1. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.”

2. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.”

6. That should get our attention…  They were very successful in spreading gospel.  Why? What were they doing?  We want to have that same success.  What did they have that we need today?

7. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.”

8. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.”

9. Something special that radiated out… people of the world were watching despite persecution there was no hiding it so much joy, enthusiasm, excitement they had unique character and integrity there was so much Christ-likeness

10. The church grew and grew… because they had the essence of Christ not just in their worship assemblies but when they went to work when they were in the marketplace everywhere they went people saw Jesus

11. Acts 4:13 “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”

12. Philippians 2:13-16 “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.”

13. Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

14. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-8 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…”

15. Why did the 1 st century church grow?

16.  had nicest building in town?  advertised in all the best papers?  had gospel meetings with famous speakers?  had programs for edification and evangelism?  met all social and recreational needs?  had greatest preacher and song leader?  were friendliest church in town?

17. Why did the 1 st century church grow? They grew because they were so filled with Jesus Christ that people of the world saw it and said, “I’ve got to have what those people have!” Jesus was living in them and other people could see it! That’s what really made the difference.

18. Galatians 2:19-20 “For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

20. We need to sacrifice ourselves…  give our whole lives to Christ  there will be a sweet fragrance come forth  for all to behold  we spread that fragrance everywhere we go

21. Acts 8:4 “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.”

22. Acts 8:4 “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” Can people see Jesus shining in your life?