ACTS 2 Significantly, the Church began at Pentecost, the harvest festival, and continues today. How could they fulfill the commission? Together and with God's power.
1. The Great Commission. v. 1-13 a. This is a major factor in every decision we make. b. Matthew gives the command. 28:18-20. Mark gives the scope of the command, "the world..." 16:15. Luke tells us how to fulfill it. "...understand the scriptures..." 24:45-48. John gives the cast. "As the Father hath sent Me, so send I you." 20:19-21.
2. The Word in the Heart. v. 14-21. a. They had been with One for three years, with One who quoted scriptures. b. They had lived under the authority of the Word. c. Peter quoted from memory the Word even as the Lord did.
3. The Gospel. v. 22-24. a. The power of God unto salvation. "Christ died," - history; "Christ died for our sins." Good News. b. Peter preached the Lordship of Christ. c. First principle: God does it. Second principle: He uses people.
4. Teachable. v. 41-43. a. Not doubters, but believers. b. Not critical, but responsive. c. A teachable spirit is a master key to being useful.
5. Available. v. 42. a. Key to growth and usefulness. b. We need to be ready to be trained and taught. c. We need to be ready for use. Skills mean nothing if not used.
6. Worshipful. v. 42 a. At the Lord's Supper. b. At the prayer meeting. c. We learn of God, then learn God.
7. Joyful. v. 46. a. Gladness is a great strength. Neh. 8-10; Phil. 4:4; Jn. 15:11. b. This is a matter of choice. c. We can choose our attributes.
8. Sacrificial. v. 44-45. a. They knew the commission was to make converts and disciples. b. This calls for sacrifice.
9. The Mark of a Disciple. a. He continues in the Word. Jn. :30-32. b. He manifests the love of Christ. Jn. 13:34-35. c. He is fruitful in his walk with Christ. Jn. 15-8. d. He is single-minded in his service to Christ. Matt. 6:24. e. No rival for his devotion to Christ. Lu. 14:26. f. He follows Christ through difficulties. Lu. 14:27. g. He is not in love with the things of the world. Lu. 14:33.
THE APOSTLES WERE MEN WITH...
1. The Great Commission was burning in their hearts.
2. Being under the authority of the Word.
3. The Gospel is forever on their lips.
4. Christ as Lord of their lives.