Characteristics of the Early Church
Acts 2-4
The Early Church were characterised by:
 Being bold – filled with the Holy Spirit
 Demonstrating the miraculous
 Being together
 Sharing and caring for one another and others – a new way of living
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Bold
Confidence in God, the gospel, and power to bring transformation
 God gave them boldness. God gives us boldness.
 Good news was intended to be shared
 Righteous are as bold as lion – Proverbs 28:1
 Knowing we are forgiven, filled with the Spirit gives us boldness.
 Believing we are wicked leads often to fear.
 Declarations, heavenly perspective, how God has led us in these areas
 Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and give you boldness
Miracles
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Together
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Lame man, silver and gold have I none…
Worldly view – money. God’s riches are on a different level.
What expectations do we have of God breaking into the situations around us?
Worship, fellowship and community; salvation the norm
E.g. last Sunday worship and prayer together.
New togetherness for us now here – characteristics we need- forgiving, listening sharing.
Importance of connect groups for us to have a place to belong and contribute
Who are we connected with and committing to?
What gifts are we contributing with?
Sharing and Caring. Illustrate – moral purpose around serving the poor and marginalized.
 Look at Acts 2
 School. Make link with CLEAR and work overseas.
 Give out. More will be given back to you.
 Know it to be true – too often counting how much is left if we give.
Review how you are giving – to the church, to your friends, to your family. Is your life marked with generosity?
Discuss - We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking –
Richard Rohr.