Union Church of Christ

Acts 2:42-47

Introduction

1. Text.
2. This passage paints an almost idyllic picture, but we should not get the idea that this is impossible with us today.
3. Not only is it possible, but this must be true of us so if we are to please God.
4. The Bible's use of the word "together" gives insight into how this is possible.

Discussion

1. The Ties of Fellowship Must Include God
   1. Any fellowship that does not involve God is not Biblical.
   2. 1 John 1:3
   3. Notice how this is seen in the use of the word "together."
      1. Ephesians 2:21, 22.
      2. Colossians 2:19
      3. 1 Corinthians 1:10
      4. Philippians 1:27
      5. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
      6. 1 Corinthians 3:9
   4. Our fellowship is intended to provide a dwelling place that is fit for God.
      1. Ephesians 2:21, 22.
      2. Isaiah 66:1, 2
      3. 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18
      4. 1 Timothy 3:15
      5. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17
   5. Our worship, Bible study and prayer ought to remind us of this relationship.
      1. Romans 15:30
      2. 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17
2. The Ties of Fellowship Involve an Application of Biblical Truth
   1. Ephesians 2:20 - the apostles.
      1. Acts 6:4
      2. John 16:13
   2. 1 Corinthians 1:10
      1. "We can't understand the Bible alike;" "We must agree to disagree."
      2. Fellowship that is based on a compromise of God's word is destined to fail.
      3. Example - Years ago almost no denominational preacher would suggest that God accepts Eastern religions, but such is common today.
      4. All who thus compromise will be found at some point on the road to Universalism.
   3. The ground of our fellowship is the gospel.
      1. Philippians 1:27
      2. When we move from the gospel, we find ourselves in sinking sand.
   4. On the basis of this fellowship, we WORK together.
      1. 1 Corinthians 3:9
      2. 2 Corinthians 6:1
      3. Note the emphasis on work to a church that has division
         1. 1 Cor.1:11
         2. "A pulling mule can't kick; a kicking mule can't pull."
      4. Far too often our fellowship is like the Pharisees - Matthew 23:3.
      5. Ours is not intended to be nothing more than an intellectual fellowship - it is a fellowship of servants.
      6. 1 Peter 2:5 - in view of Ephesians 2:21, 22
3. The Ties of Fellowship Imply a Closeness that is Unmatched
   1. Colossians 2:2.
      1. "knit" - a broken bone that is mending.
      2. Colossians 2:19 - this comes from Christ.
      3. A broken bone that has mended is stronger than before.
   2. 1 Corinthians 1:10.
      1. Example - two people who have been together so long that they anticipate what the other is thinking.
      2. When we visit other congregations, we know what the worship, teaching, etc. will be like - this is the result of our fellowship.
      3. Colossians 2:1 - "have not seen my face."
      4. We often pray for people that we have never seen - Christians who were jailed in Laos (Hebrews 13:3); teacher in Jonesboro who was injured in shooting that we sat next to at FHU - "we've been praying for you."
      5. Imagine the meeting in heaven between Paul with those who prayed for him.
   3. This closeness of fellowship will be eternal for the faithful.
      1. 1 Thessalonians 4:7
      2. 2 Thessalonians 2:1

Conclusion

1. Psalm 133:1
2. Ephesians 4:3