Many Americans are lonely and lacking connection and belonging, and the Church is created by God to provide these very things for us. But how do we make a church that helps and does not harm?

A sermon on the description of the church in Acts 2:42-47

Sermon quotes: Luke here says that those were gathered into the Church that would be saved. For he teaches that this is the means to attain salvation, if we are incorporated into the Church. For as like as there is no remission of sins, so neither is there any hope of salvation. -John Calvin, 16th c.

They frequently joined in the ordinance of the Lord’s supper. They continued in the breaking of bread, in celebrating that memorial of their Master’s death, as those that were not ashamed to own their relation to, and their dependence upon, Christ and him crucified. They could not forget the death of Christ, yet they kept up this memorial of it, and made it their constant practice, because it was an institution of Christ, to be transmitted to the succeeding ages of the church. -Matthew Henry, 17th c.

One might perhaps say that the Holy Spirit opened a school in Jerusalem that day; its teachers were the apostles whom Jesus had appointed; and there were 3,000 pupils in the kindergarten! -John Stott

Scripture text: Acts 2:42-48 And they were devoting themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to the Communion, namely, the breaking of bread, and to 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.

Sermon Transcript Liturgy Bulletin

“The Church of Christ” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org.

Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com.

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