OceanSide church of Christ

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The Church at Jerusalem

Acts Chapters 2-5

Carlos Dawson

 

Question: Why was the First Congregation/Church of Christ Successful?

Facts: Church never existed B4 Pentecost•≈3,000 on Pentecost•≈5,000 men•≈25,000 within a few years Jerusalem. There was no TV, radio, phones, Internet, newspapers in the 1st century.  What caused such sustained growth? Jesus had been crucified just seven weeks before. Why did ≈3,000 become Christians in one day? After hearing only one sermon?

 

32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

 

3:15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

 

·         They knew that Jesus of Nazareth was the son of God

 

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

 

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

 

 

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked [stabbed] in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

 

 

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

1 Th2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

 

 

40 And with many other words did he [Peter] testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

 

2Cor 4:7 But we [apostles] have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

 

 

44And all that believed were together, and had all things common

 

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

 

10:15 And the voice spake unto him again [Peter] the second time, What God hath cleansed [Cornelius/gentiles], that call not thou common. (Today, cultural supremacy)

 

4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

 

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

 

5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

 

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

 

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

 

·         They were united in everything

 

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

 

 

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

 

4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Contrast Ananias/Sapphira: sold a possession 5:1)

 

e.g., Donny/Faye Moore offer of help/relief to the church at OceanSide

 

e.g., Children’s offer to help/relief: Jacob (12); Destiny (7); & Gabriella (2) Elliott (LA) sold pies 4 $200. Why? They visited with parents on vacation Aug. 20th (Jax Bch), were impressed with the teachers/classes

 

So, in summary, here is our challenge:

 

Where is the church of Christ at OceanSide with respect to the markers set down by the church of Christ at Jerusalem?

 

▪ Is the church at OceanSide (and its members in particular) utterly convinced of the evidence/resurrection of Christ?

▪ Does the church of Christ at OceanSide know that Jesus of Nazareth is the son of God?

▪ Is the church of Christ at OceanSide overwhelmed by the word of God?

▪ Does the church of Christ at OceanSide know that the holy spirit of God is the only arbiter of true religion?

▪ Does the church of Christ at OceanSide know that the power of the word comes from God [through his word – the complete revelation of his will]?

▪ Is the church of Christ at OceanSide totally convinced of the necessity of togetherness; i.e., fellowship? Do we really cared about each other?

▪ Has the church of Christ at OceanSide shunned (put down) language/racial/cultural differences?

▪ Has the church of Christ at OceanSide thrown caution to the wind/risked it all?

▪ Does the church of Christ at OceanSide in fear?

▪Has the church of Christ at OceanSide banded themselves together and practices sharing?

▪ Is the church of Christ at OceanSide united in everything?

▪ Is the Church of Christ concerned about the welfare of others/programs of the church?

▪If we’re not modeling the church of Christ at Jerusalem, which church are we modeling? And Why?

 

The church at Jerusalem – the church at OceanSide …. The church at OceanSide – the church at Jerusalem.  What are the consequences of the truth in comparison?  I implore all of us to check ourselves. If we’ve stop modeling the church at Jerusalem, repent and determine to resume doing so today.

 

If you’ve never been a part of the church of Christ – God’s blueprint for salvation, you can do so today. We urge you to obey the gospel today.

 

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.