7. Profile of a True Church

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Hymns: RHC 279 Ye Must Be Born Again 260 The Church’s One Foundation 263 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken 

Acts 2:37-47

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Profile of the True Church 

OUTLINE

  • Souls Ushered into God’s Kingdom (v37-41)
  • Persevering Saints (v42-43)
  • Sharing Saints (v44-45)
  • Praising Saints (46-47)

INTRODUCTION

Can you articulate if someone ask you what is the church? May I submit to you, the Church is God’s people! The word “church” is from the Greek words “ecclesia” which means “called out one”. The term is derived from the root verb “kaleo” which means “to call”. The church is therefore a people called out by God. 

We are a privileged people separated from sin unto holiness, we are a purchased people in intimate fellowship with the living and true God and we are a protected people destined for heaven.

The Apostle Paul said summarized well in the book of Ephesians that we are a people chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son and Sealed by the Holy Spirit. This is the big picture, the big idea that gives us the origin of the church that I hope you will remember.

And I proceed to ask another question. What is the purpose for its existence? A church needs to understand from the very beginning what it is so that it can know what direction it should be going. The truth, dear friends, is that God is at work in this world, through His church. God’s purpose is fulfilled through His church.

Our study of the Acts of the Apostles has brought us through changing scenes. We were first brought to see the scene of the infant church in its prayer meeting. It was a prayer meeting that lasted 10 days, a part of the period of 40 days from the time after Jesus’ ascension to the time to the giving of the Holy Spirit to fill the disciples to be witnesses for Christ from Jerusalem to the uttermost part of the world.

They were tarrying with the Lord in united prayer meeting. The disciples came to pray and were comrades in prayer. These men knew and understood the efficacy of prayer. They were willing to give priority to fulfil God’s will in their lives waiting upon God to show them the way.

We saw another scene at Pentecost, the transition from the Upper Room to an open area where Peter rose up with the other 11 Apostles and preached the Word and three thousand souls were gloriously saved.

The church now has 3,120 members. A population explosion! The question we would like to answer is “What characterises the true church? What does a true disciple of Christ look like?” 

We are going to give you that spiritual profile that Profile of the true church.

Four thoughts:

  • Souls Ushered into God’s Kingdom (v37-42)
  • Persevering Saints (v42-43)
  • Sharing Saints (v44-45)
  • Praising Saints (v46-47)
  • Souls Ushered into God’s Kingdom (v37-41)

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

The facets of God’s salvation plan are well articulated by the Apostle Peter. 

It begins with repentance and true repentance issues from a realization in the heart, wrought therein by the Holy Spirit, of the sinfulness of sin, of the awfulness of ignoring the claims of God and defying His authority. It is therefore a holy horror and hatred of sin, a deep sorrow for it, an acknowledgement of it before God, and a complete heart-forsaking of it. Not until this is done will God pardon us. [AW Pink]

Titus 3:5 (KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Salvation comes with the new birth. The word “renewing” means “rebirth”, that comes when the Holy Spirit convicts and heart of sin and turn to Christ to appropriate His sacrifice for their salvation.

Jesus says in John 3:3 (KJV)  … Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  

John 3:5 (KJV) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

It means to be born with spiritual life. First, to see with the Holy Spirit’s illumination and then to enter into the kingdom of God by being convicted of the truth of the gospel and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation is not by works of righteousness for man’s righteous are in the sight of God filthy rags as a result of the pollution and corruption of sin in our very nature.

Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

As a result of sin we are appointed once to die and after that the judgment!

Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Hebrews 9:28 (KJV) So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

All who will be saved, God will call. And His call will be effectual. The covenant promise is therefore not just to save one member of the family but the entire family, including the children.

The Word of God had free course and free rein in the hearts of these who heard the gospel that day and were pricked in their hearts and were gloriously saved.

  • Persevering Saints (v42-43)

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

The phrase “continued stedfastly” I believe is one of the key phrase or word to our understanding of this text.  It means to “hold fast, cling to, persevere”. The verb describes an on-going action in persistence. The conversions were genuine! It was not the case of an initial fervour followed by a cooling off of zeal for the things of God. The Holy Spirit did dwell in these new converts and cause them to have a transformed heart, with new desires for the things of God.

And there are 4 things that the new disciples of Christ were involved in a consistent manner that Luke recorded for our learning after their conversion.

  • The Apostles’ Doctrine
  • Fellowship
  • Breaking of Bread – Lord’s Supper
  • Prayers

This congregation of God’s people were like the seed that fell on good ground in Jesus’ parable that fell on good ground in Matthew 13:23.

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

What were the 4 spiritual exercises that this infant church was involved in?

