Purpose of the Church                              

Acts 2.42-47 

These verses in the Second Chapter of Acts give an example of four primary areas of focus for the early church. The outgrowth of the early church doing these four things faithfully was the salvation of many.

Interestingly, none of these four things was evangelism. We've put the cart before the horse...trying to quantify before qualifying.

It is a simple if/then proposition: if the church will do these four things faithfully, then God will add to the church those who are being saved.

These are the four things - teaching, fellowship, hospitality, and prayer.

Teaching: There is a difficult balance between moving people “by the foolishness of the preaching of the gospel” and people changing because of the “renewing of their minds” through teaching. People are led by their emotions, but changed by their minds. “Think on these things…” It is a very difficult thing for a pastor to do...lead spiritually AND bring renewal. One is done through the heart, the other through the mind. 

Fellowship: This is the developing of friendships. Not just a backslapping ‘fare-thee-well’ conviviality, but a deep relationship that understands, has empathy and compassion.

Hospitality: The outgrowth of Fellowship is Hospitality. We learn of our brother’s needs/burdens through the fellowship we have with one another; we meet those needs through the exercise of Hospitality.

Prayer: Jesus said, “It is written, my house shall be called a house of prayer.” This isn’t a simple exercise of memorized words and phrases. This is a communication of soul, an intercession of one person on behalf of another. Or, a time of praise and worship from a soul to God. It is the primary source of health and vibrancy for a Christian.

Many congregations center their focus and activities on “evangelism.” Evangelism is a natural result of concentrating on Teaching, Fellowship, Hospitality, and Prayer.

“…And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (vs 47)

People will come to know the Lord if they see the Lord in us through the things Jesus commanded.

Matthew 5:16. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”