The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:39-47

A disciple attends church regularly to worship God, to have his spiritual needs met and to contribute to the body of believers.

Over the past several weeks we have been seeking to determine what a disciple of Jesus Christ is. To this point we have learned that a disciple is a fast learner, a person who makes Jesus Christ their Lord, is committed to a life of purity and faithfulness, applies God’s Word to his life, and has a heart to share his faith with others.

We look at another aspect of discipleship this evening which relates to the disciple and the church. A disciple attends church regularly to worship God to have his spiritual needs met and to contribute to the body of believers.

Today, as hundreds of years ago, the Scripture calls all Christ’s disciples to be men and women who are involved in the church to carry out the Great Commission.

The growth of the church:

Acts 2:39-47 gives us a guideline regarding a disciple and his church relationships.

The evangelistic goal in the New Testament is:

• Make responsible, reproducing Christians
• Make responsible, reproducing congregations

The purpose of church attendance is:

• Worship God
• To be fed spiritually
• To contribute to the work of Christ