(a) The Apostles’ Doctrine

The Apostles’ doctrine speaks about the grounding of the truth of God’s Word in the hearts of the believer. The Apostles’ were teaching them God’s Word and there was a great hunger and thirst after God’s Word. Having been separated from the world’s system under Satan, they now need to learn anew the heavenly values and virtues for this earthly life as they journey on to heaven. 

You recalled the criteria of an Apostle of Jesus Christ:

Turn with me to Acts 1:21-22

Acts 1:21-22 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

These are men who were with Jesus since the beginning of His ministry and were eyewitnesses of His resurrection. And these were the men who were also the writers of the New Testament. Jesus had personally taught them the truth and they are the best witnesses to the Truth. And Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide them after His ascension.

This was what John testified:

1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

1 John 1:5-10 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

The Apostles opened the Scriptures to the saints so that they may be grounded in the truth. It is called the Apostles’ doctrine because the Apostles were responsible for imparting the fullness of the truth from the Old Testament Scriptures to the New Testament that is in the process of being written.

(b) Fellowship 

A late pastor said well, “The word “fellowship” means to hold something in common. This is the Greek word “koinonia” and it means to have in common. 

The Christians had one thing in common that is “Jesus”. Why are we here in church today? Because of one Person and His name in Jesus. And the Jesus in me loves the Jesus in you and the Jesus in you loves the Jesus in me and together we love Jesus. 

And it is Jesus that makes this crowd a congregation. It is the fellowship, the oneness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And when we come together in this fellowship in worship, we are the church, the family of God. And the grandest organisation on this earth is the church of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

The church is the bride of Jesus Christ. And He loves His bride. And He is preparing His church for that heavenly reunion which we call our blessed hope. This fellowship we have on earth with Jesus is a foretaste of our fellowship with Jesus in heaven for eternity.”

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Revelation chapter 4 is the scene of the saints in glory in the throne room of God in heaven after the rapture of the church. We see the heavenly host of angels at the throne room. 

Revelation 4:1-11 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

I would like us to see the spirit of togetherness, that strong bond of the early church – We read in verse 44 that “And all that believed were together, and had all things common”. 

And in verse 47 the Greek phrase translated “added to the church daily (literally means “together”) those who were being saved” (2:47). 

And verse 46 also underscores this sense of togetherness when it says that they were of one mind and took their meals together. So being devoted to the fellowship is a commitment to be built together with those who have joined God’s family by being saved.”

This fellowship is linked to our second thought – Sharing saints. For us to have sweet fellowship, we are ready to be a blessing to the people around us. Why do we do so? Because we have experienced the goodness of God and we return thanks to Him by sharing fellowship saints. True fellowship is a reality for true followers of Christ, all who are truly saved. True fellowship involves a true togetherness. 

(c) Breaking of Bread 

This is the Lord’s Supper that Jesus instituted in the Upper Room after His last Passover feast as a means of grace. It is one of two sacraments in the New Testament Church. The other is baptism. It replaces the Old Testament rite of circumcision and the Passover. The bread and the cup are symbolic of the body of Christ that was broken for us and the blood of Jesus that washes us clean from our sins. We are to remember Jesus’ death till He comes. It is a remembrance feast that the saints may continue to observe. 

We do so once a month. Before we come to the Lord’s Table, we spend time in self-examination, confessing our sins before God in prayer and when we partake of the bread and the cup, there is a spiritual blessing that comes to the believer. He is nourished and strengthened spiritually for the journey of life.

Notice that the believers were baptised before they partake the Lord’s Supper. It is an encouragement for those of you who have believed and not baptized yet to prepare yourself, your heart for water baptism in obedience to Christ’s commandment given the Great Commission.

Remember in the Lord’s Prayer we are taught to pray “Hallowed be Thy Name”. It is the first petition in the Lord’s Prayer.

The word “hallowed” means “holy” or “sacred”. “To hallow” something means to treat it as sacred and holy and worthy of the highest honour, respect and regard. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” therefore “to hallow God’s name” is to treat Him with utmost respect. Therefore, prayer begins with giving God reverential worship. That we may come before God in reverence, in praise, in worship, in honour and in thanksgiving because of who He is. Worthy of our honour and worship and thanksgiving.

It is the Father who so loved us that He sent His Son to save us. We have so much to thank God for. So this first petition is an affirmation that this most high God has condescended to be among His people. God’s name signifies His character and His reputation. It represents who He is. 

We proclaim God’s merit or worth. It is man’s most worthy and reverential acknowledgement of God. It is a sacred reverence of who God is. It is the rightful response of a filial son to his beloved Father. It is out of a heart of thanksgiving and gratitude for the marvelous work of regeneration wrought in our hearts. Because He has made us holy! He has set us apart for Himself as His sons and daughters. 

