The Actions of Spirit-Filled Christians

Acts 2:1-4

INTRODUCTION: Oftentimes, we, as Bible-believers, focus on the things that distinguish us from the earliest believers that made up the New Testament church. We rightfully identify the shift from Jews to Gentiles and from signs to faith. However, have you ever had a moment in time where you wondered if some of our efforts are not meant to provide ourselves with excuses as to why very little spiritual fruit is growing today? Maybe the key is in considering what we could and should have in common with those early believers. For instance, is it possible that a Spirit-filled believer of the first century would have a great deal in common with a Spirit-filled believer today (Acts 2:4; Acts 4:8, 31; Acts 7:55; Acts 9:17)?

I. THEY PREACH JESUS CHRIST

A. Peter Preached on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:22-36)

B. Peter Preached on the Heels of a Healing (Acts 3:12-26; Acts 4:8-12)

C. Peter Preached on the Heels of Persecution (Acts 5:28-32, 42)

D. Stephen Preached to His Death (Acts 7:1-53)

E. Philip Preached on the Heels of Persecution (Acts 8:4-5, 26-35)

F. Paul Preached on the Heels of His Salvation (Acts 9:20)

II. THEY FELLOWSHIP

A. They Continued Stedfastly (Acts 2:42)

B. They Continued Daily with One Accord (Acts 2:46)

III. THEY GIVE

A. They Sold Their Possessions and Goods (Acts 2:44-45)

B. They Parted to Others as They Had Need (Acts 2:45)

C. They Were Selfless in So Doing (Acts 4:32, 34-37)

IV. THEY PRAY

A. They Had Designated Times of Prayer (Acts 3:1)

B. They Prayed as Special Needs Arose (Acts 4:24-31)

C. They Continued Stedfastly in Prayers (Acts 2:42)

V. THEY REAP THE BENEFITS

A. They Bore Fruit (Acts 2:37, 41; Acts 2:47; Acts 4:4; Acts 6:7)

B. They Rejoiced (Acts 2:41, 46; Acts 5:41; Acts 8:8, 39; see with Acts 13:52)

CONCLUSION: How do you match up to the early believers? Do you share much in common with the Spirit-filled believers of the first generation? Are you tired of the empty show commonly called Christianity today? Do you want a closer and more scriptural walk with the Lord?