1. 1 The Jerusalem Church A Study of the 1 st Congregation

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3. 3 The Perfect Congregation Under leadership of inspired men – the apostles –A–Among the nucleus of the church is the 120 of Acts 1 Note those converted … “ devout men ” Acts 1:5

4. 4 The Perfect Congregation With leadership & members like this, the congregation is sure to experience phenomenal growth –A–Acts 2:46-47 “ 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, 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. ”

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6. 6 Problems Arise Acts 4:32-37 Ananias & Sapphira –A–Acts 5:1-11 –J–Judgment pronounced –J–Judgment Accepted “ why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? ” “ Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price? ” “ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked ” Galatians 6:7 “ While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? ” “ not lied to men but to God. ” “ Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well. ” “ great fear came over the whole church ”

7. 7 Neglected Hellenist Widows Acts 6:1 Racism or Neglect –G–Gymnos – naked –G–Gymnasion – place to be naked Solution Acceptance & Implementation of Solution “ Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. ” “ It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." ” “ Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. ”

8. 8 Circumcision Acts 15:4-35 Apostles & Elders met “ Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. ” “ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses." ” “All the people kept silent” “ Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, ”

9. 9 Whole Congregation was involved Widows & Circumcision discussion –F–Final say left to those in charge and readily accepted by the entire congregation

10. 10 “ What shall we do? ” “ Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins ” Acts 2:37, 38 “ repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you ” - Acts 8:22

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