The Temple, The Table and Their Testimony
Pastor Tim Inman
August 18, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Opening Prayer
Prayer Focus:
Laying down ideologies, desires, and financial offerings before God.
Asking God to use us for His glory and to change us by His word.
The Disciples’ Journey with Jesus
Background of the Disciples:
Jesus called ordinary, unlearned men from Galilee, not scholars.
Despite their lack of qualifications, Jesus accepted and used them for His purpose.
Witnessing Jesus’ Ministry:
Disciples experienced Jesus' miracles, teachings, and confrontations with religious leaders.
Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, and despite confusion, the disciples trusted Him.
The Ascension and the Promise of the Holy Spirit:
Jesus ascended to heaven, leaving the disciples with a promise to send the Holy Spirit.
Disciples waited together in unity and prayer for the Holy Spirit to come.
Pentecost: The Birth of the Church
The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2):
Holy Spirit descended with wind and tongues of fire in the upper room.
Disciples spoke in unknown languages, empowering them to preach.
Peter, once fearful, boldly preached to thousands, leading to the conversion of many.
Acts 2:42-47: The Early Church's Devotion
Verse 42 – Key Practices of the Early Church:
Apostles’ Teaching: The believers were devoted to learning from the apostles.
Fellowship: They shared life together in deep community.
Breaking of Bread: Sharing meals and remembering Christ.
Prayer: Constant prayer as the foundation of their spiritual life.
Verse 43 – Signs and Wonders:
Miraculous works continued through the apostles as Jesus promised they would do even greater works.
The Three Pillars of the Church: Temple, Table, Testimony
The Temple – Corporate Gathering for Worship:
Early believers met in the temple courts for corporate worship, teaching, and prayer.
The power of gathering together as a body of believers (Hebrews 10:25).
Encouragement through worship, mutual edification, and the word of God.
The Table – Sharing Life in Intimate Fellowship:
Early believers shared meals in their homes, creating accountability and authenticity.
Importance of small groups and personal relationships in spiritual growth.
Application: Take a step towards deeper relationships by joining a small group or creating accountable relationships.
Their Testimony – Love as the Church’s Witness:
Early Christians shared everything they had, ensuring no one was in need.
Their radical love and generosity drew others to Christ.
Application: Reflect the love of Christ in tangible ways through acts of generosity and hospitality.
The Reality of Church Life: Challenges and Growth
Acts Tells the Full Story:
Early church experienced challenges like neglecting widows and racial tensions.
Despite flaws, the church maintained its commitment to love and mutual care.
Generosity and Hospitality as Core Values:
Hospitality and generosity are foundational to the Christian life (Romans 12, Hebrews 13).
Jesus calls us to invite not only friends but strangers and outcasts to our tables (Luke 14).
Practical Steps for the Church Today
Temple:
Commit to regular gathering for corporate worship.
Seek encouragement and edification through worship and the word.
Table:
Engage in accountable, authentic relationships through small groups or prayer partners.
Host gatherings to create community and deepen fellowship.
Testimony:
Live out Christ’s love by being generous and hospitable, meeting the needs of others.
Reflect on how your life can testify to God’s love and draw others to Christ.
Call to Action: Taking Steps of Faith
Personal Reflection:
What steps can you take toward hospitality, generosity, and community?
Identify any barriers (e.g., fear, busyness, or perfectionism) that may prevent you from opening your life to others.
Quest vs. Goal:
View your next step as a quest, recognizing there will be challenges (internal and external) to overcome.
Set a quest to create space for community and service in your life.
Closing Prayer and Invitation
Prayer Team:
Invitation to come forward for prayer for healing, miracles, or any personal need.
Testimony of God's healing power and the privilege of receiving prayer.
Final Encouragement:
Let’s commit to living out the three pillars of the church—temple, table, and testimony.
Trust God to work through our gathered worship, intimate relationships, and loving witness.
Biblical References
Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”
Lesson: Recounting God's faithfulness helps future generations grow in faith.
Ezekiel 12:3 – “Therefore, son of man, pack your belongings for exile, and in the daytime, as they watch, set out and go from where you are to another place.”
Lesson: Obeying God's call, even when it doesn't make sense, brings blessings.
Luke 10:5-9 – “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ ... Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
Lesson: Blessing others and demonstrating care opens doors for the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 – “The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”
Lesson: God is faithful to fulfill His promises when we trust Him.
Matthew 25:35-36 – “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...”
Lesson: Serving others is a direct way to serve Christ and reflect His love.
These verses emphasize remembering God's faithfulness, trusting His guidance, blessing others, and serving with compassion.
Reflection Questions
How can you actively lay down your desires, ideologies, and plans before God this week, trusting Him to guide your life?
Reflect on specific areas of your life where you need to surrender to God.
In what ways can you grow deeper in fellowship with others, either through a small group or a simple act of hospitality?
Think about how you can intentionally engage in relationships that reflect authentic accountability and spiritual growth.
How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity and hospitality, both in your home and your interactions with others?
Consider how you can open your life to bless others, even in small, practical ways.
What obstacles might be preventing you from engaging more fully in corporate worship, fellowship, or testimony?
Identify any barriers (such as fear, busyness, or perfectionism) that you need to overcome to live out these aspects of the Christian life.
What is one practical step or "quest" you can set this week to deepen your involvement in the life of the church, whether through worship, fellowship, or serving others?
Consider a specific action you can take to live out the principles of the early church in Acts.
Daily Activities
Monday: Lay Down Your Plans Before God
Activity: Set aside time in the morning to pray and surrender your desires, plans, and concerns to God. Reflect on areas where you need to trust Him more, and journal your prayer of surrender.
Application: Acknowledge that God’s purpose for your life may not always align with your expectations. By laying your plans before Him, you invite Him to guide your life according to His will.
Tuesday: Engage in Fellowship
Activity: Reach out to a small group, family member, or friend to set up a time for coffee or a meal. Focus on sharing life and encouraging one another in faith.
Application: Just as the early church broke bread together, strengthen your relationships through fellowship. It fosters accountability and deepens your connection with other believers.
Wednesday: Practice Generosity
Activity: Identify a specific need in your church or community and take a step to meet that need. This could be through a financial gift, donating food, or offering your time to serve.
Application: Reflect the love of Christ by showing tangible generosity. Your actions can be a testimony to others of God’s provision and grace in your life.
Thursday: Meditate on God’s Faithfulness
Activity: Spend time reflecting on times when God has been faithful to you. Write down a few key moments where He has provided, healed, or guided you through difficult times.
Application: By recalling God’s faithfulness, you build trust for your current and future challenges. Meditating on His past works strengthens your faith for what lies ahead.
Friday: Commit to Worship and Service
Activity: Prepare your heart for Sunday worship by spending time in personal prayer and praise. Also, consider how you can serve in your church this weekend, whether through volunteering or encouraging others.
Application: The early church gathered regularly for worship. Prioritize the gathering of believers and find ways to serve, building up the body of Christ through your involvement.
These activities focus on applying the core themes of the sermon: surrender, fellowship, generosity, remembrance, and worship.
