Summary: Are we even close to what Jesus set up as his church?

What was it like in the first Church?

The things they had in the first church is desperately needed today.

They had love. Understanding, cooperation and concern.

They gave they worked witness and had the Grace of God.

Acts2: 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

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

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

(1) All the people united around the Saviour.

Acts 1: 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Prayed together at the hour of prayer.

They worshipped together in the House of God.

Wept with each other in suffering and trials.

(2) They had the unction of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4: 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

The power of God was with them.

They came to glorify Jesus Christ.

The promises still good the Lord had made .

Because they believed.

(3) Understanding among the Saints.

Acts 2: 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,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Witnessing edifying the Church.

Educating the saved in the Word.

Evangelizing the lost world.

(4) Unmovable in their experience of Salvation.

2nd Timothy 1: 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Faith was in the living son of God.

Forgiveness was as sure as the sun rise.

Future bright because he lives.

(5) Reach lost souls at all cost.

Acts 5: 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Preaching to the whole world.

Hanging on to the love of the resurrected Lord.

Getting the job done for him.

(6) The unsaved listen and trusted and repented.

Romans 5: 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Justified by faith finished the work of Christ.

We take him just as we are. Receive him as Lord.

Jesus the same yesterday today and forever.