GOD’S PATTERN FOR HIS CHURCH [Part 1]

Acts 2:22-47

The Day of Pentecost was unique. The Holy Spirit was given on that day, and the Lord’s church was born. The church that came into existence that day was a sight to behold. 

To understand the church in the book of Acts, we need only ponder those verses, which reveals God’s Pattern for His Church and speaks about the characteristics that reveal the authentic marks of God’s church. Now, let’s lay our church alongside this template and see how well we align with God’s Pattern for His Church. 

1. His Church Preaches the Right Message

A. v. 22-37 What It Says About the Savior – This message affirms that Jesus is God in the flesh, v. 22; John 1:1; 14. It affirms His crucifixion vs 22-23, and His resurrections, v. 29-32. The church God founded preaches a message that exalts Jesus, proclaims His death and resurrection and points lost people to Him alone!

B. v. 23, 36 What It Says About Sin – This message is crystal clear regarding sin. It exposes the terrible nature of sin, Eze. 18:4; Rom. 6:23. It warns the sinner to turn his sins, v. 40. It is a plain message confronting sinners where they live, v. 23, 26. It preaches Hell hot and Heaven sweet! (Isa. 58:1)

C. v. 38-40 What It Says About Salvation – This church points a lost world to Jesus Christ and Him alone. It does not preach salvation through religion or ritual, Eph. 2:8-9. It holds Jesus up as the final and only solution to the problem of sin, John 14:6; Acts 16:31. It preaches a transcendent message that speaks to all social classes, races, and sinners, 5-12; Ill. Acts 1:8. It is a message that calls everyone to repent and believe the Gospel.

D. v. 39 What It Says About Sovereignty – This church understands and proclaims God as sovereign. God is the Author and Finisher of salvation. 

• He calls people, John 6:44; Rom. 8:30. 

• He redeems His people, John 6:37-40. 

• The church’s message openly, unashamedly preaches that “Salvation is of the Lord”, Jonah 2:9.

2. His Church Is Made Up of The Right People

A. v. 37, 40-41 Its Members Are Saved – This church comprises people who have had a “new birth” experience with Jesus Christ, John 3:3, 7. 

• The tendency in the modern church is to fill it up with tares at whatever cost. 
• Countless problems arise out of that philosophy. 

         Acts 2:43; 5:1-14. 

• Satan will do all he can to plant tares among the wheat. He knows that few tares will devastate the rest of the church. 
• We should do everything in our power to ensure that we are the redeemed membership!

B. v. 42 Its Members Are Separated – This church walked in “the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship”. They broke off all their ties with the old life. They came to Jesus Christ by faith, and they were transformed by the grace of God, 2 Cor. 5:17.

• No redeemed child of God will have a problem honoring biblical standards of separation and holiness, John 14:15. 
• God wants His people to be holy, 1 Pet. 1:16. 
• He wants His people to be different, 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1.

C. v. 42 Its Members Are Steadfast – They were faithful! They showed up when it was time for worship. They each did their individual part for the common good and the glory of God! God expects His people to be faithful to His worship and His work, 1 Cor. 4:2; Heb. 10:25.

D. v. 44-45 Its Members Are Servants – This church was marked by selflessness. The members cared about the needs of others, and they did everything in their power to meet the needs of their fellow believers. This church displayed its love, not merely in words but actions, which is the actual test of spiritual love. 1 John 3:17–19; Phil. 2:4.