: If you want to build something right then you will usually go by the blueprint, directions, or some form of drawing. Only God has the design that will make a New testament Church fit together right. It is through His supernatural design and control of the construction that Calvary Baptist Church will become strong and stand the test of time.
The gospel has been called the vehicle of salvation. The church is supposed to drive the car to people that don’t know the Lord. The Holy Spirit would thus be the motor that makes the Church go.
Sometime back the associated pres carried this dispatch; “Glaskow, KY – Leslie Puckett, after struggling to start his car, lifted the hood and discovered someone had stolen the motor.”
Like Leslies car the Church cannot even get started with out the Motor, the Holy Spirit.
We as the church need to stop trying to hotwire the car and first see if the engine is still there.
In Acts chapter 2 we have seen the Holy spirits work.
Dr. Luke was divinely inspired by God to show how the engine of the Holy Spirit could move the Church to Go and grow.
However the Holy Spirit did not simply come to us so we could hot rod.
In Acts 2.42-47 let’s see three reasons the Holy Spirit came to empower us.
I. He came to enable us to worship (Remind of definition of worship and how we worship) (Worship goes beyond bowing yourself in a worship service)
A) Perseverance of the saints (touched on last week)
It was by perseverance that the snail made it to the ark.
1) Practical -- Only true sign of a saved Christian is to continue in the teachings and living as Jesus did!!!
John 8.31, John 15.1-4, 1 John 2.19
2) Patience – (endurance)
a) Continuing to walk worthy of your calling despite circumstances
Ephesians 4.1
Despite 1) Trials, 2) Temptations, 3) Tribulations
b) Christ’s calling – ekklesia (called out)
Called out to be what – Holy, righteous, etc. .
B) Practice of the Saints (scriptural)
a) Teachings and Doctrine
Acts 2.42 “They were continuing to devote themselves to the Apostles teaching.
b) Sticking to sound teaching of principles from God’s Word in the power of the Holy Sprit leads to right living. (transformed lives)
John MacArthur “God designed the Church to be a place where His word is proclaimed and explained.”
c) showing the importance of a healthy diet of God’s word.
Greens make you grow strong and stay regular. Physically
God’s word causes you to grow strong and healthy. Spiritually
C) Prayer of the Saints 2.42e
a) The pathway to power to continue
d) The way they told God their need for direction, instruction, and power.
1) Continued in devoting to prayer
2) Commanded
a) At all times (Luke 8.1, Ephesians 6.11)
b) Attitude of prayer at all times (Romans 12.12, Col 4.2)
It is the strength from the Holy Spirit and the bond of the brothes that can help us to work for the Lord.
II. Holy Spirit came to enable us to work
A) Fear of the Lord (reverance and awe)
1) Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe.
a) Believers and unbelievers – everyone can refer to either and both.
b) Who saw and hear d what was happening in the church.
Craig Bloomberg “These people could sense God @ work.”
Can people sense God at work at Calvary??!!
2) signs and wonders
a) When God works through us it shows people
1) God is real
2) God is relevant to every day living!!!
When was the last time you relationship with God was relevant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOTR Gandalf Is it secret is it safe. (we act like our faith should be that way!)
By this they will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.
3) I don’t’ know if you have ever thought about this. But let me share you some truth.
It is the love of the breathren that shows God is real.
The key word in that passage is My. Spell it with a capital M because when we come together in the Fear of the Lord and Love one another God is Real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And our faith can move others as well as mountains.
B) Faith of the Fellowship
1) All that believed (all things based on the death, burial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.)
a) unbelievers can com and sing and listen to Gods word proclaimed and explained.
B) Only born again believers can be involved in the work of the church.
c) We are to be people of faith that believe all that Jesus did and does!!!!
C) Fellowship of the brethren
1) Breaking of bread
a) A time of examination
b) a Time of joy
c) A time of proclomation
The Bond of the Holy spirit gives us power to over come our
1) Pride 2) Predjudices 3) and trusting in our own power
If we are part of the faith and fellowship of the church Jesus will lead us beside the still waters of trusting God the father (reword)
The holy spirit came to enable us to work. To be used to show the signs and wonders of God joining together in a strong brotherhood intent on one goal.
To share Jesus with the world.
III. The Holy Spirit Came to enable us to witness
A) Experiencing God in worship (awe/fear) leads to witnessing what He is doing.
1) Praising Psalm 34.1
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
a) praise Him in the sanctuary
b) praise Him in the field
c) Praise Him in the Hanger
d) Praise Him in the Hospital
e) Praise Him in the Store
f) Praise at all times.
B) When we witness, God gives us
1) Favor to reach others (find word)
Acts 4.21, 23; 5.13; Pr 16.7; Luke 2.52, 19.48, Ro 14.18
2) God adds to the church only if we will tell about what Jesus did, is doing and will do. Acts 1.14
We at Calvary Baptist Church have an opportunity to be a might force for God in winwood loop, N stage Coach road, Cabot, Arkansas, and the world.
Let us not miss our date with destiny because of disobedience to God’s call to worship, work, and witness for Jesus Christ.
What happens to a church that does these things for the Lord? Church growth by the Book (bible)
It must begin with Godly relationships with each other, then growth!!!!
Three things I am convicted will help us to build our godly relationships stronger.
1. Learn to know God better
a. His will
b. His way
c. His work
2. Learn and know your Brothers and Sisters in Christ Better
a. Their vison
b. Their victories
c. Their defeats
3. Learn to love them despite your circumstances.
a. We are commanded to love, lets Live it!
