Section 5 The Church and Its Charter (Acts 2:42-47)

The New Testament is a charter or constitution for the governing of the local churches and the regulations for the individual believer.

Doctrine and Duty: These practices characterized the life of the early church as mentioned in Acts 2:42. The disciples devoted themselves to a) The Apostles’ teaching, b) The fellowship, c) The breaking of the bread and d) The prayers.  Each of these terms has the definite article “The.”

The Lord’s Supper is for regenerated and baptized believers.

Prayer and Power: When the early Christians prayed, things happened. Consider prayer and its power in these verses: John 14:13; 15:7; Jas 1:5-7; Isa 59:1-2; Jer 33:3). Prayer and obedience in the Christian life, are keys to power in service.

Worship and Work: The spirit of sacrifice and love was manifested among the believers (Acts 2:44-45). They did not neglect to meet together in the Temple or in houses (Acts 18:7; Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Philem 2). There was time for worship and time for work.

The principles for God’s blessings are: loyalty to the Word of God, united Christian fellowship, obedience to Christ’s command, dependence on prayer, Christian love and faithfulness in soul-winning.