Phenomenal growth characterized the early church. Starting with about 3000 conversions on Pentecost Day (Acts 2:41), it wasn’t long until the number of men was around 5000 (Acts 4:4). When we get to Acts 5:14, "believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women." Dizzying, isn’t it! What characteristics produced such growth? Can we develop those same qualities?

Obviously our first-century brethren were intensely evangelistic. Even when threatened with severe punishment, they proclaimed the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and salvation through Him (Acts 3, 4). But it doesn’t stop there. Evangelism bears fruit only when people are listening. What motivated the crowds to hear?

The early church had credibility, and for good reason! Generous brethren gave bountifully to supply the needs of the less fortunate (Acts 2:44, 45). As a result, the church enjoyed "favor with all the people" (2:47). Someone has observed that "people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." By demonstrating the love of Jesus, the Christians in Jerusalem earned the right to be heard.

A couple of them, however, sought to be praised rather than to be helpful. Ananias & his wife Saphira lied about their contribution, claiming to have donated the full proceeds from selling a possession when, in fact, they gave only part of it. Peter affirmed that they had every right to keep a part for their own use (Acts 5:4). Their sin was in lying about it. Ananias was struck dead instantly, carried out, and buried without ceremony; Saphira, appearing later, suffered the same fate. "So great fear came upon the church and upon all who heard these things . . . but the people esteemed them highly" (Acts 5:11, 13). Here was a church that upheld high standards! Even worldly people respected that. In our day when so many are afraid to say or do anything that might seem "intolerant" or "judgmental," we might take a lesson from Acts 5.

Besides being evangelistic, being generous, and upholding high standards, these brethren were unified. "And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch" (Acts 5:12b). Nobody complained when Ananias and Saphira were severely disciplined. None were introducing strange new doctrines or practices. Such unity attracts people who are weary of the world’s chaos. They crave the rest Jesus offers. No wonder they listened to the gospel. No wonder the church grew!

How Critics Turn Out

A little seed lay on the ground,
And soon began to sprout;

Now, which of all the flowers around
It mused, shall I come out?

The lily's face is fair and proud
But just a trifle too cold;

A rose I think is rather loud
And then, its fashion's old

The violet is all very well
But is not a flower I'd choose;

Not yet the Canterbury bell
I just never cared for blues.

And so it criticized each flower,
This supercilious little seed,

Until it woke one summer morn,
And found itself - a weed!

.....Copied

Youth Devo
The regular monthly Youth Fellowship and Devotional is scheduled for tonight after the evening services. See Matt Faneuf for details.

Directory Photos
If you have not had you photo taken for the new directory, we will be shooting photos after the morning services today, in the annex. If today is not convenient, please see Johnye Sims and schedule a time. We need to finish the directory as soon as possible.

Wednesday Evening
Summer Series
The speaker for this coming Wednesday evening (June 9th) is scheduled to be Ryan Roark, who is currently preaching for the North River congregation in Parrish, FL. He will be speaking on the subject, "Nickelodeon Meets Jesus".

A blind man made it a practice to carry a lighted lantern with him everywhere he went. When someone asked him why he went around with a lighted lantern when he could not see, he replied, "To keep others from stumbling over me". Such is a wonderful attitude.

An open mind, like an open window, should be equipped with a screen to keep the bugs out.

Don’t forget the weekly prayer session in classroom #3, each Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m.