Pressing On in Kingdom Building

Acts 2:42-47

In Greek mythology, the phoenix burns up when it dies, but the same bird is born from its ashes. In reincarnation, a person is reborn another person or animal. In literature, Dr Frankenstein brought a corpse to life, but it was a monster. But in Scripture, fruitful life springs forth when a seed drops to the ground and dies. In Christ, we’re changed not to be the same, nor an animal or monster, but a new creation. At Pentecost, the Spirit convicted sinners and they joined God’s kingdom. In one day, the church grew from 120 disciples to 3120. They were the first building blocks, living stones, of the New Testament church.

And as the church, what did they do? Verse 42 - “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” It starts with “and” - meaning these activities are connected with their faith, repentance, baptism, and joining the church. They’re not separate things but a continuation. So the proof of your faith, repentance, washing, and church connection is your devotion to doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. That’s the work and evidence of the kingdom. That’s what we must press on in doing. If the Lord tarries, how shall this church continue for another 40 years? Not by novel methods or a new focus - but we must do these things, improving on them. They are, firstly, press on in learning; secondly, press on in loving; thirdly, pressing on in communing; fourthly, press on in praying.

Firstly, press on in learning. “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.” They displayed a devoted attitude toward the Word. They continued steadfastly. “Steadfastly” has a sense of stubbornness. They were stubbornly learning and obeying. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” As a newborn baby refuses to stop suckling, we must stubbornly desire the pure milk of the Word. We’re not interested in pop psychology of self-esteem. We don’t want philosophy or modern theories of sociology. We just want the Word - it’s the only way we can grow. And all 3120 of them came daily to the temple to learn from the Apostles. That’s one apostle to nearly 300 students. They taught, answered questions, and counseled. It was tiring but such students make joyful teachers. They taught also because these were the building blocks of the New Testament church. They wanted to teach them. And so vital was this work, they delegated non-teaching work to the deacons in Acts 6. There was hunger in learning and joy in teaching.

And what was the content? The Apostles’ doctrine - what Jesus taught them. In Matthew 28, Jesus said - make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to do all I’ve commanded you. And so they did - about forgiving your brother, counting the cost to follow him, loving God above all else, using your talents, turning the other cheek, warning the unfruitful branch will be burned, his parables. It wasn’t just Bible Study by reading a commentary, nor a session to hear each other’s opinions about a passage; nor a chit chat session to share feelings. It was the Apostles’ doctrine. The Apostles also wrote the New Testament. What they taught was God’s Word. When the Thessalonians received their Word, they received it with gladness because they treated it as God’s Word and not Man’s word. It was also the Old Testament. All Scripture is given by inspiration - 2 Timothy 3:16 - and Timothy only had the Old Testament. But they were taught in light of Christ - just as how Christ showed to the Emmaus disciples how the Old Testament spoke of him.

There was a holy stubbornness concerning the Word. It’s not just learning our Reformed doctrines. It’s learning the Scriptures. Do you hunger to know and obey the Word? How Bible literate are you? “When a CI teacher was sick, the pastor took his class. To see what the boys knew, he asked them who destroyed the walls of Jericho. All the boys denied doing it. At the next board meeting, he lamented - “Why don’t any of them know who destroyed the walls of Jericho??” After a moment, an officer said, “Pastor, this really bothers you. But I know these boys. If they don’t know, I believe them. Just take some money and repair the walls.” But it was not just literacy. They hungered for the Word was because of the Spirit. Jesus said I’ll send the Holy Spirit who will teach and remind you of all I’ve taught. So these converts were not learning for knowledge. They were touched in their spirit. Are you touched in your spirit by the Word? There will be new life.

And we see the remarkable life that resulted. Verse 43 says, “fear came upon every soul.” Jesus was more important than their former sins - they reverenced God and lived obediently. Verse 44 says, “all that believed were together, and had all things common.” Jesus was more important than their possessions. Verse 46 - “they continued daily with one accord in the temple, breaking bread house to house, eating with gladness and singleness of heart.” Jesus was important and therefore his remnant community was important. Their learning and obedience were immediate upon repentance. They pressed on in learning.

Secondly, they pressed on in loving. Do you like the church and Christians? “Well, I just come and go. Easier that way. Church is complicated - the more you know, the more you serve, the more troublesome it is. Huh? Share my life? No thanks!” But church is community. It’s a city on a hill. This expression denoted community in the Middle East, where most were nomads. God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is interested in community because he is one. And here, the remnant church had community. “And they continued stedfastly in fellowship…” What’s fellowship? To be clear, fellowship’s not chit chat, makan, sports, hiking, or karaoke. Originally “koinonia” was a business term, meaning to share in something with a partner. Like family. You eat the same food, use the same crockery, have the same parents. You have a share. For Christians, we share the same God, Savior, and family. 1 John 1:3 - “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.”

