Churches: The Church at Jerusalem
I. Jerusalem, the First Church:
1. Jerusalem, the birthplace.
a. Prophesied by Isaiah (Isa. 2:2-3).
b. Lk. 24:46 -- “Repentance and remission of sins preached--, beginning at Jerusalem.“
c. Lk. 24:49 -- "Tarry in the city until clothed with power.“
2. Pentecost the day.
a. Kingdom to come with power during life of some then living (Mk. 9: 1).
b. Power to come with Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
c. Spirit came on Pentecost (Acts 2:4, 16-17, 33). Therefore, Kingdom came on Pentecost.
3. Message is preached.
a. Repentance and remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
4. Men added to the Church.
a. 3,000 added in that day (Acts 2:41).
b. Continued to add daily those that should be saved (Acts 2:47).
II. Jerusalem, the Model Church:
1. In Respectability:
"Found favor with all the people" (Acts 2:47). Commanded even the respect of their enemies.
2. In Happiness:
“Took their food with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46). Gratitude exemplified.
3. Zeal:
“Continuing daily in the temple" (Acts 2:46). Daily teaching the word of God.
4. In Unity:
a. United in purpose.
"With one accord" (Acts 2:46); "Of one heart and soul“ (Acts 4:32).
b. United in prayer.
“Lift up their voices to God with one accord“ (Acts 4:24; 12:5-12).
c. United in sacrifice.
"Had all things common" (Acts 2:44). To meet a great need they pooled their assets and
dedicated them to the Lord (Acts 4:32-37). Sold and gave into a common treasury to
enable the Church to take care of the need.
d. United in fellowship. “Continued steadfastly in fellowship" (Acts 2:42).
5. In Liberality; Stewardship:
a. Sold and gave according to need (Acts 2:44).
b. Did not allow anyone to lack (Acts 4:34-35).
c. None said what he possessed was his own. Stewardship recognized (Acts 4:32).
6. In Loyalty:
a. Continued steadfastly (Acts 2:42).
b. Triumphantly faithful in persecutions.
1. By Sadducees (Acts 5:17-39).
2. By Pharisees (Acts 7:8).
3. By Jewish State (Acts 12).
7. In Growth:
a. 3,000 added (Acts 2:41).
b. Number came to about five thousand (Acts 4:4).
c. Multitudes of both men and women added (Acts 5:14).
d. Number of disciples multiplied (Acts 6:7).
8. In Organization:
a. Elders (Acts 15:6; 15:22; 11:29-30).
b. Deacons (Acts 6).
9. In Evangelism:
a. Went about preaching the word (Acts 8:4).
b. Sent Peter and John to Samaria (Acts 8: 14).
c. Sent Barnabas unto Antioch (Acts 1 1:22).
III. How Men Became Members of the Jerusalem Church:
(Acts 2:36-38; 2:41-47; 3:19; 6:7).