God Plays Golf! #7 – The Clubhouse
Acts 2:42-47 – Victory Fellowship
October 13, 2024 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
Introduction: God Plays Golf
(After a round of golf, 4 elderly ladies sat around the club house chatting. Seeing the ladies, the Pro approached them and asked: "How did your game go?" The first said she had a good round...making the comment that she actually had 25 riders. The Pro was a bit perplexed not knowing what a "Rider" was. The second lady then quickly chimed in and said that she had a very good round as well with 16 riders. The third lady then said that her round was average and that she only had 10 riders. The fourth lady admitted that she played the worst round of the day and that she only had 2 riders all day long. The Pro was completely confused not knowing what the term "rider" meant. But, because he didn't want to look dumb, he made a quick polite remark, wished the ladies well and then left. He then approached the bartender and asked "Hey, can you tell me what these ladies are talking about when they refer to "riders"?" The bartender simply smiled and said... "a "rider" is when you have hit a shot long enough to take a ride on a golf cart.")
a. Every great golf course has a great clubhouse
b. Every Christian needs to be part of a “spiritual clubhouse” – but not an exclusive one.
II. The Makeup of a Great Church
a. Spiritual Growth is Encouraged (vv. 42-43)
And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
i. Accept forgiveness – and then live according to Christ’s teaching – biblical.
b. The Grace of Christ is Shared (vv. 44-45)
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.
i. People encouraged to use their resources
c. They Enjoy Healthy Fellowship (vs. 46)
And 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,
i. Everyone Invited to Participate – not just be a spectator.
Jill: I just don't understand the attraction golf holds for men. Mary: Tell me about it! I went golfing with my husband one time, and he told me I asked too many questions! Jill: Well, I'm sure you were just trying to understand the game. What questions did you ask? Mary: I thought I asked legitimate questions...like, "Why did you hit the ball into that lake?"
d. They Celebrate their Union with God (vs. 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.
i. They live the Great Commission
ii. They love God with all they have and all they are and their neighbor as themselves
III. Conclusion: We need Fellowship in a Church
PRAYER
SONG: Come as You Are
Acts 2:42-47: (NLT)
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. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
46 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.
