Acts 2:40-47 (NKJV)

A Vital Church Grows

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this [a]perverse generation.” 41 Then those who [b]gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ [c]doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and [d]sold their possessions and goods, and divided[e] them among all, as anyone had need.

  A. LIFE Groups promote Christian fellowship.

Psalm 133:1 (NKJV)

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!

   B.  LIFE Groups promote unity in the Body of Christ.

   C. A biblical LIFE Group promotes empathy.

 

1 Corinthians 12:26 (NKJV)

26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

 

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [f]to the church daily those who were being saved.

   D. Christianity requires passion.

   E. LIFE Groups make it easier to connect to the local church.

   F. These new Christians embraced four things:

• Doctrine (apostle’s teaching)

• Fellowship (social interaction)

• Breaking bread (a reference to the Lord’s table).

• Prayer