Ossington 50 Years

ACTS 2:42-47 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;

45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,   47 praising God and having favor with all the people And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

INTRODUCTION: 50 years of history must include many details, plans and intentions. I am sure those who were here from the beginning remember a lot of things. Today we can celebrate history, but thank God for the many who purposed in their hearts and actions to make history @ Ossington 50 years ago. What about today?

It is my hope that you will join the leadership of this church in being intentional in fulfilling the mission God has given to the Ossington Church.

1. The church has been given a mission and purpose.

ACT!

2. WE ARE TO BE A DEVOTED PEOPLE.

3. The church is always in danger of sliding into casual Christianity.

4. We will find in our text of Acts 2:42, four basics to which, as believers in the Lord Jesus, we are to be devoted.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

•The first basic activity is LEARNING

“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”

(I Corinthians 2:2).

1.We are to always be students 2. Jesus is always the primary topic.

II. The second basic activity is PARTNERING

Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

1. We are eternally connected to each other. 2. We must maintain a high level of commitment to one another.

III. The third basic activity is REMEMBERING

Psalm 77:11-12 11 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds. I Corinthians11:26 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

1. We are to never forget. 2. Communion is our opportunity to renew our commitment.

IV. The fourth basic activity is PRAYING

Ephesians 6:18 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, Colossians 4:2  2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;

1. We are to express complete dependence. 2. We are to demonstrate confidence in His faithfulness.

1. What happens when we are devoted?

(43) And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. (44) And all who believed were together and had all things in common. (45) And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

(46) And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

1. God works. 2. There is unity. 3. The church reproduces.