MOUNTAINSIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
THE CHURCH IN COMMUNITY
Locations & Times
Mountainside Assembly of God
1900 Trevorton Rd, Coal Township, PA 17866, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
CONNECT WITH US!
https://mountainsideag.comThe Church in Community
Text:Acts 2:42–47
Key Verse:Acts 2:42 (NLT)
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”
Introduction: Rediscovering the Power of Community
In an age of increasing loneliness and disconnection, people are desperate for authentic community. Even in our hyper-connected digital world, many feel unseen, unknown, and unsupported.
But God never intended His Church to be a place we visit once a week and then leave unchanged. The Church is not a building. It is a body, a family, a community of Spirit-filled believers living life together.
Acts 2 gives us a powerful window into what the Church looked like immediately after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. What we see is not perfection—but devotion. These early believers embraced four essential patterns:
The Word, Fellowship, Prayer, and Radical Generosity.
Let’s rediscover God's blueprint for a thriving, Spirit-empowered community.
1. A Healthy Church Is Devoted to the Word of God: Acts 2:42
Devoted (Greek:proskartereó) = “to persist, remain steadfast, continue faithfully.” This wasn't casual interest—it was a way of life.
Preaching and teaching the Word must remain central. The Bible isn’t optional—it’s essential.
It rebukes sin, comforts the weary, equips the believer, and reveals Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives...”
2. A Healthy Church Is Devoted to Fellowship: Acts 2:44, 46
The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia—a deep, spiritual sharing of life together.
This fellowship wasn’t surface-level. It meant carrying burdens, rejoicing together, weeping together, and walking through life as family.
Church is not a place you go to; it’s a people you belong to.
Are you connected through a group or relationship that encourages spiritual growth?
Hebrews 10:24–25 (NLT)
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works… encourage one another…”
3. A Healthy Church Is Devoted to Prayer: Acts 2:42, 47
Prayer was not a ritual—it was their lifeline. They prayed in the upper room, in homes, and during persecution. They depended on God.
A prayerless church is a powerless church.
Prayer invites the presence and power of God. Make it a personal and church-wide priority.
James 5:16 (NLT)
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
4. A Healthy Church Practices Radical Generosity: Acts 2:44–45
The early church wasn’t coerced into giving—they were compelled by love.
They saw needs and met them. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to.
We may not be called to sell everything, but we are called to live open-handedly.
Generosity reflects the heart of God and builds trust and love within the Church.
Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Conclusion: What Happens When the Church Lives This Way?
Acts 2:47 (NLT)
“All the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And the Lord added to their fellowship each day those who were being saved.”
Joy. Favor. Growth. Evangelism wasn't a program—it was the overflow of love and devotion. The world noticed their unity and wanted what they had.
Final Application: Be the Church
Are you devoted to God's Word?
Are you truly connected in fellowship?
Is prayer a priority in your life?
Does your generosity reflect the heart of Jesus?
The early Church turned the world upside down—not because of their buildings, but because of their devotion. That same Spirit is available today. Let’s follow their example.
Colossians 3:12–14 (NLT)
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Text:Acts 2:42–47
Key Verse:Acts 2:42 (NLT)
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”
Introduction: Rediscovering the Power of Community
In an age of increasing loneliness and disconnection, people are desperate for authentic community. Even in our hyper-connected digital world, many feel unseen, unknown, and unsupported.
But God never intended His Church to be a place we visit once a week and then leave unchanged. The Church is not a building. It is a body, a family, a community of Spirit-filled believers living life together.
Acts 2 gives us a powerful window into what the Church looked like immediately after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. What we see is not perfection—but devotion. These early believers embraced four essential patterns:
The Word, Fellowship, Prayer, and Radical Generosity.
Let’s rediscover God's blueprint for a thriving, Spirit-empowered community.
1. A Healthy Church Is Devoted to the Word of God: Acts 2:42
Devoted (Greek:proskartereó) = “to persist, remain steadfast, continue faithfully.” This wasn't casual interest—it was a way of life.
Preaching and teaching the Word must remain central. The Bible isn’t optional—it’s essential.
It rebukes sin, comforts the weary, equips the believer, and reveals Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives...”
2. A Healthy Church Is Devoted to Fellowship: Acts 2:44, 46
The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia—a deep, spiritual sharing of life together.
This fellowship wasn’t surface-level. It meant carrying burdens, rejoicing together, weeping together, and walking through life as family.
Church is not a place you go to; it’s a people you belong to.
Are you connected through a group or relationship that encourages spiritual growth?
Hebrews 10:24–25 (NLT)
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works… encourage one another…”
3. A Healthy Church Is Devoted to Prayer: Acts 2:42, 47
Prayer was not a ritual—it was their lifeline. They prayed in the upper room, in homes, and during persecution. They depended on God.
A prayerless church is a powerless church.
Prayer invites the presence and power of God. Make it a personal and church-wide priority.
James 5:16 (NLT)
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
4. A Healthy Church Practices Radical Generosity: Acts 2:44–45
The early church wasn’t coerced into giving—they were compelled by love.
They saw needs and met them. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to.
We may not be called to sell everything, but we are called to live open-handedly.
Generosity reflects the heart of God and builds trust and love within the Church.
Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Conclusion: What Happens When the Church Lives This Way?
Acts 2:47 (NLT)
“All the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And the Lord added to their fellowship each day those who were being saved.”
Joy. Favor. Growth. Evangelism wasn't a program—it was the overflow of love and devotion. The world noticed their unity and wanted what they had.
Final Application: Be the Church
Are you devoted to God's Word?
Are you truly connected in fellowship?
Is prayer a priority in your life?
Does your generosity reflect the heart of Jesus?
The early Church turned the world upside down—not because of their buildings, but because of their devotion. That same Spirit is available today. Let’s follow their example.
Colossians 3:12–14 (NLT)
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
