We Are A Church of Principle, Prayer, and Power | Herbert Cooper

Acts 2:42–47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV) 3 P’s We Are Devoted To   1. We are a place of principle    Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (NIV) Acts 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (NIV) Acts 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord. (NIV) Acts 14:25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. (NIV) Acts 11:19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. (NLT) John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. (NIV) 1. We live by God’s Word James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV) Luke 11:28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (NIV)  Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  (NIV)  2. We preach God’s Word 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (NIV) 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (NIV) Romans 16:17   And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. (NLT) 2 Peter 2:1–2 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2  Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. (NLT) 1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”  And this is the word that was preached to you. (NIV) 2. We are a place of prayer   Act 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (NIV)               Acts 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (NASB) Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, (NASB) Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV) 3. We are a place of power                                               Acts 2:43 “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.” (NIV) 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (NIV) Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV) Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, (NIV)