LET THE BIBLE SPEAK.

THE EARLIEST CHURCH DESCRIBED Careful Bible students know when the church was established. Jesus said that He would do it (Matthew 16:18) and on the Day of Pentecost of which we read in Acts 2 He did so. Peter and the other Apostles preached the first gospel sermons and many obeyed the truth. It follows therefore, that the second chapter of the book of Acts is the beginning of the history of the “earliest” church.  It is our desire as Christians to follow the Biblical pattern as closely as we possibly can (2 Timothy 1:13). It is therefore of great interest to notice certain characteristics of this church revealed in Acts 2:41-47.  1. They were obedient: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.  2. They were steadfast: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles ‘doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of brea4 and in prayers.  3. They respected God: And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  4. They were together and

THE DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES by Heath Rogers         While giving an explanation of the Parable of the Sower, Jesus spoke of the seeds that fell among the thorns: "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful" (Matt. 13:22).          Riches can be deceitful, it all depends upon our attitude. "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:9-10). What are some ways that riches can deceive us?          1. Riches can take the place of God in our heart.  In the parable, the seed couldn't grow because the thorns choked it out. The nutrients that the seed needed

"Faith Assures What You Hope For"      "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for." (Hebrews11:1)      Faith is trusting, relying on something or someone.  One who has faith in God, trusts and relies on God.  Therefore the one who draws near to God believes that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.  (Hebrews 11:6)     Faith, then, reacts upon instruction given by God (Romans 10:17).  God cannot be seen with our eyes, touched by our hands; yet He exists and has our being (Acts 17:23-29).     Our response to God cannot be predicated upon our own: "I think so", "In my opinion", "In my judgment", or "I'll take my choice".  God will no longer tolerate such impishness.  His son has brought the light of truth to the world.  We must all seek after God in the light of that revealed truth. ( John 1:17 ;  3:16-21 ;  Acts 17:29-31 )     Indifferent response to God's truth is not faith.  It neither bel

GOD WANTS THE CHURCH TO GROW A consideration of such passages as Acts 2:41, 46-47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1; 7:5 and 16:5 should be abundantly sufficient to prove that God wants the church to grow. But He has put the responsibility of doing His work and obeying His will in our hands. If this church is to grow, WE must also will it to be so. There are at least three prerequisites to church growth in this congregation. (1) We must WANT to grow. (2) We must be willing to TAKE ACTION that will result in growth. And (3) we must include growth in our goals. Too often we reach no goals because we have no goals. We also need to be aware of the fact that there are some things that seriously hinder church growth. First, some may be AFRAID to grow. The Jewish leaders were afraid to accept Jesus. Afraid of losing their position of power. Afraid of what the Romans would think or do. All my life I’ve heard people state how they preferred to worship with a small congregation. They perhaps fear losi