"HOW THE EARLY CHURCH WAS ABLE TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL SUCCESSFULLY"

June 24  “How The Early Church Was Able To Spread The Gospel Successfully”  Acts 2:41-42/ Acts 3:1-6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:41-42)

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:1-6)

The Early Church faced great opposition, but they refused to back up or back down!  The Devil could not stop them or even come close to slowing them down.  It was just a short time, after Pentecost, when 120 believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they went out and converted neighborhoods and cities to Christ.  The Church immediately began to grow.  It grew from 120 to thousands and the Good News began to spread all over the known world.  Amazingly, Satan could not discourage these Early Christians or even stop them!  So, why did the Gospel spread?  Listen, it was because Christians refused to be stopped, even when they were forbidden to speak the name of Jesus, but telling these Early Believers that they couldn’t speak of Jesus was like telling my mother that she couldn’t talk!  Wouldn’t it be great if people, today, were that determined to spread the Gospel?  I believe that the Gospel spread because these Early Believers embraced and enjoyed their “Salvation!”  Acts 2:46 says, “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.”  These folks were committed and they were determined to witness to everyone that would stand still long enough to hear the Word.  This is what the World is searching for.  Unfortunately, many of us are demonstrating a stereotypical world view of Christianity, as dreary and dull.  Is that what you are advertising to the world?  We ought to enjoy and embrace our “Salvation!”  We have been redeemed, and we ought to share that joy.  If you concentrate on the activities and events of the past few weeks, you may very well lose your joy, however, our Christian joy DOES NOT DEPEND ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OR THE ENVIROMENT!  Remember, Paul and Silas were in jail and they still were focused on the mission: Sharing Jesus! Every one of these Early Believers gave what they had to further the cause of Christ!  I wonder if we should take a moment and truly evaluate our commitment and our dedication to God?  Just remember, Our Lord will never expect you to do something that you cannot do or give what you do not have, however, when you have the Lord Jesus in your heart, you have something you can share with the World that will bring more joy and peace that all of the money in the world could buy!  The Lord expects you to give the Gospel to all those who cross your path!  The Early Church spread the Gospel all over.  They were able to do this because they were surrendered to God and were being led by the Holy Spirit!  Remember, they would not be stopped and they enjoyed their “Salvation,” and they gave all that they had!  Are you willing to do this?  Are you willing to spread the “Good News” to this lost world?  When Jesus is in your heart, you have something that you can share with the World that will bring joy and peace to their troubled souls.  May we lay aside the attitudes and behaviors that would hinder our appetite for the Word and spiritual growth and for the responsibility to serve Him and to edify Him!  What God does with you, depends upon what you do!  It Always has; It Always will!! Be sure, be productive and continue to share the Love of God with others!  To God Be the Glory!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!