The Marks of an Effective Church — Part One
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The Marks of an Effective Church — Part One

Acts 2:42–47  (ID: 1419)

When Christians are born again, we are born into a new family. Alistair Begg reminds us that because the church of Jesus Christ is made up of all of those who have responded to the Gospel in faith, local churches must align their priorities with God’s Word. Effective ministry in local congregations occurs when the people of God are devoted to Scripture, to fellowship that is deeper than natural affinities, to the sacraments that God has provided for our benefit, and to the priority of prayer.


The Fellowship of the Believers

42And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe5 came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Copyright © 2024, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.

Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg is Senior Pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Bible teacher on Truth For Life, which is heard on the radio and online around the world.