Part 2 | Being The Church
Acts 2:42–47 | October 18, 2026
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor – SCBC
A. Some things you can see from a distance, but you have to be Close to really experience them.
- B. Acts 2:46–47 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity, 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
1. CHURCH ISN’T PRIMARILY ABOUT COMING TO A PLACE. IT’S ABOUT COMMITTING TO A PEOPLE.
- A. Acts 2:42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
B. Commit to being Shaped by God’s Word.
1. Sometimes God’s Word is going to encourage you. Sometimes it is going to comfort you. But sometimes it is going to challenge you. Sometimes it’s going to confront an attitude you’ve been holding on to. Sometimes it is going to show us what God says is right and wrong. Sometimes it is going to tell you to forgive somebody you don’t want to forgive. It is going to tell you to love someone you don’t actually like that much.
2. Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.
3. Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
4. What ties us together is a deep love for Jesus Christ and the Truth of His Word.
C. Commit to Showing up.
D. Commit to caring and being Generous to meet the needs of others.
E. The believers shared what they had and gave to those who had need.
2. CHURCH IS ABOUT LIVING OUT WHAT JESUS HAD IN MIND.
- A. Matthew 16:16, 18 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus said, “Now I say you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church and the gates of hell (the power of hell) will not prevail against it.”
- B. Acts 2:43a; 47b A deep sense of awe came over them all... 47 And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.