1. A “Great” Congregation

2. Local Churches Not “great” because of... − Size − Wealth − Preacher − Reputation − Heritage − Traditions 2

3. Jerusalem Church Prominent features Examples of worthiness “Great” things, Acts 4:32-37 3

4. “Great” Unity of Faith 4

5. Unity of Faith Hearts and lives united in God’s word, Acts 4:31; 1 Cor. 1:10 − Devoted teaching and living, Acts 2:41-42, 44, 46 − Truth produces faith which instills the value of unity and the strength of oneness, 2 Timothy 2:2 5

6. Unity of Faith Common practice, 4:32; 2:44-45 Guard our unity in Christ, Ephesians 4:1-3 − Factiousness grows up where hearts are not united in truth and faith, 1 Cor. 3:1-4; 4:6 − Likeminded, Romans 15:5 6

7. “Great” Power 7

8. Power of God Emboldened the apostles’ preaching, Acts 1:8; 4:31 We rely on their testimony for certain truth, Mark 16:20; Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:3-5 − Faith in power of God, 1 Cor. 2:4-5 − A truth-guided church relies on God’s power, Rev. 2:29 8

9. “Great” Grace 9

10. Blessed with Grace Greatly blessed, Ephesians 1:3-6 Stand in grace, Romans 5:1-2 − Justified by faith − Peace with God − Access by faith into grace − Rejoice in hope of glory − Great assurance of hope, Romans 5:3-5 10

11. “Great” Sacrifice 11

12. Mutual Sacrifice Meets needs, Acts 2:44-45 Full expression of love by helping each other in times of need, 1 John 3:16-19; Galatians 6:10 − Common treasury, Acts 4:35 − Also relieves brethren in other places, Acts 11:27-30 12

13. “Great” Encouragement 13

14. Son of Encouragement Every church needs a Barnabas! cf. Acts 11:21-24 Every Christian can be a Barnabas! Hebrews 10:23-24 − Each one can work on more effectively encouraging others, Galatians 6:2; 1 Thess. 5:15 14

15. “Great” Fear 15

16. Reverence for God Genuine character and authentic faith, Acts 4:36-5:2 − Contrast Ananias and Sapphira Two reactions, Acts 5:13-14 − None like Ananias and Sapphira wanted any part of the church − People of integrity and faith were being saved (Acts 2:47) 16

17. Challenges to Face False teachers, Acts 15 Negligence and apathy, Heb. 3:14; 4:11; 5:12; 6:9-12; 12:1 Any church that thinks it cannot fall has already started to drift! Hebrews 10:36 17