Message Notes

THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH

1. Location

The Church Jerusalem

2. Date

First Century

3. The Church leaders

The Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JERUSALEM CHURCH

1. As Model for all churches

2. Features that stand out

a. The Involvement of the Holy Spirit

i. His Presence

ii. His Power

iii. His gifts

b. The Leadership Model

i. Spirit-filled

ii. Deep knowledge of the Scriptures

iii. Courageous

iv. Fishers of Men

v. Deeply committed to serving the Lord

vi. Deep commitment to prayer

vii. Sterling characters

DANGERS THAT THREATEN THE CHURCH

1. Attacks of the Evil One

a. Causing trouble from without

i. Persecution

ii. Increasing hostility

b. Causing trouble from within

i. Infiltration approach

ii. False brethren

2. The Incident of Ananias and Sapphira

a. An attempt to deceive the Church

i. The Leaders

ii. The congregation

b. An attempt to appear good

i. Supportive

ii. Desiring to have a good standing

iii. But they were proven false

3. The Protection of the Church

a. A special work of the Holy Spirit

i. Revealing

ii. Exposing Ananias and Sapphira

b. Strong and courageous action taken

i. Nipping the problem in the bud

ii. Death of Ananias and Sapphira