Christian fellowship concerns spiritual things. Makan is good - eat, drink, and be merry. Hiking is good - bodily exercise profits a little bit. But they’re not fellowship. They can lead to spiritual fellowship yes. Literally, in Greek, they continued steadfastly in THE fellowship. The purpose was specific. They fellowshipped and loved specifically. How? Listen to the Scriptures. Romans 15:26 - “For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution (koinonia - fellowship) for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” They gave money. Philippians 4:15 - “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated (koinonia - shared) with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” They gave money. Christians love to share. They share to love. Like family, when you finish your fishball, I share mine! That’s love.

And verses 43-47 describe the proof of their love. They were so devoted they came together often - they made time and effort. All 3120 came together every day at the temple, verse 46. Why? Did they receive a broadcast announcement from church admin? Was there an ECM to discuss important financial decision? Was it for gossip over Michelin star Tai Wah bak chor mee? No. They came because people had need. What’s amazing is that there were many things driving them apart. They spoke different languages from different countries. Like us - different temperaments, convictions, way of talking. But they were believers - verse 44 - “And all that believed were together, and had all things common.” We are different ethnicities speaking English, and our brethren below speak Chinese, what binds us together is Hebrew. Amen! Hallelujah! That’s our common language! We come together not because we are naturally alike - but our commonality is we’re believers. That’s why we expend time, energy, and money. Real fellowship involves sharing. Verses 44-45 - “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” They gave money to those in need. Those from out of town only had enough money for Pentecost. They stayed with the new community and soon their money ran out. So others shared. This was not communism - they still owned their homes - verse 46 - they went house to house. The goal was not equal distribution of wealth. It was to those who had need. And the price was costly. Some sold property. When you give money, it reduces your economic strength, ability, and security. If I give you my fishball, I have one less. But that’s true fellowship. Family makes sacrifices. But how can we make sacrifices if we don’t spend time? Or know and love one another? Or exercise patience? True fellowship cannot be legislated. It comes from within. It makes us ask hard questions. If I stop serving, what will this to do to others? If I tie up my money, will I be liquid enough to give? If I hoard my time, how will I reach out to the lonely? We can’t act without thinking how it’ll affect others. 1 John 3:17 - “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” Yes, there are needy here - but thank God no one is destitute. So let us think of brethren in other places who are. If the Spirit is poured into us, we press on in loving and giving.

Thirdly, we press on in communing. We’ve been brought into a redeemed community, despite being ugly and sinful. Because of community, there should be no loneliness in church. Why? “They continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread.” Breaking of bread refers to the Lord’s Supper. They ate together and remembered Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 - “The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.” And it’s no surprise. The Spirit whom Christ sent reminded them of Jesus’ words. Jesus said remember him, so they remembered to remember his death and suffering; how he forgave them and redeemed them into a remnant community. The Lord’s Supper is also called Holy Communion. And in communion we love others. We examine ourselves. “And let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” Am I living out the gospel? Do I love my brother? Am I forgiving or bitter? Am I sinning? So when I remember Christ, I will judge myself. But what do we do ? We judge our brother! All the time. Complain! Get angry! How dare we? Christ is his judge! We don’t do Christ’s job! Romans 14:9-10 says, “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge or set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” At the supper, they remembered to forgive and love. If not, they’d destroy each other. Galatians 5:14-15 - “For all the law is fulfilled in one word - Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, [be careful you don’t gobble each other up].” Harsh, hard stances, passionate complaints are signs of immaturity. But because they remembered Christ, they didn’t bite each other. Instead, they bit on broken bread. There was real friendship. It wasn’t fake.

And in those days, the Lord’s Supper was part of larger meal - the agape feast. Like our practice in better days. It was more than the Lord’s Supper because they broke bread house to house. They ate communally. They devoted themselves to spiritual friendship through food. There were 2 kinds of meetings. There was public religious class at the temple - probably held at Solomon’s porch - 1 to 300 persons in a class. But they also met informally in homes. They showed hospitality. It’s the calling of officers and practice of all Christians. 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Hebrews 13:1-2 says, “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain (or show hospitality to) strangers.” Why has God given you a home? Not for you. Your largest investment must be used for ministry. Being hospitable doesn’t mean you must cook well. These were daily meals. They broke bread daily house to house. They didn’t entertain daily! No! This was hospitality. We share our lives - our messy homes. We have to tell ourselves again and again - it’s not the food or cleanliness. It’s about communion. Let them help with vacuuming.

