Key Thought: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the early church was united in its expression of love and generosity as they spent time together and shared their love and devotion to God. November 3, 2018 1. Have a volunteer read Acts 1:12-14. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most … Continue reading –>
The sharing of one’s resources was often a tangible expression of unity in the early church. The generosity described in the early chapters of the book of Acts continues later with Paul’s inviting the churches he has established in Macedonia and Achaia to make a contribution for the poor in Jerusalem (see Acts 11:27-30, Gal. 2:10, Rom. 15:26, 1 Cor. … Continue reading –>
Our topic of the Early Church bring us our first hymn: Hymn 304, “Faith of Our Fathers”. The fellowship of the believers in the Early Church followed Hymn 469, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”. Another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was sent to accompany the Early Church in their ministry, and will also today: Hymn 268, “Holy Spirit, … Continue reading –>
Fellowship matters. Do you ever “go” to Sabbath school by means of an electronic video available on your computer? You are not sick or in pain, and you are not caring for someone who is…What you are doing is not illegal, but what are you missing when you leave Sabbath school out of your weekly life? … Continue reading –>
Luke tells us that one of the natural outgrowths of the fellowship experienced by Jesus’ followers soon after Pentecost was their mutual support of each other. “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need” (Acts 2:44-45, NKJV). … Continue reading –>
In response to Peter’s sermon and appeal for repentance and salvation, about three thousand people made a decision to accept Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises to Israel. God was at work in the hearts of all these people. Many had heard about Jesus from far away and may … Continue reading –>
The days of spiritual preparation, following Jesus’ ascension, culminated in the events of Pentecost. The first verse tells us that on that day, just before the Holy Spirit was poured upon the disciples, they were all together, of “one accord”, in one place (Acts 2:1). In the Old Testament, Pentecost was the second of three major … Continue reading –>
In the last hours spent with the disciples before His death, Jesus promised that He would not leave them alone. Another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would be sent to accompany them in their ministry. The Spirit would help them remember many things Jesus had said and done (John 14:26), and would guide them in discovering more truths (John … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Acts 1:12-14, Acts 2:5-13, Rev. 14:12, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-37, Acts 5:1-11, 2 Cor. 9:8-15. Memory Text: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42, NKJV). Church unity is the result of a shared spiritual experience in Jesus, who is the truth. “I am the way, the … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “The Spirit of Unity”, pages 179-188, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9. “Christ recognized no distinction of nationality or rank or creed. The scribes and Pharisees desired to make a local and a national benefit of all the gifts of heaven and to exclude the rest of God’s family in the world. … Continue reading –>
