Sermon · October 18, 2026
The Significance of Corporate Gathering — Acts 2:42-47
Clip 1 · Luke 17:8
The church gathers together on a Sunday
The clips from this message
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Clip 2 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
Come with the intention to speak into somebody's life
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Clip 3 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
The lordship of Jesus comes over a person's mind
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Clip 4 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
The lordship of Jesus is absolutely central to everything
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Clip 5 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
We have to properly disciple and create momentum
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Clip 6 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
Words of caution appear to be words of wisdom
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Clip 7 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
Jesus is coming back, and we need to pay attention
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Clip 8 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
When you come together as a people, you have something to contribute
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Clip 9 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
The message of the kingdom has to do with manifesting God's dominion
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Clip 10 · Main text · Acts 2:42-47
The Lord gives us commandments that invite us into greater liberty
Message summary
Pastor Bill Johnson preached from Acts 2:42-47 on family, purpose, and wisdom. The passage opens: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Highlights of the message: “Jesus then doesn't become Lord. My emotions become Lord. My appetite becomes Lord. My will becomes Lord.” “So my my my dad's my dad's dying literally and he and his sense of humor never did die. So it was it was it was still there.”
The message invites the church to carry family into everyday life this week, at home, at work and in our relationships.
Verses cited
- Acts 2:42-47
Devotionals of the week
Monday · Jesus then doesn't become Lord. My emotions become Lord. My appetite becomes Lord
Suggested reading: Acts 2:42-47
At church we heard: “Jesus then doesn't become Lord. My emotions become Lord. My appetite becomes Lord. My will becomes Lord.”
The house that stands is not the prettiest one; it is the one built on God. Small acts of honor, forgiveness and presence build, day after day, a home that weathers the storms.
For today: Do something intentional today to honor someone in your home: a word of thanks, an apology or half an hour of presence without your phone.
Father, build my house. May Your love rule our conversations and our decisions. In Jesus' name, amen.
Tuesday · See, there's something about fellowship in Hebrews 13
Suggested reading: Jeremiah 29:11
At church we heard: “See, there's something about fellowship in Hebrews 13. Fellowship is actually called a sacrifice, which tells me that I cannot I cannot fully discover.”
No season of life is outside God's plans. When we understand that we were created for good works, even the ordinary gains meaning.
For today: Ask God today: how can I serve someone with what I have in my hands? Do it before the day ends.
Father, align my heart with Your will. May my life fulfill the purpose You prepared for me. In Jesus' name, amen.
Wednesday · It's in It's in Mark 7. You read it. He was rebuking them because they created traditions
Suggested reading: James 1:5
At church we heard: “It's in It's in Mark 7. You read it. He was rebuking them because they created traditions.”
Wisdom is not knowing a lot; it is knowing how to live before God. In a season of too much information and too little discernment, asking the Lord for wisdom is the first step toward decisions that honor Him.
For today: Before an important decision today, stop for a minute, ask God for wisdom and listen to someone more mature in the faith.
Lord, give me wisdom to speak, act and decide. May the fear of the Lord guide my steps. In Jesus' name, amen.
Thursday · Some of you have had friends call you. They've prayed for you
Suggested reading: Hebrews 11:1
At church we heard: “Some of you have had friends call you. They've prayed for you. They've done various things to encourage you, strengthen you in your faith.”
Faith is not the absence of questions; it is the decision to trust the One who holds the answers. When the road looks closed, faith reminds us that God is still at work in what we cannot see yet.
For today: Pick one area of your life where you have been trying to control everything and hand it over to God in prayer today, out loud.
Lord, increase my faith. Help me trust You even when I don't understand the way. In Jesus' name, amen.
Friday · See, there's something about fellowship in Hebrews 13
Suggested reading: Mark 5:34
At church we heard: “See, there's something about fellowship in Hebrews 13. Fellowship is actually called a sacrifice, which tells me that I cannot I cannot fully discover.”
Jesus does not heal only the body; He restores dignity, story and heart. Whoever comes to Him in faith finds more than relief: they find a new beginning.
For today: Bring to God in prayer an old wound you still carry and tell someone you trust how you want to be restored.
Jesus, touch my wounds and restore what was broken. I receive Your peace. In Jesus' name, amen.
Small Group Guide
Icebreaker
What is one family tradition you would like to keep forever?
Discussion questions
- What practical habits show that God is the foundation of our home? Suggested reading: Psalm 127:1
- How do we discover and live out God's purpose in our daily routine? Suggested reading: Romans 8:28
- What is the difference between having information and having wisdom in everyday life? Suggested reading: Ecclesiastes 8:1
Challenge of the week
Set aside one meal this week to pray as a family and give thanks for each person in the house.
Prayer
Pray for one another, asking God to make the message on family bear fruit this week.