And the result of communion was joy. Verses 46-47 - “they did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people.” There was gladness - meaning intense joy. Why? When you eat, you have loud conversation, laughter, second helpings. Truly religious people seek joy. Being happy is good. Jesus was happy. In fact, he enjoyed food and drink so much, the fake religious people called him a glutton and drunk. But gladness was essential for him to be a complete man. But there was a fake - the one who couldn’t stay for the whole dinner - he went off to betray Jesus. True spirituality was too much for him! And there was singleness or sincerity of heart. It was not fake. In church we can be fake. We talk only about theology instead of our salvation. We have nice smiles, but never risk our hearts. We serve together, but are not friends. That’s not community. But they had it - and they could praise God with others who saw them joyfully praise God.

Lastly, they pressed on in praying. Verse 42 - “And they continued stedfastly in prayers.” They were known for praying. This is not a complicated description. They met to pray and had prayer meetings. In Greek, they continued steadfastly in THE prayers. This wasn’t individual but corporate prayer. They went to the temple to pray at scheduled times. Acts 3:1 - “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” There was a 3 pm prayer meeting everyday. But they had their own house prayers - before Pentecost, in the upper room. The church is about corporate prayer. A lot of prayer meetings are about praying for a list of activities. But what did they pray for? Now, mundane things aren’t wrong - but they gathered to pray for the work of Christ. We see their prayers from the answers. Acts 1 - they prayed for the Spirit’s coming and to be witnesses. God sent the Spirit and they preached. When choosing the 12th disciple, they prayed. The lot fell on Matthias. Before Jesus did something significant, he also prayed first. Before his baptism, he prayed; before choosing his apostles, he prayed; before his last months, he prayed at the Mount of Transfiguration; before Gethsemane, he prayed; before his betrayal, he prayed. Before he died, he prayed at the cross. When he prayed, he did the work of kingdom building. Both go hand in hand. Prayer is never a rubber stamp. When we don’t pray, we can’t do His work. We may do a work; but not necessarily His work. You want to become holier? Transform? Be fruitful? If you don’t pray, it won’t happen.

And after they prayed, God answered their prayer. Verse 47 - they had “favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Their prayer made them effective holy witnesses. They were in the good books of others. Yes, sometimes it’s God’s will we receive favor but other times hatred - like Stephen. But prayer has an effect. It lead to growth. The Lord also added to the church those who were saved on a daily basis. Christ grew the church - not them. And he did it when they prayed. Moreover, salvation and joining the church go hand in hand. Those who were saved joined the church. Jesus doesn’t save without adding to the church. Adding to the church without salvation leads to nominal Christianity. Being saved without community is unhealthy Christianity. And it was an ongoing work. The Lord was adding daily - it was an ongoing. Jesus will always build the church. But the people he adds will not always be to our liking. The early church had different kinds of people. But they were one. Christ eventually brought the Gentiles - unclean people with unclean practices. Do we want to keep our church as it is? Are we afraid of different people? Or too many people? Aiya, already not enough parking. Will they be clean respectable people like the older brother of the prodigal son? When the church prayed, Christ made his church what he wanted it to be. It’s not our church. You must serve and love those you don’t agree with.

We all have a dream of the church. But our dreams will disappoint us or destroy the church. Our dreams must be Christ’s. When we pray, God works in us. If we believe he’ll work, then we must pray. If we want people to be devoted to learning, let’s pray and learn. If we want people show love - let’s pray and give. If we want people to grow in community - let’s pray and come together. If we want people to pray - let’s come together to pray.

The theme for this year as we study Acts is “pressing forward in kingdom building.” As you can see, kingdom building is simple. We learn, love, commune, and pray. That’s our focus! it must be balanced. What are some applications to us specifically? There must be stubborn learning - not just our Reformed heritage but the Scriptures, to obey them. It’s not merely learning, but doing. Teaching them to observe all things soever I have commanded you. We pastors will be greatly invigorated if you have this hunger, and you’ll hunger more if we demonstrate joy in teaching. Are we so intransigent in our secondary theological points that we are monsters to others who don’t agree with us? If we are, we will fossilize. To combat this, we must love. How? Let me be bold - we have too much money and there are too many Christians living in poverty. And we have much in the bank. Yes, we must be wise stewards. So how to be wise? Let’s pray that the Lord will show us where to give. Generosity of heart tempers our learning. We also commune. We must be friends. We must increase friendship. We must grow in affection. We must come together to eat and fellowship at this very difficult time. We must communicate. Not just work together. And we must commune not to sayang one another but to spur one another on to love and good works and greater faith. How will God grow us? We must pray.

If we do this, we change to be what Christ wants. We won’t be the same person, nor an animal, nor a monster, but new creatures in Christ. If we don’t learn, love, commune, or pray - we’ll be the same - carnal; biting and devouring one another over minor doctrines, in monstrous ways. Remember - he’s our king, ruling in heaven at God’s right hand, the church to whom he has sent his Spirit to save and transform. May we press on in kingdom building, to be built together as a holy temple, a city on a hill. Amen.

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