Aug 4

Grow. Strong. (part 9): The Practice of Spiritual Community, Pastor David Welch

August 4, 2024

41 “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:41-47 (NASB1995)

The Idea:

Growing up spiritually is too difficult, too discouraging to attempt alone.

You must have a deep, challenging, encouraging spiritual community or you will never grow strong.

Defining Spiritual Community

I. What is Spiritual Community?

42 “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, “

Acts 2:42, 46 (NASB1995)

Definition of Spiritual Community:

It’s the life of Christ in you, that’s in other believers, that you share together.

The Four DEVOTIONS of Spiritual Community

1. The Apostles’ teaching

2. Fellowship

3. Breaking of bread

4. Prayer

II. Why Do I Need It?

43 “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;

45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.”

Acts 2:43-45 (NASB1995)

“If one could conceive of a single [medicine] to improve the physical and mental health of millions of Americans - at no personal cost - what value would our society place on it?”

Dr. Tyler Vanderweele, Harvard University

III. How Do I Do It

Acts 2:44 - “And all those who had believed were together … “

Acts 2:46 - “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and … house to house, they were … together with gladness and sincerity of heart”