A discovery community is a simple, local expression of church, meeting in its missional setting. It is a group of people following Jesus who are discovering Him as the way, the truth, and the life. Discovery communities are centered on Christ and celebrate Christ in community, grow in His likeness, go to pursue His mission, and make disciples who make disciples.

Let’s spend some time in Acts chapter 2 verses 42-47 to examine the idea that discovery communities are centered on Christ.

Acts 2:42-47 NIV

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.

Verse 42 tells us that the early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

The Apostles Teaching Centered on Christ

What Did the Apostles Teach?

Luke concludes his gospel with a couple of stories. One is the account of two disciples on the road to Emmaus following the crucifixion of Jesus. They had not yet learned of the resurrection, but Jesus appeared to them as they journeyed. As they traveled, Jesus explained to them everything written about Him in the Old Testament scriptures (Luke 24:27).

A few verses later he recounts a second story. Jesus now appears to the gathered disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem and “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45-47). He reminds them that they are witnesses of all that God has done and is doing and that God will fulfill his promise of sending the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:48-49).

In Acts 2:1-13, Luke records the events on the Day of Pentecost as the Holy Spirit comes to indwell the believers. Also, remember that Jesus had told them that the Holy Spirit would be their teacher and remind them of everything he had said while he was with them (John 14:26).

Acts 2 continues with a sermon delivered by Peter and provides an example of the apostles’ teaching and how it centers on Christ (Acts 2:14-36). Peter emphasizes

• Christ’s work and mission
• Christ’s crucifixion
• Christ’s burial
• Christ’s resurrection
• Christ’s ascension
• Christ’s ongoing work

Acts 2:36 NIV

Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.

Because the Apostles had been eyewitnesses of the life and mission of Jesus, it stands to reason that He would be at the center of their teaching. They would tell the new believers the story of God’s Son. They would point to His teaching, miracles, death on the cross, rising from the dead, and ascension into heaven.

At the very center of the Apostle’s teaching would be the Good News of Jesus.

Fellowship of the Believers Centered on Christ

The believers found their identity in what Jesus had done for them. It was Jesus who had given them new life and salvation, and their fellowship was centered on Him.

1 John 1:1-4 NIV

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

The believers centered their lives on Christ as they shared life together.

Breaking of Bread Centered on Christ

The breaking of bread points to two things. One, is simply that they shared meals with one another, and two, they observed the Lord’s Supper. People can come together and eat for many reasons, but in these early church gatherings, it was Christ that drew them together. Observing the Lord’s Supper helped them stay centered on Him. When they broke bread, they were reminded of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:22-26).

Prayers Centered on Christ

Their prayer would have been centered on Christ because Jesus had taught His disciples to pray in His name.

John 14:13-14 NIV

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

John 15:16 NIV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

These Christ-centered prayers were for one another, for those in need, and for fulfilling God’s mission.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” If He is the builder, we must stay centered on Him.

Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV

And God placed all things under his [Christ’s} feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.