HOME AND LIFE MINISTRY SPECIAL THEME:CHURCH ENLARGEMENT AND EXPANSION THROUGH THE HOME AND LIFE MINISTRY – ACTS 2:46

TOPIC:“ HARNESSING OUR HOME AND LIFE MINISTRY’S ADVANTAGE”
TEXT:         ACTS 2:41-47      
TEACHER:  PASTOR S. ADEYIGA
DATE: 30/08/2016       
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INTRODUCTION:
One of the bedrocks of the victorious and abundant life enjoyed by the Early Church was their practice of Home Fellowship characterized among other things by powerful corporate prayers and intercessions (Acts 4:23-24; 12:1-5, 12). Meeting in smaller groups in the homes of believers gives a strong prayer advantage for members to complement what happens regularly at Church services or meetings.
In smaller groups, it is possible to know each other very well and bonding is easy. Opportunity for the practical expression of love and affection among members of small groups naturally presents itself and it is easier for each one to relate to the other in this way. Therefore, the Life Center Fellowships’ advantages at the Church can be harnessed when the following are cultivated.

THE COMMISSION OF EVANGELISM – Matt. 28:16-19
The Great Commission compels every believer to carry about a mobile pulpit to evangelize his home, his community and his society.
Peter preached repentance and about 3,000 souls were saved – Acts 2:37-41
Philip went to desert to proclaim the Good News to individuals – Acts 8:26-39
Paul witnessed to rulers and people in authority – Acts 13:6-12
Evangelism was their life-style and every opportunity that came their way, they grasped and exploited.

THE COMMAND TO FELLOWSHIP – Heb. 10:25
This they took to heart and had regular fellowship together. Someone has defined fellowship to mean, a “fellow-in-the-same-ship” with you. So you either swim together to safety or you sink together.
They fellowshipped in homes – Acts 12:12; Rom. 16:3-5
They fellowshipped in temples and synagogues – Acts 3:1; 13:5
They fellowshipped in palaces – Phil. 4:22
THE CONQUEST THROUGH PRAYER
Prayer was their daily ‘meat’. Through prayer they triumphed and prevailed. To them nothing was either too gigantic or trivial to take to the Lord in prayer.
They prayed to select or elect people into positions – Acts 1:23-25; 6:5-6
They prayed when threatened and the place shook – Acts 4:21, 31
They prayed and several miracles were wrought – Acts 9:36-40; 12:5-10; 16:25, 26

THE COMFORT OF WELFARE (CARING AND SHARING)
Welfare (caring and sharing) was also one strong bond that knit the Early Church together. They were so bound together by this attitude that they “were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” – Acts 4:32
They sold land and houses to care for others – Acts 4:34, 37
Women made garments and coats for widows – Acts 9:39
They visited and encouraged one another – Acts 9:26-28; 11:25, 26

CONCLUSION:
Harnessing the Life Center Fellowships’ advantages of our Church gives everyone opportunity to participate in the ministry of the Church within our immediate surroundings and neighbourhood in a very practical and productive way.
With this wonderful privilege, we reign with Christ today. We can determine the course of lives and destinies in our families and neighbourhood. We can influence the course of events in our nation and even of generation by the small company in our Life Center Fellowship.
These ancient landmarks should never be allowed to be overgrown with weeds of indifference and carelessness nor should be shifted by the wind of permissive doctrine. Let us go back fast and clear away every weed that has covered these landmarks and stop every wind that tends to blow against same.