40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
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 belongings and 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 2:40-47 (ESV)
Five characteristics of a disciple:
1. A disciple is added to then functions in a local church
We are living stones that God chooses to build the church.
5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:4-6 (ESV)
We are all God’s family through adoption. Whether you were born again here, or you transferred here, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re called here. If God has placed you here then you are now family!
2. A disciple is Devoted to the apostles teaching
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
- Acts 2:42 (ESV)
Jesus is the living word. The word of God becomes central to the life of a disciple.
3. A disciple is devoted to fellowship with believers
Fellowship means that we value each other and our time together
4. A disciple is devoted to breaking bread
The essence of communion was to recognize the sacrifice and the broken body of Christ for us. His broken body gives us life which we affirm when we break bread with other believers.
5. A disciple is devoted to prayers
Real unity means that we care about the cares of others. If we really care then we will really pray.
“Mission draws us together, Relationship keeps us together, doctrine is worked out together, experience is judged together. #bettertogether”
- Pastor Steve Murrell, President Every Nation Ministries