Sermon Central
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The Characteristics Of A Spiritual Church
Contributed by Lee Black on Nov 9, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Is your Church Spirit filled like the 1st Church? Are your leaders full of the Holy Spirit like the 1st leaders? Are we ready for the great work God has for us?
Acts 2:42-47 The Characteristics of a Spiritual Church
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; [45] And sold their
possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. [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.
Intro:In this passage we have a kind of a summary of the
characteristics of the early church. This early church was a spiritual
church. I believe that our definition of a spiritual church is very
different from that which the Bible, God’s Word, sets before us.
That the early church was a truely spiritrual church there can be
no doubt. In the first 13 chapters of Acts there are more than 40
references to the Holy Spirit. The early church was a spirit-filled
church. Let’s take a look at the Characteristics of a Spiritual
Church.....
I. The Holy Spirit was The Source of ALL GUIDANCE.
A. He moved Philip to contact Ethiopian Eunuch. [Acts 8:29]
Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."
B. He prepared Peter for the coming of the emissaries of
Corneluis.[Acts 10:19]
1
While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you.
He ordered Peter to go with them.[Acts 11:12](this was a
break through of racial pride and barriers)
Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren
accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.
C. He ordered the Church to set apart Paul and Barnabas to
take the Gospel to the Gentiles.[13:2-4]
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the
work to which I have called them." [3] Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them
away.
[4] So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
D. He guided the Church in its Decisions in the council
at Jerusalem.[15:26-29]
men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [27] We have therefore sent Judas and
Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. [28] For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us,
to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: [29] that you abstain from things offered to idols,
from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell.
II. All The Leaders of the Church were men of the Spirit.
This is one requirement that we would do well to consider when
choosing leaders.
A. The 7 Helpers (deacons) were full of the Spirit.[6:3]
Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business;
B. Stephen one of the helpers, the 1st martyr was full of the
Holy Spirit.[7:55]
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right
hand of God,
Barnabas, a faithful servant was full of the Holy Spirit.[11:19-24
Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia,
Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. [20] But some of them were men from Cyprus
and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the
hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. [22] Then news of these
things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. [23] When
he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they
should continue with the Lord. [24] For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many
people were added to the Lord.
C. The Elders of Ephesus were guided by the Holy Spirit.
