The First Local Church of Christ

Was A Converted Church

“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Joel 2) Proved Jesus is the Lord. Acts 2:22-26 As A Result of Peter’s Sermon

Was A Converted Church Joining together to do what Christ wanted. –Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. The People Were Converted

Was A Converted Church There was a change in their … –Feelings. –Relationship to their fellow man. –Relationship with God and the world. The People Were Converted

Was a Persevering Church

They faced external opposition. Acts 4:1-22 “And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” Acts 4:3 “And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18

Was a Persevering Church Faced Opposition With Total Faith in God Acts 5:40-42 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Was a Persevering Church When They Suffered They Grew Stronger “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60

Faced Many Internal Human Problems

Fighting and Bickering. Acts 6:1 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.” Acts 6:1 Faced Internal Human Problems

There Was Hypocrisy But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 5:1-2 Faced Internal Human Problems

Had Doctrinal Differences To Deal With. Acts 15:1 “And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1 Faced Internal Human Problems

Used Command. Cited specific statements of scripture. –"And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written” Acts 15:15

Faced Internal Human Problems Used Example. Peter Used Cornelius as Example. –“And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.” Acts 15:7

Faced Internal Human Problems Necessary Conclusion. “Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.” Acts 15:12

Provides an Example To Follow

Provides Us An Example To Follow Local Churches Today Should… Be Made up of Converted Individuals. Persevere Through Trials. Expect Human Problems. Deal With Them As They Arise.