1. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
ACTS 9:26
[By Ron Halbrook]

2. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Introduction:
1. Acts 9:26 Saul knew his duty to unite with the local church—not a floater
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

3. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Introduction:
2. Saul was converted to Christ— learned his role in the local church
Acts 9:1-9 Christ appeared to Saul: proof he is the crucified & risen Savior!
Acts 9: Christ sent a preacher: Saul obeyed the gospel—baptized, added to universal church of Christ

4. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Introduction:
2. Saul was converted to Christ— learned his role in the local church
Acts 9: Saul served Christ in the church at Damascus
Acts 9: Saul served Christ in the church at Jerusalem— join, cement, unite

5. Acts 9:26-28 Saul served Christ in the church at Jerusalem—join, cement, unite
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

6. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Introduction:
3. When we obey the gospel today, what is our role in the local church?
Learn to Worship & Work Together
Learn to Work Out Problems
Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
Show Mutual Love & Concern
Requires Spiritual Leadership

7. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs. 42 Outline Acts of Worship
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

8. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs. 42 Outline Acts of Worship
Apostles’ doctrine: “all truth” (Jn. 16:13)
Fellowship: give from heart to hand to treasury to work (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7)

9. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs. 42 Outline Acts of Worship
Break bread: Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; Cor. 11:26)
Prayers: praise, requests, & thanks (1 Tim. 2:1, 8)

10. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs. 42 Outline Acts of Worship
Singing: praise God, edify saints (Col. 3:16)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

11. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs. 43 Grow in Reverence for Truth
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

12. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs. 43 Grow in Reverence for Truth
Miracles confirm truth—remove all doubt!
God, Christ, salvation, heaven, hell—real!
Revere God in worship & life—exalt Him!

13. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs Treasury Used for Work of Church
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

14. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs Treasury Used for Work of Church
Gave into treasury, kept by Apostles (Acts 4:37)
Used for evangelism, worship, & benevolence
NOT for social, recreational, political, & secular education activities
NOT hoarded, invested—used to serve Christ!

15. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
A. Acts 2: The 1st Christians Learned
Vs Evidence of Spiritual Growth

16. Vs. 46-47 Evidence of Spiritual Growth
Faithful attendance in worship
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God,
and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Loving hospitality
Thankful—not murmur, complain
Good example & influence
Gospel spreading, souls saved

17. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
B. Serving Christ in the Local Church:
Requires deep commitment to Christ
Promotes spiritual growth
Makes us fruitful, not barren (2 Pet. 1:8-9)

18. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
I. Learn to Worship & Work Together
C. Not Serving Christ in the Local Church:
Sitting at home—“I get in touch with God in my own way”
Missing worship for other activities
Not joined, cemented, united to local church: perpetual visitor, float place to place, no responsibility or accountability

19. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
II. Learn to Work Out Problems
A. Acts 6:1-7 The 1st Christians Learned
Vs. 1 Growing Pains: How to Unite Diverse People
1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

20. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
II. Learn to Work Out Problems
A. Acts 6:1-7 The 1st Christians Learned
Vv Commitment to Find Proper Solutions

21. Vv. 2-6 Commitment to Find Proper Solutions
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

22. Vv. 2-6 Commitment to Find Proper Solutions
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

23. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
II. Learn to Work Out Problems
A. Acts 6:1-7 The 1st Christians Learned
Vv Commitment to Find Proper Solutions
Members of local church gathered— not visitors, floaters, or sinners
Guided by Apostles’ teaching
Faithful men chosen—Greek names

24. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
II. Learn to Work Out Problems
A. Acts 6:1-7 The 1st Christians Learned
Vs. 7 Kept Proper Focus: Spreading the Gospel
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

25. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
II. Learn to Work Out Problems
B. If Not a Member, Cannot Help Solve Problems
Cannot function as part of the body if not joined, cemented, united to the body
Isolated, disengaged, unconcerned
Such souls are a problem to God & to the church

26. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
A. Acts 11: Antioch: Strong Church with Strong Preaching
Vs. 22 Jerusalem sent a strong preacher
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

27. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
A. Acts 11: Antioch: Strong Church with Strong Preaching
Vs Needed by saints & sinners
23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

28. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
A. Acts 11: Antioch: Strong Church with Strong Preaching
Vs This church a focal point of strong, sound, strict Bible preaching!

29. Every church needs such preaching today!
Vs This church a focal point of strong, sound, strict Bible preaching!
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Every church needs such preaching today!

30. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
B. Acts 20:7-12 Troas: “Long Preaching”
Vv. 7, 9 “Preach:” format included discourse, discussion, & dialogue

31. Vv. 7, 9 Preach: format included discourse, discussion, & dialogue
7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
========== ========= ========== ========= ========
9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

32. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
B. Acts 20:7-12 Troas: “Long Preaching”
Vv. 7, 9 Preach: format included discourse, discussion, & dialogue
Serious spiritual themes merited extensive study—spiritual feast!
1st concern of strong, sound preaching: truth not time

33. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
C. Acts 20: Ephesus: Preaching the Whole Truth
Vs. 20 “Kept back nothing”
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

34. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
C. Acts 20: Ephesus: Preaching the Whole Truth
Vs. 24 “The gospel of the grace of God”
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

35. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
C. Acts 20: Ephesus: Preaching the Whole Truth
Vs. 25 “Preaching the kingdom of God”
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

36. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
C. Acts 20: Ephesus: Preaching the Whole Truth
Vs. 27 “All the counsel of God”
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

37. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
C. Acts 20: Ephesus: Preaching the Whole Truth
Vv “Ceased not to warn” of false teachers without & within

38. Vv. 29-31 “Ceased not to warn” of false teachers without & within
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

39. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
C. Acts 20: Ephesus: Preaching the Whole Truth
To have strong, sound church: strong, sound preaching!

40. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
III. Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
D. Weak Souls Not United to the Local Church Cannot Uphold Strong, Sound Preaching
Weak attendance deprives them
Their weak, negligent example undermines such preaching
Complain, criticize (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

41. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
IV. Show Mutual Love & Concern
A. 1 Cor. 12:12-14, One Body, Many Members
Vv United as a body, not isolated

42. Vv. 12-14 United as a body, not isolated
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.

43. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
IV. Show Mutual Love & Concern
A. 1 Cor. 12:12-14, One Body, Many Members
Vv United as a body to love & serve each other

44. Vv. 25-27 United as a body to love & serve each other
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

45. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
IV. Show Mutual Love & Concern
B. Heb. 10: Faithful Attendance Shows Love!

46. B. Heb. 10:23-25 Faithful Attendance Shows Love!
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

47. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
IV. Show Mutual Love & Concern
C. Gal. 6:1 Try to Restore the Erring
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

48. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
IV. Show Mutual Love & Concern
D. 2 Thess. 3:6 Withdraw from Disorderly
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

49. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
IV. Show Mutual Love & Concern
E. Lack Love & Concern: Not Functioning as a Faithful Member of the Local Church
Isolated or negligent body parts cannot function in love for the body’s good
Weak attendance: lack of love

50. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
IV. Show Mutual Love & Concern
E. Lack Love & Concern: Not Functioning as a Faithful Member of the Local Church
Need to be restored: repent, unite with local church
Cannot support loving discipline if not an active, faithful member

51. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
V. Requires Spiritual Leadership
A. 1 Tim. 4:12 All Lead or Hinder by Example
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

52. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
V. Requires Spiritual Leadership
B. Tit. 1:5-9 Elders: Strong Spiritual Leaders

53. B. Tit. 1:5-9 Elders: Strong Spiritual Leaders
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

54. B. Tit. 1:5-9 Elders: Strong Spiritual Leaders
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

55. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
V. Requires Spiritual Leadership
C. Heb. 13:17 Christ’s Command: Elders Rule, Members Obey
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

56. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
V. Requires Spiritual Leadership
C. Heb. 13:17 Christ’s Command: Elders Rule, Members Obey
Part of God’s plan for our final salvation!

57. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
V. Requires Spiritual Leadership
C. Heb. 13:17 Christ’s Command: Elders Rule, Members Obey
Submission or rebellion?
Serve Christ by uniting with the local church: be an active, faithful member
Rebel against God’s plan: rationalize, make excuses, self-deception

58. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Invitation:
1. Acts 9:26 Saul knew his duty to unite with the local church—not a floater
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

59. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Invitation:
2. Saul was converted to Christ— learned his role in the local church
Acts 9:1-9 Christ appeared to Saul: proof he is the crucified & risen Savior!
Acts 9: Christ sent a preacher: Saul obeyed the gospel—baptized, added to universal church of Christ

60. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Invitation:
2. Saul was converted to Christ— learned his role in the local church
Acts 9: Saul served Christ in the church at Damascus
Acts 9: Saul served Christ in the church at Jerusalem— join, cement, unite

61. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Invitation:
3. When we obey the gospel today, what is our role in the local church?
Learn to Worship & Work Together
Learn to Work Out Problems
Constant Need for Strong, Sound Preaching
Show Mutual Love & Concern
Requires Spiritual Leadership

62. SERVING CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH
IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
4. Come without delay—ready to serve Christ every day in every way!
Already baptized: place membership
Backslider: repent, confess, & pray
Acts 22:16 Never baptized into Christ?
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise,
and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.