THE SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH

Last Week we talked about the Spirit Filled believer so its fitting that we end this part of the series on what a Spirit-filled church is and looks like

Let Us Pray!

The Spirit-Filled Church

Acts 2:41–47

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

What is a Spirit-filled church? The best way to measure is to look at the early church of the book of Acts.

I. A GROWINGCHURCH

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47b).

A. Growth in attention—They continued to be true to God’s Word.

Acts 2:42 – And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

B. Growth in attendance—They worship a priority.

Acts 2:46 – And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

C. Growth in affection— They recognized the importance of the message and financially supported the local church

Acts 2:45 – And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

D. Growth in attitude— They would rather obey God and suffer than obey men and be wrong in the eyes of God

Acts 5:29 – But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

II. A GOINGCHURCH – What stops you from being a going church?

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42).

A. People could not stop them—Paul was not ashamed of the gospel; criticism, torture, threat of death could not stop him.

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

B. Prisons could not stop them—Wherever he was, Paul was content. Paul and Silas were even happy in prison.

Philippians 4:11 – Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Acts 16:20–33 – Paul and Silas are stripped, beat and put in prison. An earthquake shakes open the doors of the prison and the shackles fell off. In the moment the jailer was going to take his life Paul and Silas reassure him that they are all still there. That night the jailer and his entire family receive the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

C. Persecution could not stop them—Paul could say that despite his sufferings, nothing would make him give up Christ.

Acts 20:24 – But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

D. Problems could not stop them—Acts 6:1–15. All threats, and even murder, could not stop Stephen from serving Christ.

Acts 6:1–15 – People do not like the message of the Gospel and will lie about it, about Christians who speak it. Stephen was arrested and put on trial and witnesses lied about what Stephen said, but filled with the Holy Spirit – fear could not enter -

III. A GLOWINGCHURCH

The early believers changed their world

Acts 17:6 – And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,

A. The power—It was the world that called Christ’s followers Christians – it was meant as a derogatory name – little christs but it turned into a badge of honor.

Acts 11:26 – So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Christian was a derogatory term but the early church wore it as a badge of honor – is it still a badge of honor or has it returned to a derogatory label?

B. The prayer—Peter and John, though ignorant, showed Christ within them. This came as the result of prayer. If we are indeed indwelt with the Holy Spirit – He will speak for us.

Acts 4:13 – Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

C. The persuasion—This power of the Spirit caused people to do some serious thinking. The apostles had the power of Acts 1:8.

Acts 26:28 – And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

King Agrippa kept calling Paul in and was intrigued.

Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

IV. A GROANINGCHURCH

A. Crying for the lost—Paul’s love for the non-Christian caused him to weep for the lost.

Acts 20:29-32 – I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

B. Concern for the lost—The Spirit intercedes for those who pray for the lost.

Romans 8:26-30 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

C. Compassion for the lost—Knowing the judgment of God, we seek to lead men to a saving knowledge of Christ. The psalmist tells us in how we should weep for the lost.

2 Corinthians 5:11 – Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.

Rev. 20:11–15 – Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Psalm 126:5-6 – Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Isaiah 66:8 – Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her children.

Jeremiah 9:1 – Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

To reach the lost and preach the gospel to every creature, the church must be filled with the Spirit. Forms and rituals will not accomplish the Great Commission. Plans, programs, and even finance will not get the job done. As the church is filled with the Spirit, we will reach the lost with the gospel.

Mark 16:15-16 – And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Being labeled a Christian – a little christ – is it a badge of honor or just a nickname?

What do we need to do to be a growing church?

What do you need to do to be a growing believer in a growing church?

How can you change your attitude to be a growing church?

What stops you from being a going church?

A glowing church changes their world – how are bright a Christian is your glow? Are you changing your world and making it better?

Christian was a derogatory term but the early church wore it as a badge of honor – is it still a badge of honor or has it returned to a derogatory label?