The Early Church: Growth(1) Acts 2:41; 4:4 I. Introduction. A. We, as other generations, face the problem of growth--in spiritual strength as well as in numbers. 1. These could be connected. 2. Consider all of the opportunities that exist for us to learn and apply the gospel. 3. We are interested in numbers: for each number is a soul! (James P. Miller) 4. There are many scriptural means of teaching the truth to aliens and to Christians. a. The alien is converted: then spends rest of life learning to live as a Christian. b. The Christian grows each day by study and application of the scriptures. c. We utilize print, voice, interactive learning, charts, electronic media, etc.--yet--how few are converted. d. And--how difficult to get all of the members to all of the activities of the kingdom much less take advantage of extra opportunities. B. The early church grew rapidly and advanced spiritually. 1. What is there different about what they did and what we do? 2. We have mediums they could not even envision in their minds. 3. They lacked the automobile, airplanes, radio, television, printing presses, and the internet; a postal system; ad infinitum. 4. And yet, we rejoice over an occasional conversion(right to do so); how many are not converted! 5. There must have been something they did that we can do in order to teach people and to grow spiritually. C. Is mankind different today from those who lived in the days of the apostles? 1. Were they possessed of something we do not experience? a. Miracles? Miracles do not convert. b. Apostles? Revealed the word: we have it complete. c. Can we identify any characteristic(s) that made the early church grow so rapidly? 2. We do not have progressive evolution: they were neither smarter or dumber than folks at present. 3. They were human/we are human. 4. They were sinful/we are sinful. 5. They had good moral people/so do we. 6. They found people who were interested in truth: can we find the same? D. To find an answer, we must investigate their success and whether we can do as did they. 1. Note: Acts 2:41; 4:4. 2. Paul and the early disciples left us examples and instruction that will help us grow. II. Body. A. The early disciples practiced Mark 16:15-16. 1. Without entertainment, without the social gospel, without secular attractions--they spread the word of God. 2.The early Christians took advantage of opportunities. a. The crowd on Pentecost. b. The people on Mars Hill. c. Under different circumstances: Acts 28:23-24. d. Whether one-on-one(Philip and the Eunuch) or the large crowds on Pentecost: they taught men the gospel! 3. The more preaching and teaching we do--the greater the results. a. Must not be confined to the building. b. Consider all the places where those early Christians taught: at home; at public gatherings; traveling; in prison; etc. c. However--there must have been something beyond this--something about the gospel(and Christians) that led lost souls to Christ. 4. Also be aware: our responsibility is not only to convert--but to keep the converted. a. How unfortunate that all do not continue to obey. b. They did not keep everyone faithful; we do not either: BUT--we must work at it! c. Remember that bringing an erring child back to God is a conversion also. 5. One clue to their success: Acts 2:42. a. "Continuing steadfastly" is one word in the Greek: steadfastly continuing(literal). (1 Includes: endure, persevere, or--to be strong(Vine). (2 An internal purpose and action. (3 In the "apostles' teaching": the truth. (4 In "fellowship": sharing in common(mutual participation). b. To grow: we must endure(be faithful)--even when circumstances are unpleasant. c. The strength of a disciple is measured by how intense one is in following the truth. B. An analysis of Acts 2:43-47 enlightens us about the strength of the church in Jerusalem. 1. They were fearful in the right sense: v. 43. a. A godly, reverential fear: Ecclesiastes 12:13. (1 A "wholesome dread"(Vine) of displeasing him. (2 A "deep reverential fear"(Boles). (3 The Lord, His work, and His way, was first: Matthew 6:33. b. God does not want one "scared" into service to him, but to fear him as the Creator and giver of life. 2. They were united: v. 44a. a. By the will of Christ. b. Fuming, fussing, fighting, etc. does not promote unity. c. We have a common savior and a common book-- when we follow--unity has to be the result! d. Satan has always sought to divide God's people. e. Imagine an unbelievers view of dissension. f. When we are together in mind, in purpose, in heart and in spirit, people will see Christ in us. 3. They had a sense of sharing: v. 44b-45. a. Ready to use earthly goods to help brethren(to sell to help). b. Opposite of selfishness. c. Speaks to closeness within the early church. d. God blessed them; they would share with God's people. e. Greater blessings: Ephesians 1:3. 4. They practiced righteousness daily: v. 46. a. Not Sunday morning Christians. b. Realized they followed a way of life. c. Only day by day can we live before our families, our co-workers, etc. d. We are to be(as they): I Timothy 4:12. e. Not limited to preachers and elders: for each disciple. f. If I do not practice righteousness, I cannot teach anyone else. 5. The early disciples had a heart-felt religion: 46b-47a. a. Gladness: they were happy! b. Singleness of heart: one aim, to do God's will. c. Our obedience must come from within--pretense becomes obvious. d. Note: Romans 10:10. e. A full commitment by each member is essential to proper growth. f. Seen in Macedonia: II Corinthians 8:5. 6. And they grew! Acts 2:47b. a. These characteristics of early Christians influenced others toward the truth. b. Are there not relatives, friends, neighbors, co- workers, etc. that we can lead to Christ through our efforts? c. Growth is dependent upon each of us teaching others, setting a proper example, and fully dedicating ourselves to the Lord and His cause. III. Conclusion. A. Consider the value of a person's soul. B. Consider the horribleness of Hell. C. Consider my own soul and influence of others.-jy