✝️ Sermon RecapText: Acts 2:42–47 Big Idea: In a world that constantly tries to rebrand the church for crowds, cash, or cultural comfort, God calls His people back to the original formula. The early church did not chase trends. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, real fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. That devotion formed an uncommon community. And as they praised God and lived with integrity, **the Lord added** to them. The church does not need a new formula. We need deeper devotion to God’s original design, and we must grow into the kind of people God can trust with His mission.Coca-Cola- Coca-Cola has been around since 1886, and even with various “new versions,” the original formula remained the standard.- In the same way, churches can become tempted to create “new versions” of church when they feel pressure for people, money, or relevance.- We have seen modern “variants” that may grow quickly, but drift from God’s design: People of More (Our Aim at Avenue G)- Learn More: Not for trivia, but for revelation that changes how we live. (John 8:31–32)- Love More: Not just a word, but visible proof toward our brothers and sisters. (John 13:34–35)- Do More: We join God in His mission beyond a building. (Matthew 28:18–20)- Teach More: We make disciples, not spectators. (2 Timothy 2:2)Not New, Just True- This “MORE cycle” is not a marketing strategy. It is a discipleship pattern rooted in Scripture.Read: Acts 2:42–47DevotionActs 2:42 shows the church’s foundation: - Apostles’ teaching - Fellowship - Breaking of bread - Prayers - The word “devoted” carries the idea of continuing with intense effort, even through difficulty.- Devotion is not casual interest. Devotion is power aimed in a direction.- We are devoted to many things in life (fitness, degrees, relationships, careers), and we understand that real devotion costs something.- The church must ask: Where is our power going? What are we consistently giving ourselves to?What am I devoted to?Why am I devoted? Uncommon Community- God did not form a crowd. He formed a people.- The church is called to be “other,” not to blend into a world that is out of alignment with God. (1 Peter 2:9–12)- Unity requires dying to self, because selfishness cannot build a holy community. (Philippians 2:3–4)- When we die with Christ, something better rises: a new life and a new family. (Romans 6:3–4)Acts 2:44–46Addition- They did not chase trends. They pursued faithfulness.- They praised God, not themselves.- They had favor with the people, because genuine holiness and genuine love carry a witness.- And then the key phrase: “The Lord added” (Acts 2:47).What this means for Avenue G- MORE is **more devotion**: aiming our power toward Jesus and His ways.- MORE is **more growth**: letting the Lord stretch us, correct us, and mature us.- Growth is not optional. Peter’s closing instruction is clear:2 Peter 3:18🙏 Walk It Out: 5-Day DevotionalDay 1 – Spot the Knock-Off 📖 Acts 2:42 Walk It Out: Identify one “church substitute” you are tempted to settle for (comfort, convenience, entertainment, minimal effort). Write what it costs your soul. Pray: “Lord, make me devoted, not distracted.”Day 2 – Devotion Has a Direction 📖 Acts 2:42; James 1:22 Walk It Out: Choose one practice from Acts 2:42 (teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer) and take one concrete step today. Example: text a member to encourage them, or set a 10-minute prayer appointment with God.Day 3 – Uncommon Community Starts With Me 📖 Acts 2:44–45; Philippians 2:3–4 Walk It Out: Meet one need on purpose. Give, serve, share, or show up. Do it quietly, and thank God for the chance to love like Christ.Day 4 – The Church Is a Body, Not a Building 📖 Matthew 28:18–20; 1 Peter 2:9 Walk It Out: Speak one gospel-centered sentence to someone outside the church this week (invitation, testimony, encouragement, or a question that opens the door). Ask God for courage, then move.Day 5 – Grow or Drift 📖 2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 5:12–14 Walk It Out: Write one growth goal for the next 30 days (Scripture reading plan, prayer habit, consistent attendance, reconciliation, serving). Tell one trusted Christian so it becomes accountable, not just inspirational.🗣️ Adult Bible Class & Family Discussion Questions1. Why do churches get tempted to create “new formulas”? - Follow-up: Where do you see that temptation in your own heart: comfort, control, applause, or fear? - Acts 2:42; Galatians 1:6–9; Colossians 2:82. What does it mean that “they devoted themselves”? - Follow-up: What is one area where you are currently casual, but God is calling for devotion? - Acts 2:42; Romans 12:11; Hebrews 12:1–23. Why is devotion to the apostles’ teaching essential for the church? - Follow-up: How do we tell the difference between biblical doctrine and popular opinion? - Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 John 94. What is fellowship, and how is it different from just being friendly? - Follow-up: What practical step would move you from attendance to true connection? - Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 John 1:75. What does “breaking of bread” communicate about the church’s weekly center? - Follow-up: How should remembering the cross shape your decisions Monday through Saturday? - Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 1 Corinthians 10:16–176. Why are prayers listed as a pillar and not an optional add-on? - Follow-up: What would change if you prayed more about God’s Kingdom than your comfort? - Acts 2:42; Matthew 6:9–10; Colossians 4:27. What makes the early church an “uncommon community”? - Follow-up: What part of “self” must die for unity to grow in your life? - Acts 2:44–46; Philippians 2:3–4; Romans 6:3–48. Why does Scripture highlight generosity and shared care for needs? - Follow-up: Is there a need you should stop hiding and bring to the body, or a need you should stop ignoring and meet? - Acts 2:45; Galatians 6:2; James 2:15–179. What does it mean that “the Lord added” and not “they marketed”? - Follow-up: If God handled the addition, what should we focus on this week? - Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 3:6–7; Psalm 127:110. What does “MORE” obedience look like for you personally this week? - Follow-up: Name one specific act of repentance, one act of service, and one act of evangelism you will pursue. - Acts 2:38; 2 Peter 3:18; James 1:22; Matthew 28:18–20📄 Scripture Reference List- Acts 2:36–47- Acts 1:4–5- Matthew 28:18–20- Matthew 6:9–14- John 8:31–32; John 13:34–35- 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 1 Corinthians 3:6–7- Romans 6:3–4; Romans 12:1–2- Philippians 2:3–4- Galatians 1:6–9; Galatians 6:1–2- Hebrews 10:24–25; Hebrews 12:1–2; Hebrews 5:12–14- James 1:22–25; James 2:15–17- Colossians 2:8; Colossians 4:2- 1 Peter 2:9–12- 2 Timothy 3:16–17- 2 John 9- 2 Peter 3:18- Psalm 127:1


























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