Why Has Satan Filled Your Heart?

Text: Acts 5
25 October 2015

THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH

1. Location

The Church Jerusalem

2. Date

First Century

3. The Church leaders

The Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JERUSALEM CHURCH

1. As Model for all churches

2. Features that stand out

a. The Involvement of the Holy Spirit
i. His Presence
ii. His Power
iii. His gifts
b. The Leadership Model
i. Spirit-filled
ii. Deep knowledge of the Scriptures
iii. Courageous
iv. Fishers of Men
v. Deeply committed to serving the Lord
vi. Deep commitment to prayer
vii. Sterling characters

DANGERS THAT THREATEN THE CHURCH

1. Attacks of the Evil One

a. Causing trouble from without
i. Persecution
ii. Increasing hostility
b. Causing trouble from within
i. Infiltration approach
ii. False brethren

2. The Incident of Ananias and Sapphira

a. An attempt to deceive the Church
i. The Leaders
ii. The congregation
b. An attempt to appear good
i. Supportive
ii. Desiring to have a good standing
iii. But they were proven false

3. The Protection of the Church

a. A special work of the Holy Spirit
i. Revealing
ii. Exposing Ananias and Sapphira
b. Strong and courageous action taken
i. Nipping the problem in the bud
ii. Death of Ananias and Sapphira