The First-Century Church The Jerusalem Church -- Problem Solving
Introduction:
1. We are beginning a series of
lessons on "The First-Century Church."
2. By examining information written
"to" and "about" various congregations in the Bible, we can
learn many practical lessons that relate to the church.
3. These lessons will help us to
know the Lord's will for His church today.
4. Lesson 1 is a study of the
Jerusalem church with emphasis on its ability to solve problems.
5. The first point we need to make
is that . . . Discussion:
I.
THE JERUSALEM
CHURCH CONSISTED OF
MANY PEOPLE FROM
DIFFERENT AREAS AND
BACKGROUNDS
A. When the Lord's church was
established in Jerusalem on Pentecost, people from "every nation under heaven" lived there (Acts 2:5).
B. More specific information is
given in vs.9-11.
C. The size of this new congregation
is revealed in vs.41.
D. With such a large congregation
consisting of people from different areas and backgrounds, problems would
arise.
E. In order to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians
4:3), these problems would have to be solved.
F. Let us turn our attention to the
fact that . . .
II.
THE JERUSALEM
CHURCH SOLVED PROBLEMS
IN 3 AREAS
A. "The Problem of Need"
1. Some people in Jerusalem were
poor.
2. This problem was solved through
the generosity of the members.
a. Acts 2:44-45
b. Acts 4:32, 34-35
c. Acts 4:36-37
B. "The Problem of
Neglect" (Acts 6:1-7)
1. Certain widows were neglected,
and murmuring resulted (vs.1).
2. This problem was solved under the
leadership of the apostles with cooperation from the members (vs.2-6).
3. The results are given in vs.7.
C. "The Problem of
Controversy"
1. Paul was selected as "the
apostle to the Gentiles" (Acts 9:15), and Peter had taught and baptized the first Gentiles (Acts 10).
2. Some Jewish Christians accepted
the conversion of Gentiles (Acts 11:1-4, 18).
3. However, some Jews insisted that
Gentiles had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be saved (Acts
15:1).
4. This issue was brought before the
apostles and elders in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2-5).
5. This problem was solved (Acts 15:6-29).
6. The results are given in Acts
15:30-31. Conclusion:
1. The Jerusalem congregation
provides a model for problem solving.
2. Important keys that relate to
solving problems in the church include brotherly love, leadership, organization, cooperation, and a commitment to following God's plan.
