October 20, 2013
"The Apostles' Doctrine"
Acts 2:42

Intro: Past few weeks, completed two different sermon series, both drawn from Acts 2. First addressed questions skeptics leveled against Christianity. Discovered Christians have good reasons for beliefs. Second series answered question: "How does a person become a Christian?" (Turning from sin, and turning to Christ in faith is the only way.) Correct answer to question of how to become a Christian is foundational to a final sermon series drawn from Acts 2, which answers question: "What are the necessary actions, the minimum requirements, of the Church being the Church?" 2 weeks ago, discussed importance of Christians sharing in Lord's Supper. Rearranged list; WCS. But "apostles' teaching" is first on this list for an important reason! (Read Acts 2:42.)

Devotion! Expresses regularity, and willingness! Desire instead of duty or drudgery! The early Christians wanted to gather together to study the Apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to share in the Lord's Supper, and to pray . Examine your hearts: Why did you come to church today, ever? Have to, or want to?

Doctrine! The early church was devoted to the Apostles' teaching! Apostles were the twelve men Jesus chose to form the basis of the church, primarily through their teaching ministry! (Read Mark 3:13-15.) Before He ascended back to heaven, Jesus gave them this charge: Continue teaching! (Read Matthew 28:18-20.) What were they to teach?

God's Word, as recorded in OT. (Read Isaiah 40:8; see Acts 2:14-36; read Acts 8:26-35.)

God's Word, spoken by Jesus Himself. (Read Matthew 24:35; Matthew 28:20.)

God's Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit. (Read John 14:23-26; 15:26-27; 2 Peter 1:20-21.)

Notice! God's authoritative revelation was closed after the time of the apostles! (Read Ephesians 2:19-20; Jude 3, Revelations 22:18-19.) While Holy Spirit is still active within the church today, there is no new, authoritative revelation or teaching beyond the Bible! (66 books contained in Old and New Testaments!)

Drive-By Summary of the Apostles' Teaching!

God : His Existence, His Role as Creator, His Love, Goodness, Holiness! (Read Psalm 100.)

Human Dilemma : Created in God's Image; Condemned as rebellious sinners! (Read Romans 1:18-23.)

Jesus Christ : Human dilemma solved by Christ's life, death, and resurrection! (Read Luke 24:44-48.)

Holy Spirit : Applies Christ's saving work to individual humans through regeneration (birthing saving faith in dead, sinful human hearts)! (Read John 3:3-8.)

Do We Need the Apostles' Teaching? Yes! Necessary for...

Salvation! (Read Romans 10:17; Acts 2:41-42, 44; I Peter 1:23-25; 2 Timothy 3:14-17.)

Sanctification! (Read 2 Peter 1:3-4; John 17:17.)

Application: Desire! The question we must answer: What is our attitude towards learning, hearing, reading God's Word? (Read I Peter 2:2-3, Hebrews 5:11-14.) Baby craves milk! Hunger indicates life! Whether or not we even have a desire to be fed by God's Word indicates whether or not we're spiritually alive. Possible to be a Christian with a little hunger, but a sickly Christian at best!

The early Christians wanted to gather together to study the Apostles' teaching. (Starting a weekly Bible study next week!) Examine your hearts: Why did you come to church today, ever? Have to, or want to feed your souls on God's Word?