Stone 7
COMMUNITY and KINGDOM CULTURE
Opening Scripture:
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of
bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the
apostles.
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to
house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily
those who were being saved.
Matthew 16:18
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates
of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
Ephesians 4:4-6
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you[a] all.
Victorious Kingdom Culture
You were not made to live your citizenship alone. The early kingdom citizens did nearly everything together in community, they didn’t just meet together once a week; they shared life together and met each other’s need. Everyone who is saved, baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit today should also become part of a biblical community of believers. Church is not a building but a living community and God’s instrument for advancing His Kingdom.
1) Victorious kingdom
Matthew 16:16-19
2) Jesus and the kingdom church
1 Corinthians 10:2-4, Ephesians 2:19-22 and Ephesians 5:25-28
3) The example
Acts 2:42-47
The Body of Christ
The Bible declares that the church is the “body of Christ” and each believer is a different part of the body, with something unique to offer. Belonging to a church community is a vital part of following Jesus. Going at it alone not only hurts us, but the body of Christ.
1) Paul describes the body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12-28
2) There is one
Ephesians 4:4-6
3) Unity
John 17:20-21
4) Dissension
Proverbs 16:28 and Proverbs 6:16-19
Community Leadership (Servitude)
The early church was a living organism, powered by God’s Holy Spirit. Still, without some organization and structure, even a Spirit led movement can turn into chaos. The early church leaders give us a biblical example on how to address important logistical issues while focusing on the ministry of the Word. They appointed servants to overlook the care of widows, showing
us a picture of different gifts serving the body of Christ.
1) Leadership gifts and functions
Ephesians 4:11-16
2) Elders and their functions
Acts 11:27-30, Acts 14:23, Acts 15:22, Titus 1:5-16, 1 Timothy 5:17-19 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7
3) Deacons and their functions
1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-6
Citizenship Responsibilities and Accountability
Kingdom culture meant to be, a community of people who are helping each other grow closer to God. In any community, people will eventually offend one another or let one another down. The good news is that the Bible offers a roadmap for responding to offense, sin, and division within a community. The goal is always the same: to encourage repentance, healing and complete restoration.
1) Spiritual leaders, pastors, and elders
John 21:15-17, Acts 20:28, Ezekiel 33:1-9 and Ezekiel 34:2-5
2) Community members
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 and 25, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Hebrews 13:7 and 17
3) Foundation and Head of the church
Ephesians 4:15 and 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
4) Offense in community
Matthew 5:23-24, Luke 17:3-4, Ephesians 4:2-3 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
5) Sin in community
Matthew 18:15-17, Galatians 6:1-3 and James 5:16
6) Un-repented and habitual wickedness
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
7) God’s chastening
Hebrews 12:7-11
Holy Communion
The Lord’s Supper, consist of the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine. The Lord’s Supper symbolizes the Lord’s death and suffering for the benefit and in the place of His people. It also symbolizes the believer’s participation in the crucified Christ. It represents not only the death of Christ as the object of faith which unites the believers to Christ, but also the effect of this
act as the giving of life, strength, and joy to the soul. Jesus declares “do this in remembrance of Me.”
1) The early kingdom citizens
Acts 2:42
2) Communion
John 6:53-58, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:24-27, John 6:53 and Matthew 26:26-28
3) Unworthy manner
1 Corinthians 11:27-29
STUDY NOTES
1) What were the first kingdom citizens devoted to?
Acts 2:42
2) Who decides how each part of the body should function?
1 Corinthians 12:18
3) What is the result of being part of a community, where these five ministries are inoperation?
Ephesians 4:14
4) How many times do we forgive?
Matthew 18:22
