The Model Church

A MODEL CHURCH

Taken from “Handfuls On Purpose” II pg 264

Scripture: Acts 9:31 “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”

I. It experienced rest (Peacefulness). “Then had the churches rest”

A. Outward Peace

That is, the persecutions against Christians ceased. Those persecutions had been excited by the

opposition made to Stephen (Acts 11:19); they had been greatly promoted by Saul (Acts 8:3); and they had extended doubtless throughout the whole land of Palestine. The precise causes of this cessation of the persecution are not known. Barnes’ Notes

But this rest was owing not so much to the conversion of Saul, as probably to the Jews being engrossed with the emperor Caligula’s attempt to have his own image set up in the temple of

Jerusalem [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 18.8.1, etc.]. JFB

B. Inward Peace

1. Peace with God.

Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through

our Lord Jesus Christ:”

2. Peace with one another.

Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

One way to defeat an enemy is to initiate a friendship.

Are we at rest (peace) with God and others?

II. It was Edified. “And were edified.” edify = building

Built up in faith, strengthened through the Word, rooted in love.

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”

The word “edify” means properly to “build,” as a house; then to “rebuild” or “reconstruct;” then to adorn or ornament; then to do anything that will confer favor or advantage, or which will further an object. Applied to the church, it means to do anything by teaching, counsel, advice, etc. which will tend to promote its great object; to aid Christians, to enable them to surmount difficulties, to remove their ignorance, etc.; Barnes’ Notes

Romans 15:2 “Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.”

I Corinthians 8:1 “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.”

I Corinthians 14:12 “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that

ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

I Corinthians 14:26 “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”

I have seen people trying to give their talents and service to the Lord only to be torn down by another person within the church. Sad!! Richard Crow @ sermoncentral

There is certainly no "I" in team. Scottie Pitts @ sermoncentral

There’s a wonderful story about Jimmy Durante, one of the great entertainers of a generation ago. He was asked to be a part of a show for World War II veterans. He told them his schedule was very busy and he could afford only a few minutes, but if they wouldn’t mind his doing one short monologue and immediately leaving for his next appointment, he would come. Of course, the show’s director agreed happily.

But when Jimmy got on stage, something interesting happened. He went through the short monologue and then stayed. The applause grew louder and louder and he kept staying. Pretty soon, he had been on fifteen, twenty, then thirty minutes.

Finally he took a last bow and left the stage. Backstage someone stopped him and said, “I thought you had to go after a few minutes. What happened?”

Jimmy answered, “I did have to go, but I can show you the reason I stayed. You can see for yourself if you’ll look down on the front row.” In the front row were two men, each of whom had lost an arm in the war. One had lost his right arm and the other had lost his left. Together, they were able to clap, and that’s exactly what they were doing, loudly and cheerfully.

If we would work together in our churches, we would be able to accomplish so much for the body of Christ. Would you be a team player? Scottie Pitts @ sermoncentral

What we do, do we do it unto edifying?

III. It was Active.

“Walking.” Not sleeping or speculating. Walking by faith.

Ephesians 5:16 “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” redeeming = to rescue from lose

Christianity is 10% ability and 90% availability. Richard Crow @ sermoncentral

Luke 19:13 “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” occupy = to busy oneself