NOTES: Plug In, Part 1

Sermon: Plug In part 1- Try it Again 
Text: Acts 2:42-47 
Date: Sunday January 30, 2022 

Scripture Reading (Acts 2:42-47) — Lynda Gustofson 

Story- Jamaica (part 2)- Trail Guide and The Church

God’s Plan—The Church:  
- Effectively carry the Gospel message throughout the generations 
- Provide and protect those who follow Jesus  
- Champion the Good

Early church example:

Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) 
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongingsand distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 5:11 (ESV) 
11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Hebrews 3:12–14 (ESV) 
12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.

Why you may have unplugged:  
- Hurt by the people or culture of a church 
- Tired of the single agenda, rhetoric  
- Couldn’t break into the clique or sub groups 
- Your independent nature  
- Distracted busy 
- Sin or felt shame of past sin 
* Mis-understandings about what Church really is…

The Church, as God designed it:  
1. …is the Body of Christ, with Christ as the authority (Col. 1:18) 
2. …is given life and power by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31) 
3. …is always on mission (Matt 28:19) 
4. …is people connected with interdependent relationships (1 Cor. 12:7)

Acts 2:42–44 (ESV) (provide and protect)  
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

Matthew 16:18 (ESV) (carry the Gospel)  
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Philippians 2:14–15 (ESV) (Champion for Good)  
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Try it again (give interdependent relationships another try) 

We need you — You need us

Closing: Jamaica - starting at the bottom (we have to start somewhere)