2. 3,000 - Acts 2:44 5,000 - Acts 4:4 Multiplied - Acts 6:1 Increased in number daily - 16:5

3. I. Overcame all Hindrances 1. Lived in evil Surroundings Phil. 2:15 - crooked & perverse 1 John 5:19 - wickedness 1 Cor. 6:9-11 - immorality

4. There are many evil people They need the gospel Romans 1:16 The gospel still has power to change lives

5. 2. There was Religious Error Jews - Romans 10:1-2 Gentiles - Acts 17:22-23 Still true today Some with honest and good heart - Matt. 13:23

6. 3. Unconcerned with Spiritual “given over to pleasure” “eat, drink and be merry” “loved pleasure more than God” Their “belly” was their god

7. 4. Skeptics Abounded Scoffed at idea of God Theory of evolution today Reject miraculous creation, miracles, resurrection

8. II. Early Church Grew because 1. Men were converted to Christ Not living for self Rom. 12:1-2 - living sacrifice Influenced their lives

9. 2. Responsibility to Teach Lost Seed sown in hearts of men 2 Tim. 2:2 - teach others also Personal Responsibility Not a professional clergy

10. 3. Christianity “taught religion” John 6:44,45 “they shall be all taught of God.” Rom.10:17- word produces faith Seed must be planted Start with family - friends

11. 4. Apostles not super salesmen Went everywhere preaching the word - Acts 8:4 Acts 11:19-21 Paul in prison - Phil.1:12-14

14. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249evanscoc@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Evening November 8, 2009