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Vertical DNA - 1

“A Community of Faith”

An authentic community, empowered by the holy spirit, leading people to become devoted followers of JESUS

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:42-47

1. Authentic Community

What did Authentic Community Look Like in Acts 2?

Taking care of each other’s needs

 “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” Acts 2:44-45

Eating meals together

“met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity…” Acts 2:46.

“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.”

1 Thessalonians 2:8

Worshipping the Lord together

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day…” 

Acts 2:46

2. Empowered by the Spirit

“A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.” 

Acts 2:43

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” 

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 (ESV)

3. Leading People to become Devoted Followers of Jesus

“And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” 

Acts 2:47

“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”

Luke 15:7