil is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from our prayerless work, or prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.
-Samuel Chadwick

Praising God/worship
Psalm 9: 1 - 2

Worship is a way of gladly reflecting back to God the radiance of His worth
-Piper
6) Abiding - we can't imitate all the early church was doing but until we individually walk in tandem with the Vine

John 15: 5
Psalm 84
7) Faith - Faith is the avenue of all we are to be and do
1 Thessalonians 1: 3
8) Evangelism - We have the ministry of reconciliation -- God's purpose in the world
Matthew 28: 18 - 20
Acts 1: 8
Acts 2: 38
Acts 4: 13
2 Corinthians 5: 18

Why do we evangelize? Generosity for the sake of Christ (time, home, money and lives)

Ephesians 4: 10 - 11
Equip the body to do works of service so that the body may be built up

They were devoted to evangelism. They were devoted to the purposes of Christ