Sermon Notes

Relevant Acts | Week 2 | Pastor Kevin Kringel

Relevant Acts
Week 2
Relevant Acts: God’s Demonstration, The Early Church Revealed 

Introduction:
  • Today, we explore the identity and purpose of the church, using the early church as our blueprint.
  • The church is called to be a demonstration of God's kingdom on earth.
The Early Church as a Blueprint (Acts 2:1-5, 41-46):
  • A diverse group, united in one accord, sharing possessions through a supernatural work of the Spirit.
  • Their love and generosity reflect new natures, created by the Holy Spirit, not law or coercion.
  • Not socialism, but a spiritual transformation fostering family and community through the blood of Jesus Christ.
  • Their fellowship is Spirit-formed—both corporate and individual.
Spirit-Led Fellowship (Phil. 2:1-4):
  • Be like-minded, humble, and selfless.
  • Prioritize others’ interests as much as our own.
  • A community marked by humility, love, and mutual care.
God’s Presence in Gatherings (Matt. 18:20):
  • When believers gather in Jesus' name, He is present!
  • The church demonstrates heaven’s reality here on earth through the Spirit.
The Church as a Demonstration Field (Farm Illustration):
  • A place where new technologies, seeds, and practices are showcased—faith in action.
  • Ephesians 3:10: The church reveals God's wisdom to the heavenly realms.
  • 1 Cor. 3:9: The church is God's field and building.
  • Isaiah 61:3: The church displays God’s beauty, healing, and righteousness.
  • Demonstrates His love, faithfulness, grace, and the reality of His kingdom.
Transformative Power of the Church:
  • A testimony of God's ability to change lives—spiritually, mentally, emotionally.
  • Evidence of diversity: ethnicity, testimony, struggles, addictions—showing God's love and power to transform all.
  • Equipped with diverse gifts and anointings for this transformation.
Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23):
  • Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.
  • Fruit develops as we live and serve in community.
Spiritual Gifts and Community (1 Cor. 12:7-11; Rom. 12:4-8):
  • Gifts are for the common good, to strengthen and serve the church body.
  • Gifts grow and develop through service in the church community.
  • Believers are called to reconciliation with God and one another.
Living in Community (Rom. 12:9-13):
  • The Spirit works in us to strengthen, convict, heal, and unify.
  • The early church grew rapidly because of its message, power, and community—so it is today!
  • The church is unique in its purpose: serving both members and non-members.
Our Mission: Serving and Witnessing (Rom. 12:12-21):
  • Demonstrate God's love through service, not reaction or revenge.
  • The church exists for its members and those outside it.
  • Witness isn’t just programs; it’s inviting others into community and sharing life-changing experience.
  • Church isn’t a podcast or sermon; it’s a community of power, presence, and transformation.
Conclusion:
  • When believers fight or become self-focused, we hinder our witness.
  • Communion is an appointment to nourish our relationship with God and each other.
  • The church is God's demonstration field—showcasing His reign and love on earth.
Call to Action:
  • Embrace our role as God's demonstration—living out love, serving, and inviting others into the community of His grace