What goes wrong and what can we do?

How was the early church doing a few years later How was the early church doing a few years later? (note the book of Acts) There was a problem of greed and lying, which ended with the death of a man and his wife who were members of the church. Arguments between the Jews and Greeks over ministry to the widows

3. A member tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. 4. Prejudice against other races and non-believers 5. Criticism against Peter for winning the Gentiles to Christ. 6. They were surprised when God answered their prayers.

7. Sharp disputes and arguments over the Gentile believers. 8. Sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabus over Mark, and a split in the mission trip.

But there were many good things the church continued to experience: Mission trips Prayer victories Healing of the sick Establishment of the deacon ministry Faithfulness during persecution Faithful witnessing and ministry

But they were not without their troubles and conflicts, within the body and from outside.

What about 22 years or so later What about 22 years or so later? Have they learned and grown in their relationship with the Lord and with each other?

Quarrels and cliques (I Cor 1:11-12) Immaturity, jealousy, quarreling, cliques (I Cor 3:1-4 Spiritual arrogance and pride (I Cor 4:18-19) Sexual immorality, apathy (I Cor 5:1-2) Lawsuits against each other (I Cor 6:1,6)

Controversies over trivial matters (food offered to idols, how much or whether to pay the apostles) (I Cor 8:1;9:1) Idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, grumbling ( I Cor 10:7,8,9,10) Division (I Cor 11:18) Unforgiveness, withholding love (I Cor 2:6-8)

Close alliances with unbelievers (I Cor 6:14) False teachers. Deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ (I Cor 11:5,13) Gullible to false teaching/teachers (I Cor 11:19-20)

What Happened to them???

Review of traits of early church: They were devoted to Bible study (the apostles teachings) They were devoted to the church fellowship: loyalty They were devoted to fellowshipping with each other They were devoted to prayer. They had reverence for God (awe)

There was evidence of the power of God among them There was unity There was support for each other’s needs They were faithful to the body and to worship They had fellowship with each other outside the organized church

They were sincere and had joy in each other’s company They praised God They had a good reputation People were being saved and added to the fellowship All were using their spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ unity in the faith

unity in the knowledge (personal acquaintance with) of Christ. Mature, filled with the fullness of Christ They were taught not to be infants tossed about by different teachings and deceitful schemes of leaders. They were taught to speak the truth in love, and to grow up in Christ: each supporting each other, each doing his/her part.

They obviously walked away from what they knew to do…and to be.

Survey Results: Beaver Dam

Males

Females 70+ 60-69

25% 75%

Observations: Biggest difference of opinion: Commitment to Bible study Males: 3.0 Females 3.5 Commitment to serving Males 3.2 Females 4.3

Loyalty to each other Males 4.3 Females 3.5 People feel welcome at church Males 4.0 Females 3.4 Presence of God in worship Males 3.9 Females 4.2 Presence of God in Business Mtgs Males 3.4 Females 4.2

Other Observations: Males overall evaluation on all questions: 3.69 Females overall evaluation on all questions: 3.81 MOST of the answers are in the above average category

Highest ratings were: Males: loyalty to each other support each other in crises good spirit of fellowship visitors feel welcomed members have sincerity and joy

Females: loyalty to the leadership good spirit of fellowship presence of God in worship presence of God in Bible classes power of God in worship power of God in the leadership support each other in crises

Lowest ratings: Males: Commitment to Bible study Commitment to serving Church is growing Members are using spiritual gifts

Lowest ratings: Females: Members fellowship in each others homes Church is growing Members are using spiritual gifts

Overall highest: Good spirit of fellowship Support each other in times of crises Overall lowest: The church is experiencing growth Members know and are using their spiritual gifts

What can we do to improve the spiritual condition of our church? Be as objective as possible in assessing the spiritual health of your own life and that of the church. Ask the Lord for His forgiveness for any failure and for His help and mercy to change.

3. Realize that the church is made up of individuals 3. Realize that the church is made up of individuals. The church will only be as strong as the individuals in it. 4. Make a commitment yourself to be one who will care for your own spiritual condition, so you will be a help and not a hindrance to the church.

5. Study the traits of the early church that need to be copied or rejected 6. Find and use your spiritual gift(s) to minister to other members of the body. 7. Take the necessary steps to correct any problems, realizing it will take time, effort, and prayer.

8. Realize that the responsibility for the spiritual health or decline of the church must NOT be placed on the staff of the church. Although the pastor and staff have great influence on the church body, the responsibility of the spiritual health of the church ultimately rests on the individuals who make up the congregation.

9. Remember that Christ established the church, and He is its head 9. Remember that Christ established the church, and He is its head. He loves the church, and so must we. 9. Don’t look back to the ‘good old days’ when things were better. Don’t focus on problems, but possibilities. Focus on the Lord and His will for the church now and in the future.

10. Be prayerful, but patient. Forgive and love each other. Pray and encourage each other. Exercise faith in the Lord…but get to work! One person can make a difference. Will you be that one??

“Upon this Rock I will establish my church, and the gates of hell will never prevail against it.” -Jesus