Characteristics of a healthy, dynamic church

'Acts - The Church in Action' - some notes from 'Week 2' of a month-long series on the book of Acts... today's message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis...

Photo above: Acts 2:42, originally uploaded by solaspix.

There was great opposition to the church in its early days, challenges and attacks. It did, however, grow. Why? How?

One of the key features we notice from reading Acts is how early church members had a hunger for the Word of God, a continued commitment that we read about. In effect, they stayed connected with God. They were, together, maintaining and nurturing a relationship with God.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: Read Acts 2:42 and talk about what the early church looked like on a weekly basis. How practical is that style of church to today in a big, busy city? What can we learn from and adapt from that style of congregation?

The early church clearly had disciplines they followed. They prayed, they ate together, they were - most importantly - hungry for the Word of God.

Anticipation was uniform. As they honoured God across their personal and collective lives, they were excited that God would work. They saw Him as being right with them.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: See Acts 2:43. In a God-centred church, 'God things' were happening. What are the things that can happen in your church and in your life when you centre on God? Share some examples.

There was a sense of community and belonging. From Acts 2:44 on, the church had a sense of family - together in so many ways.

They supported one another, experienced life together and immersed themselves in God's Word. And they grew, as individuals and as a congregation.

Together, in a community of faith, life is not without difficulties and frustrations. True Biblical community is not the absence of difficulties but the presence of a reconciling spirit.

Don't go it alone. Resist the tendency to separate.

Together, we can follow the Biblical model of a great church. We can grow, together. We can connect, together. And we can be expectant that God will remain together with us as we follow and honour Him.