42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47
Justin Marty (AD 150) described Christian worship in his First Apology:
“On the day called Sunday there is a gathering together in the same place of all who live in a given city or rural district. The memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits. Then when the reader ceases, the president in a discourse admonishes and urges the imitation of these good things. Next we all rise together and send up prayers.
When we cease from our prayer, bread is presented and wine and water. The president in the same manner sends up prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people sing out their assent, saying the 'Amen.' A distribution and participation of the elements for which thanks have been given is made to each person, and to those who are not present they are sent by the deacons.
Those who have means and are willing, each according to his own choice, gives what he wills, and what is collected is deposited with the president. He provides for the orphans and widows, those who are in need on account of sickness or some other cause, those who are in bonds, strangers who are sojourning, and in a word he becomes the protector of all who are in need." - Justin Martyr
Today much of what we see in Book of the Acts, and in Church History, is incorporated in the church service today. Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry, and Mission. These are the five essential elements which we would see in most churches.
What will your church celebration look like? What effect will it have on non-believers, on the community, and on believers. How will you conduct and encourage worship? How will you disciple new believers? How will you create community or fellowship? How will you minister and provide for those of the family of God? How will you do outreach and support for those who have not yet known Christ?
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47
Justin Marty (AD 150) described Christian worship in his First Apology:
“On the day called Sunday there is a gathering together in the same place of all who live in a given city or rural district. The memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits. Then when the reader ceases, the president in a discourse admonishes and urges the imitation of these good things. Next we all rise together and send up prayers.
When we cease from our prayer, bread is presented and wine and water. The president in the same manner sends up prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people sing out their assent, saying the 'Amen.' A distribution and participation of the elements for which thanks have been given is made to each person, and to those who are not present they are sent by the deacons.
Those who have means and are willing, each according to his own choice, gives what he wills, and what is collected is deposited with the president. He provides for the orphans and widows, those who are in need on account of sickness or some other cause, those who are in bonds, strangers who are sojourning, and in a word he becomes the protector of all who are in need." - Justin Martyr
Today much of what we see in Book of the Acts, and in Church History, is incorporated in the church service today. Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry, and Mission. These are the five essential elements which we would see in most churches.
What will your church celebration look like? What effect will it have on non-believers, on the community, and on believers. How will you conduct and encourage worship? How will you disciple new believers? How will you create community or fellowship? How will you minister and provide for those of the family of God? How will you do outreach and support for those who have not yet known Christ?