Our Debt To The Early Church

They evangelized their world

They took the Great Commission seriously

read  Matthew 28:18-20

They were faithful so we have the message today

Their Challenge And Ours

Christians a minority compared to the world Christians commissioned to reach the world People being born faster than reborn

What Did Those Early Christians Have That We Need?

They were on fire for Christ

read  Acts 2:3

Cloven tongues as of fire.

Evidence of the Holy Spirit working through them
The effect; souls won, churches planted

The World Needs To See The Church On Fire

Not enough to be fundamental, must be on fire
Not enough to be doctrinally sound, may be sound asleep
Not enough to be preaching, must be pleading
Not enough to be Bible believing, must be burning

David Dawson: So afraid of a wildfire, we have settled for no fire at all.

They found true fellowship in Christ

read  Acts 2:41-46

In fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Once Divided, Now Bound Together In Love.

The Basis Of Their Fellowship; the apostles doctrine.

They based their fellowship on truth
they celebrated the Gospel in daily life

Do We Have That Kind Of Fellowship?

What Are We Going To Do To Achieve It?

They were fully surrendered to Christ

read  Acts 4:18-20

We Cannot But Speak.

They Laid Everything On The Alter.

To some this meant financial loss
To some this meant prison
To some this meant martyrdom
No wonder they were effective

Too Many Christians Trying To Save Their Lives As a result they lose them.  Matthew 16:25

Conclusion

Our Need Of Genuine Revival

The Example Of New Testament Believers Could Produce It

Do we long for their fire and fellowship?

Are we willing to make their kind of surrender?

Bible Studies Home

Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
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Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
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Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
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Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
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;
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
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Acts 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
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.
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Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. They lose also their impact for Christ.
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Last updated on August 16, 2005