Growing a Church-Growing Christians

 

Acts 1:1-5

King James
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: [3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: [4] And, being assembled together with them , commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he , ye have heard of me. [5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

New King James

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

The book of Acts could be called 'The Unfinished Book' not because what was left out but because the work is still left to be done. There is great work that was begun that is to carry forth until the coming of our Lord. You can't improve on God's way of building a church. If a church follows the dynamic set forth in the book of Acts, the church will be successful. The principles for denominations, Sunday school, the buildings, and VBS  are not in Acts. However, if they use the principles for how the word of God is spread the church will grow.

The Church's Purpose

A. The Lord's work to continue- the church is the physical body of Jesus on the Earth. He is at the right hand of God in Heaven and so we must carry forth His work He started. B. The Lord's command is to be completed-Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Who did God have in mind when he built this building? People who need Jesus! Lost people, sad people, those who need the saving and healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ are who God had in mind when He built this building.
Make disciples- don't just invite them to church. Don't just stop there. Maybe they will talk about how hypocritical the church members at that building. Of course there are sinners in there! Of course they are judgmental! There was only one that was without sin, only one perfect soul without a spot. But you go to church to be closer to God, to be with Jesus, to pray and worship Our Heavenly Father. Take the time to explain to the lost one to how simple salvation is, for us win those to The Lord. It is a command of Jesus to make disciples and win those to Jesus.

What is our purpose as a church?

• Win the lost to Christ

• Help Christians grow

Pure and simple.

Church's personality-Jesus is the main personality 

 

Acts 1:3 (KJV)
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
They had hoped that Jesus was going to crush the Roman Empire. They were devastated that the empire crushed him, crucified him on Calvary. The disciples were distraught those days after his death, but Jesus showed that He was still alive with many inflatable proofs. If one can't believe Our Lord still lives it isn't a head problem it's a heart problem. Romans 10:9 (KJV)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Just when you need Him most, He is there. He's like no other Super Hero. He is there at the exact right time. You can count on Him like no other.

The Power of the Church

The Promise of the Father:

The promise was the power to empower the church to be able to do what they need to do and be able to go out and do His works. This world has yet to see what a church can do with the Holy Spirit fully dwelling within its midst.


There were several in our congregation today that prayed during the invitation for Jesus to come into their heart, yet none came forward. It's hard to face a crowd with something so very personal. But if any of those are reading this or possibly others wanting to know more about how the sacrifice Jesus made for us, just ask a Christian.