"Reaching a City for Christ"

Read Text: Acts 4:23-5:32

Introduction: An Analysis of the Growth of the Church in Jerusalem

1. It was Rapid Growth!

Acts 2:41 NIV84

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:47 NIV84

praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 4:4 NIV84

But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

Acts 5:14 NIV84

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

Acts 6:7 NIV84

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 8:4–8 NIV84

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

Acts 9:31 NIV84

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

2. It was Real Growth!

Acts 15:3 NIV84

The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad.

3. Our Great Need Today: Regular Growth!

Q: What made the early Church so effective in reaching their world?

A: They understood their PURPOSE!

Q: How do we reach our city for Jesus?

The Attitudes of the Church in Jerusalem

1. The Prayer Attitude – (4:23-31)

2. The Share Attitude – (4:32-37)

3. The Dare Attitude – (5:1-32)

The Ministry of the Church in Jerusalem

1. A Ministry of Proclamation!

Teaching the truth – (5:20, 30-31)

Accepting the consequences – (5:14, 33)

2. A Ministry of Application!

Meeting physical needs – (5:15-16)

Bridging racial barriers – (6:1)

The Accomplishments of the Church in Jerusalem

1. They Fulfilled Their Mandate from the Lord!

Acts 1:8 NIV84

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

2. They Filled Their City with the Gospel!

Acts 5:28 NIV84

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

3. They Provided Everyone the Opportunity to Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!