The Pattern Of The NT Church

-April 10, 2022-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

(Acts 2:42).

The church was born on the Day of Pentecost. As the apostles were gathered together in one place and in one accord, a rushing, mighty wind was heard. The Holy Spirit filled each one, and the Spirit gave them utterance to speak the Word of God in the languages of those in Jerusalem who spoke so many different languages. There was great power. It was given as a sign to establish the early church.

As we can see from the Scriptures, they spoke in tongues that were actual languages, not some special heavenly language. It was a sign to all the people. Acts 2:6 says, “And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and they were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.” Peter preached the first sermon and three thousand souls were saved and baptized. In Acts chapter one, there were 120 believers who gathered together for prayer, and now all these new believers who were born again. There was great excitement, joy and growth.

Today’s verse shows the pattern of the NT church as the early Christians met together. It is still the way we should gather today. They met for doctrine (or teaching), fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. For a church to be healthy and growing, all these these four components are needed. The Holy Spirit gave them the power and brought about the salvation and growth of so many.

• The Apostles’ doctrine – All believers need to be taught God’s Word. Evangelical, Bible believing churches are vital for spiritual growth and edification. The elders and other godly men teach the Word so that the saints can teach and encourage others, and proclaim the gospel to the the unsaved. Sound doctrine or we can say sound teaching is critical to sound, healthy churches. All preaching and teaching should be from the Bible and from the Bible alone.

• Fellowship – Fellowship among believers is so important as we gather together. We encourage each other and hold each other accountable. We need each other, for Christians can’t survive or thrive without each other. Having meals together, sharing with each other, and experiencing Christ’s love is so important. We should never forsake the assembling of ourselves together.

• Breaking of Bread – There are different names used for this meeting such as the communion service, the remembrance meeting, or the Lord’s Supper, but it still the same. We partake of the bread, a symbol of Christ’s body broken for us on the cross, and the cup, a symbol of His precious blood shed to wash away our sins. Jesus established this in the upper room with His disciples on the night in which He was betrayed. The only qualification for partaking of the bread and wine, is that one is saved.

• Prayers – Prayer is essential to a healthy, growing church. Sadly, in so many churches today, the prayer meeting has been replaced with other activities. The secret to the success of Charles Spurgeon’s church in London in the late 1800’s was the prayer meeting held in the basement of the church. Prayer is what stokes the fire of revival and blessing. We need to share our requests and pray for one another. There is power in prayer; and God delights to hear and answer prayer.

All four of these components are important and needed. For a church to be strong and successful, we must pursue them all, all the time. When we do, souls will be saved, believers taught and encouraged, and elders and deacons established as leaders. Oh, how we need more churches like this today!

Have a blessed day attending church and having teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Stay safe and healthy.

In the name of Jesus our Head,

Dean