Sermon Central
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Maturation Of Believers Series
Contributed by Michael Stover on Oct 20, 2000 (message contributor)
Summary: For a church to be effective, there must be the ongoing maturation of believers.
Maturation of Believers
Acts 11:25-26; Selected Scriptures
I. Antioch (Acts 11:25-26)
A. After growth came discipleship
B. Discipleship is an ongoing process (1 year)
C. Believers were 1st called Christians after the
1 year of teaching
D. Antioch believers shared with those in
Jerusalem after 1 year of teaching
II. First Church in Acts (Acts 2)
A. Converts added to body (assimilation) Acts 2:41
B. Devoted to teaching (verse 42)
C. Devoted to Fellowship (verse 42,44-47)
D. Devoted to Worship (verse 42,47)
E. Devoted to Outreach (verse 47)
III. Stages of Maturation
A. Infancy – Formative Stage
1. Bonding
2. Imitation
3. Encouragement & Instruction
B. Early childhood – Developmental Stage
1. Basic personal skills
a. Bible study
b. Prayer
c. Faithfulness
C. Adolescence to Adulthood – Reproductive Ministry
1. Doctrinal Training (Heb. 6:1-2)
2. People skills
3. Service
4. Reproduction
