Let the Church be the Church Acts 4:13; Acts 6:1-7; John 13:34-35; Malachi 3:16-18

Malachi 3:16–18 (ESV) 16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. 17 “They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 18 Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

Acts 4:13 (ESV) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 6:1–7 (ESV) 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples… 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

John 13:34–35 (ESV) 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Review Function—Absolutes for all Generations Form—Cultural ways to accomplish the function

Strategies of the Church Jesus Christ is the central theme They cared for one another They were saved, baptized and added to the church God Chose leaders Unity was and is of high priority Being filled with the Spirit was essential for growth Prayer was another key

I. Persecution came They were Preaching Jesus Christ They told the people that Jesus Christ is alive and in the way of salvation

So What? We ought to obey God rather than man. If we live Godly, we will suffer persecution.

II. Problem Many were being saved How did everyone get their needs met?

What was the secret of this amazing growth? the leaders were willing to pay any price to serve Christ the people lived their faith daily.

Acts 5:42 is a good pattern to follow daily Christian service service in the Temple (Large meeting) service from house to house work from every member continuous service teaching and preaching the Word

Problem arises Ethnic problem—Helenist (Greek) vs. Native Hebrews Hurt feelings—Playing favorites Placing more importance on one person over another

Solution You find 7 men We will appoint them Apostles continued to teach the Word and Pray

III. Who were the People Apostles—The twelve who were with Jesus Whole Congregation—New Believers who mostly knew the Old Testament Widows—Those who were in dire straits Deacons-Servers

IV. Process-Essentials for power Unity God can overlook almost anything in a church, but God will not overlook disunity. Rick Warren Spirit filling Prayer RESULTS—Power from God

Filling of the Spirit Those who are ministers-All should minister THE ISSUE IS NOT ABILITY BUT AVAILABILITY

Filling does not insure freedom from trouble Stephen got into trouble The church supported Him One of the mob that killed Stephen was Saul Unforeseen Fruit - Saul to Paul

Much Prayer: People heard and were saved People automatically ministered to one another Ecclesiastes 9:10 (ESV) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, …

They Gossiped the Gospel Told their story of God at work. They Loved one another They meet the needs and when a need came, they then organized to meet that need.

They Gossiped the Gospel Told their story of God at work. They Loved one another They meet the needs and when a need came, they then organized to meet that need.