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1. The church is a place of Connection. “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” Acts 14:27 They gathered together. This was their common practice. They spoke their native language. (Col. 3:16)
2. It’s a place of Proclamation (Acts 2:38) “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Immediately after Pentecost, Peter proclaimed the gospel. Evangelism, good news proclaimed accepted and people baptized. (Acts 2:41)
3. It’s a place for Maturation (Acts 2:42) “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. “...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.“ (Matthew 28:20) Biblical knowledge is the source of unity and maturity. “...until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:13)
4. Its a place of Adoration (Acts 2:47) “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” They regularly met together and praised God. All our lives are to bring God glory. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)
5. A place of Exhortation (Hebrews 10:25) “...not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Exhortation is one of the reasons we meet together.
6. A place of Supplication (Philippians 4:6)“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Worry less, pray more! Supplication means petition, pleading, prayin