Acts 2:41–47
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On the first day of the Holy Spirit’s arrival, 3,000 believed and a church was born.
Signs of a healthy, Holy Spirit–birthed church:
- Receive the Word
- Baptized
- Devoted to apostles’ teaching
- Devoted to fellowship
- Devoted to breaking bread house to house
- Devoted to prayer
- Sense of awe
- Wonders and signs through the apostles
- Togetherness
- Sharing with those in need
- Single-minded
- Gladness
- Sincerity
- Praising God
- Favor with the people
- Growing by salvation
Questions
- Which of these qualities can be manufactured by programs?
- Contrast Holy Spirit growth vs. smart-pastor-without-Spirit growth.
- What keeps our churches from reflecting these 16 qualities?
- If 95% of your church walked in the Holy Spirit, what would change?
- Are you willing to devote time to prayer and seeking God’s presence? (v.42)
- Is Acts 2 church life possible in the U.S. today?