THE EXPLOSION OF THE CHURCH
Survey of Acts
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. Why history must be taught: (See II Ki. 22-23; I Cor. 10:11)
1. Biblical history:
2. Our nation’s history:
3. Our church’s history:
4. My history:
B. The title of this history book and various other titles –
“The Acts of the Apostles”:
1. The Acts of the Holy Spirit:
2. The Acts of the Church through Christ:
C. The author, the recipients and the narrative: (See Lk.1:3)
1. The author – “Luke”
2. The recipient - Theophilus”
3. The narrative:
D. The purpose and outline:
1. The purpose:
2. The outline: (See Acts 1:8)
a. “Jerusalem” -
b. “Judea and Samaria” -
c. “Uttermost part of the earth” -
II. VIEWING THE BOOK THROUGH THE THREE STAGES
OF DISCIPLESHIP: (Mt. 28:19-20)
A. Events – “evangelism”: Acts 1:8
1. Jerusalem: Chapters 1-7
2. Judea and Samaria: Chapters 8-12
3. Uttermost part of the earth: Chapters 13-28 (only
book still being written)
B. Great truths – “nurturing obedience”: Acts 2:42-47
1. Teaching -
2. Fellowship -
3. Prayer -
4. Worship -
C. Individuals – “leadership training”:
1. Christ passes the baton to -
2. Peter passes the baton to -
3. Barnabas passes the baton to –
4. Paul passes the baton to -
III. PRINCIPLES TO PERSONALLY APPLY:
(Together becoming “people of the Word” in principle AND in practice)
A. In studying God’s Word, you will always find even the
history books, timely, since God’s Word is always
timely. (The church vs. a nation) (Mt. 24:35; Heb. 4:12)
B. What made the “first church” thrive, will make today’s
church thrive. (note the numerical salvation statistics and
prayer bathing every decision) (Acts 1:13-14; 2:41; 4:4)
C. Getting accurate facts and then clearly passing them
on, is vital if tomorrow is to be as fruitful as the past.
(Acts 2:36—39, 47b - Peter; Rom. 10:9-10, 13 - Paul)
Sinners Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I was made by you and I was made for you, but
I have been living for myself. I am sorry for that self-rule you call sin.
I believe that Jesus Christ being my creator God, died, was buried,
and rose again to pay the insurmountable debt that my sin has
created. So right now, I am turning from a life of going my own way,
to by faith, place my trust in Jesus Christ, to pay the debt of all my
sin, and to get me to heaven, when I breath my last breath. Lord
Jesus, from today on, I am yours. Thanks for saving me, this very
moment, in Jesus name, Amen.
If you just made this life changing decision, we would love to draw
along side and help you grow now in Christ. Call Grace Evangelical
Free Church at (509) 684-5936. If get an answering service, we will
promptly get back with you as soon as possible. You can also
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service now with all your loved ones on Facebook to give the good
news of the gospel to those who might have hesitated to visit this
local church or with those who live miles away.