He has sanctified us, and given us this familial relationship through His Son. Here is the connection and the rightful development of this prayer. Holiness is a communicable attribute of God the Father. 

The Lord’s Supper is a thanksgiving feast that saints partake consistently in gratitude and also to renew our consecration to Christ.

(d) Prayer  

A true church will consist of members who will want to spend time communing with God in prayer. They understood their dependence and need upon the Father’s blessing – Jesus promised “If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it. Therefore, we are instructed to ask that we may receive that our joy may be full!

Indeed, at the throne of grace we find help. The saints in the early church make it a commitment to come for prayer meeting. No prayer, no power. Less prayer, less power! More prayer, more power.

47 …And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Souls were saved on a daily basis. What a joy it must be to see your family members and friends and neighbours and even strangers come to faith as God bless the infant church with further increase.

When we draw near to God we receive spiritual strength for living. It is translated into physical strength and wisdom. A truly blessed life! Joy and peace overflow in such a life.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

The people witnessed the power of God cleansing the filthy life. Oppression and evil defeated. Holiness and sanctify prevailing. Fear came upon every soul. The saints saw the power of God that God is not only Saviour and He is also Judge to the ungodly!

The fear of God came upon the hearts of the saints as they worshipped God in the study of His Word, in fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayer. And the Apostles were given the power to wrought wonders and signs to authenticate their ministry that it is indeed of God! And the people dare not fight against them lest they be fighting against God.

They understood their sins will find them out. They would rather spend time confessing their sins and live right with God than to be playing the fool.

The first thought – Persevering Saints (v42-43). The second thought is Sharing Saints (v44-45).

  • Sharing Saints (v44-45)

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Steve Cole observed well, “Verse 44 is not prescribing communal living for God’s people in every situation. The Bible recognizes the right to personal property and the need for families to be distinct. 

Years ago, my wife and I enjoyed reading Edith Schaeffer’s book, What is a Family? [Revell].

The Schaeffers lived at L’Abri, a ministry center in the Swiss Alps where dozens of students would come to study. She has a chapter that describes the Christian home as a door with hinges and a lock. The hinges open the door to others, but the lock means that there are times when a family needs to shut out others and be together as a family.”

In our devotions on the Book of Romans, we speak of giving. The bible says in Romans 12:8 that …he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity…

The word “simplicity” is a moral trait describing purity of motive. It is an openness and sincerity in sharing with others. 

It means “generosity, liberality”. The infant church in Jerusalem after Pentecost demonstrated such a spirit – Acts 2:44-45 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”

There were also much joy and peace amongst the believers because they shared God’s love one with another through their care one for another –  Acts 2:46-47 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 

The word “gladness” means “great joy”. And “singleness of heart” describes sincerity, simplicity, humility. It was an irresistibly wonderful fellowship. It was different from the fellowship of the world. There were genuine care and concern amongst God’s people. This was the wonderful testimony that is a joy to behold. Unbelievers saw a difference. God blessed them with others added to the church. Praise God for the gift of giving.

The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Ephesus of God’s special blessing for the giver – Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Amen.

Persevering Saints (v42-43), Sharing Saints (v44-45), and finally Praising Saints (v46-47).

  • Praising Saints (v46-47) 

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

True Christians are a bunch of happy people. How can they be not so? Jesus has washed us from all our sins. There is no more guilt, no more rebuke. We not only have a clean slate but a full slate. God’s blessing comes to us in fullness as Solomon tells us in Proverbs 10:22. 

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

God’s blessing for His people is all the way! Always the best! What more can we ask for but be in perpetual thanksgiving!

We often times do not know what is good for us. But God knows. He directs us by His grace to keep and strengthen us.

The people experienced the tender-mercies of God. He leads His people gently. 

When we find favour with God, He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us.

As they spend time in God’s Word, in Fellowship, in Breaking of Bread and in Prayer, the Lord bless them with peace and joy in their hearts.

This was what Solomon said in Proverbs 3 that description of the blessed man who finds favour with God and men.

Proverbs 3:1-18 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

The phrase “singleness of heart” describes sincerity, simplicity, and humility. It was not a complicated life. It was simply a life devoted in thanksgiving to his or her life-Giver. Truly, we cannot do otherwise. This is the blessed life.

Was it easy? No there were those who lose their livelihood because of their faith. There are those who lose their homes as a result of their faith. Were they in trouble outwardly speaking? Yes, they were happy! This happiness comes from within and has the power to overcome all the difficulties of life. 

This is the portrait of the true church of Jesus Christ. God blesses such Christians.

CONCLUSION

Profile of a True Church:

  • Souls ushered into God’s Kingdom (v37-41)
  • Persevering Saints (v42-43)
  •  Sharing Saints (v44-45)
  • Praising Saints (46-47)

Amen.