A. INTRODUCTION: WHAT FORMED THE FIRST CHURCH?
1. Christ’s last command, “Go into all the world . . . preach the gospel to everyone . . . make disciples in every culture (people group), baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit . . . and teach them all I have taught them” (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).
2. The greatest characteristic was evangelism, i.e.,
a. Mass.
b. Personal.
c. Family.
d. Small group (house to house).
e. Defense.
3. The source of their power. “They . . . were constantly united in prayer” (Acts 1:14).
4. They were united in purpose. “All the believers were . . . together” (2:7). “All filled with the Holy Spirit” (2:4).
5. God’s endorsement (three senses):
a. Sound of a “mighty windstorm filled the whole house” (2:2).
b. Saw flaming tongues of fire on each (2:3).
c. Speaking different languages (2:4).
1) Sixteen different languages (2:9-12).
2) Most assumed they were drunk (2:13).
B. THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION BY PETER
1. Explanation from Joel. “Out pouring of the Holy Spirit” (2:17).
a. Not all details, i.e., sun darkened, moon to blood, miracles in heaven, etc.
b. Focus on what happened, young men see visions, old men dream, and men and women prophesied.
c. Bottom line. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:21).
2. The gospel. “Jesus was betrayed . . . you nailed Him to a cross and killed Him. But God released Him back to life, for death could not keep Him” (2:23-24).
3. Their responsibility. “Let all the house of Israel know . . . that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (2:36).
4. Their response:
a. They cried. “What shall we do?” (2:37).
b. The answer. “Each of you must repent of your sins, and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (2:38).
C. SATURATION EVANGELISM
Using every available means (methods), at every available time (opportunity), to reach every available person (will listen).
1. SOURCE: “You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine” (5:28).
2. METHOD: Preaching, testimony, example of going to temple, house small groups, defense, healing, giving to needy.
3. TIME: Publicly healing lame man, private, house to house, continual persistence.
4. PERSON: To mockers (2:13), crowd, beggar, religious.
D. BEYOND JERUSALEM
1. Growth from sermon invitation (2:41), daily (2:47)
2. Satan’s concentrated persecution
a. Mocked (2:13)
b. Threaten (4:18).
c. Beaten (5:40).
d. Killed the leader (7:59-60).
e. Jailed families (8:3).
3. God’s saturation evangelism:
a. Pentecost – 3,000 added (2:41).
b. Daily added (2:47).
c. Families – 5,000 men added (4:4).
d. Believers multiplied (6:1).
e. Multiplied exceedingly (6:7).
f. Churches multiplied (8:31).
4. Jesus said, “The world is the field” (Matt. 13:38).
5. Jesus said to continue. “Let us go to the next town that I may preach there because for this purpose I have come” (Mark 1:38).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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