INTRODUCTION-THE EARLY CHURCH WAS MADE UP OF PEOPLE LIKE PEOPLE TODAY- NOT SUPERMEN

1. These people saw the hand of God at work in their midst only as they believed God.
2. In the midst of the glory of the early church they failed God and had to be guided along as children
3. But the church then, or today, will be on fire for God, or God will fire it!

I- The glory of the church- (Acts 2:41-47) GOD USED THE CHURCH AND CHRIST INDWELT IT

A. THE SECRET OF THE SUCCESS OF THE EARLY CHURCH- they had a great glory, it was the Lord

1. They had unity, they were of one accord, they had singleness of heart- for they had a job.
2. They were steadfast in the apostles doctrine- so busy obeying, they didn't think up heresy
3. They continued in the apostles fellowship- daily from house to house- breaking bread -communion

B. THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH DAILY- the glory was the Lord's- indwelling

1. The great signs and wonders cried for all men to come and see the glory of the Lord
2. The marvelous enthusiasm of the apostles and the church showed the glory of the Lord
3. People came to see, stayed to believe, and went out to witness of the glory of the Lord

C. WE HAVE THE APOSTLES DOCTRINE AND FELLOWSHIP- and we have the glory if we want it.

1. Our doctrine is Apostolic- not apostolic succession, but a succession of doctrine- "Trail of Blood"
2. Our fellowship is Apostolic- only in a different age, under different circumstances.
3. If we lack the glory, the enthusiasm, or the victory- it is our fault, not God's

But we can never have their spot in history, nor does God want us to have it.

 II-THE FAILURE OF THE CHURCH- (ACTS 1:8) THE CHURCH DID NOT OBEY ITS PRIME ORDERS

A. AS THE EARLY CHURCH ABOUNDED IN GOD'S GLORY- SIN CREPT IN- after great victory- look out

1. They add seen the resurrected Lord, they had seen more saved in one day than in 33 years
2. They saw the power to heal, and to speak every language, and to confound the philosophers
3. But in the midst of spiritual abundance, they failed to obey Acts 1:8 to GO with the gospel.

B. THE HIDDEN SIN UNDER THE SURFACE WAS DEADLY- and they paid a terrible price because of it.

1. Persecution began to grow- the success of godliness brings the envy then persecution.
2. The generosity of the freshly blessed gave away to the pretended generosity (5:1)
3. They tried sharing, some say communism, whatever it was not commanded of God nor apostles.

C. WE ALSO SHARE THEIR PRONE TO SIN, TO DISOBEDIENCE, TO SIT AND SOAK WHEN GOD SAYS WORK!

1. We have the truth, the way and the life-- now too many of us would relax, sit, seek security
2. Free men dragging their feet have been outdistanced by slaves dragging their chains
3. It doesn't work- gather two days manna (Exodus 16:20)- we are like the rich fool and say-
4. Luke 12:16 "Soul, thou hast much goods, take thine ease" and we grow content and careless

III- THE PUNISHMENT? NO- THE WAY TO CURE THE SICK CHURCH- (Acts 8:1-4) Set it on fire

A. PERSECUTIONS, PROBLEMS, DEATH AND HAVOC COME TO THE CHURCH

1. Some persecution is natural- and good for the Christian, or we feel too much at home in the world
2. But they began to quarrel over the food tables (Acts 6:1) - murmuring is deadly, "our rights"
3. Greeks murmured, so Greek named deacons were selected- they ministered and preached.
4. But still there were problems, but God turned the problems into victories of glory.

B. A Greek Deacon became the first martyr- and God thrust his witnesses out to conquest

1. They were still in Jerusalem, the Jews stoned the Greek Deacon, and Saul consented- 7:58
2. Saul became the whip to scatter the church, later an apostle to lead them- out to service.
3. More were saved through their being persecuted than through their successes in Jerusalem

C. We also must obey him through love, or he will lead us to obedience through the whip!

1. Obedience and service is commanded-
2. We will burn with enthusiasm or fire,
3. Persecution is long overdue- here, let it be from without, not within!

ARE YOU TRUSTING GOD'S WORK FORWARD, OR JUST COASTING ALONG IN YOUR ON EASE?

1. Search your heart- make the next decision- now!
2. Return to 1st works, and God will restore first love.
3. Prepared to meet the Lord, he is coming soon!
4. Salvation- and open confession of Christ
5. Baptism hoping- submission to his ordinance
6. Church membership- born or adopted locally
7. Regular assembly- communion and worship and work,
8. Teaching and being taught- and working
9. Stewardship- tithes, alms, fair share
10. Soulwinning- missionary outreach
11. Through it all, a love and enthusiasm or we will murmur, soak in sour.
12. Personal care,- devotional prayer- personal Bible study- separation from worldliness.