Basic Truths Every Soul is exceedingly important! Genesis 1:27; Matthew 16:25. The church is “the pillar and ground of the truth,” I Timothy 3:15. As such it must sound out the word, as did the church at Thessalonica, I Thess. 1:7-8. –“in Macedonia,” their own city. –“In Achaia,” the general district. –“In every place,” abroad from local area.

Basic Truths (con’t) The Church is an extension of Christ. –It is “His body,” Ephesians 1:22,23. –Jesus came to “seek and to save the lost,” Luke 19:10. Nothing dissuaded Him! The Church (collectively) must sound out the word, as did Thessalonica. The Church (Distributively) must sound out the word! Acts 8:3,4; 11:19-21.

Basic Truths (con’t) We are heirs to the Great Commission! –Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them…. –Mark 16:15: “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.. –Luke 24:47: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations… –2 Timothy 2:2: (Teach what you have been taught!)

Rapid Growth in 1 st Century! Acts 2:41: “…added about 3,000 souls.” Acts 4:4: “…number of the men was about five thousand. Acts 5:14: “Believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” Acts 6:1: “…the number of the disciples was multiplied…”

Rapid Growth – the Timing was right! Jesus came in “the fulness of the time,” Galatians 4:4. Daniel 2, 9 taught that the kingdom had to come in that time period. Common knowledge – a man called Jesus lived; the Master Teacher. He was crucified on a cross; three days later His tomb was empty!

Rapid Growth –But it was not easy! Time of Spiritual Darkness, John 3:19 Sanhedrein Ct. opposed work of the apostles, Acts 5: The Political Climate was antagonistic, Acts 16: False Teachers were Abundant, 2 Peter 2:1; Acts 15:1.

Rapid Growth – Two Main Reasons: The Members were Evangelistic Minded; They “went everywhere preaching the word,” Acts 8:4. The Members made a good impression upon others! –“Acts 2:47: “Praising God and having favor with all the people…” –Acts 4:13: “They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

Things We Must Do if We Succeed in Saving the Lost We Must Get our Priorities in Order, Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1,2! We Must Learn to Get out of our Comfort Zone! –Much work is involved in being able to teach others. 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Peter 3:18. –Some won’t appreciate our mentioning Christ to them, John 12: –Expect persecution! 2 Timothy 3:12.

Things We Must Do If We Succeed… (Con’t) We Must Learn to Broaden our Conversation! We Must Develop a Passion for Souls! Luke 19:41; 2 Corinthians 5: Appreciate the Power of the Gospel, Romans 1:16; Luke 8:11. Not Allow Discouragement to stop us from doing our duty. Deuteronomy 1:28

We Must Follow the Example of Jesus, Luke 19:1-10. Jesus initiated the conversation, v. 5. Invited Himself into house, v. 5. Asked for an early appointment. Did not allow criticism to deter Him, v.7 Must have said something to create “godly sorrow” in heart, Luke 19:8. His efforts were crowned with success, Luke 19:9.

Conclusion: A steam driven locomotive was about to begin its run from one state to another. The conductor asked, “Do we have enough steam to get started?” Question: Do we “have enough steam to get started?” The unsaved need to “get started” by obeying the Gospel of Jesus!