Do We Meet The First Century Standard?

Do We Meet the First Century Standard?

Acts 9:31

I. A Healthy Church is a Church at Peace

“…the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace…” v. 31

A. External peace

B. Internal peace (Acts 2:44-47, Acts 4:32-35)

1. They had great fellowship

2. They did not quarrel over petty issues

3. They shared each others burdens

4. They shared in each others rejoicing

II. A Healthy Church is a Church that Edifies

“…an were edified…” – v. 31

A. An edifying church will increase in love

“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification” – Romans 15:2

B. An edifying church will increase in ministry

C. An edifying church will increase in numbers

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers.” – Eph. 4:29

III. A Healthy Church is a Church that is Reverent

“….An were walking in the fear of the Lord…” – v. 31

A. Reverence is recognizing the holiness of God

B. Reverence is recognizing the grace of God

C. Reverence is recognizing the presence of God

“So great fear came upon all who heard these things.” – Acts 5:11

IV. A Healthy Church is a Church that is Spirit-filled

“….and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit…” – v. 31

A. Spirit filled for worship

“God is Spirit and those that worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” – John 4:24

B. Spirit-filled for witnessing

“ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness” – Acts 4:31

C. Spirit-filled preaching and teaching

“And, I brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” – I Cor. 2:1-2

V. A Healthy Church is a Church that Grows

“…they were multiplied.” – v. 31

A. It will grow spiritually

1. Through commitment to Sunday School

2. Through commitment to sound doctrine

3. Through a commitment to Bible preaching

B. It will grow numerically

1. Due to God’s power

2. Due to the church’s commitment to being healthy

3. Due to the people’s commitment