the church – a place of salvation and holiness acts 2:41-47

The Church – A Place of

Salvation and Holiness

Acts 2:41-47

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:41-47

The Church & Salvation

The Church & Salvation• The Lord adds saved to His church


• Church does not save—it is the saved



• Church saves world and every member



• Church saves world and every member

Every Church Has Problems

Every Church Has Problems

Every Church Has Problems• Antioch --- Problem with Judaism


• Romans --- Problem with teachings



• Corinth --- Problem with morality




• Thessalonica --- Problem with daily life




• Thessalonica --- Problem with daily life

Problems must be dealt with and solved in God’s way

Problem at Corinth

Problem at Corinth 1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles--that a man has his father's wife!

1 Cor. 5:1

Problem at Corinth

• Affected the world

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles--that a man has his father's wife!

1 Cor. 5:1

24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you . . .

Rom. 2:24

Problem at Corinth


• Affected the wrongdoer

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,

10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Cor. 6:9, 10

Problem at Corinth


• Affected the wrongdoer

• Affected the church

6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

1 Cor. 5:6

Solution to Problem at Corinth 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. . . .



7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump . . .

11 . . . not even to eat with such a person.

1 Cor. 5:4,5,7,11



7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump . . .

11 . . . not even to eat with such a person.

1 Cor. 5:4,5,7,11

The Church Is a Place of Salvation

Problem at Thessalonica

Problem at Thessalonica• Thought Jesus was coming soon


• Stopped working


• Stopped working

• Became busybodies

Solution to Problem at Thessalonica

2 Thess. 3:6, 14, 15

Solution to Problem at Thessalonica 6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

2 Thess. 3:6

Solution to Problem at Thessalonica 6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 2 Thess. 3:6

every brother


every brother = the work of the church must be done without partiality.


walks disorderly


walks disorderly = a military term, signifying to walk out of step.


according to the tradition


according to the tradition = absolute standard of right & wrong


according to the tradition = absolute standard of right & wrong

14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.


withdraw


withdraw = pull away from, used as a nautical term to change the sail, hence to steer clear of


Do not keep company

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.


Do not keep company = to mingle with



note that person



note that person = a mark, a sign, to put a tag on them



he may be ashamed



he may be ashamed = to turn against one’s own self


Solution to Problem at Thessalonica 2 Thess. 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

Solution to Problem at Thessalonica 2 Thess. 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ =

it is the by the direction and desire of He who has all authority


brethren


brethren = Heaven directs, elders lead, but every member has responsibility to withdraw, have no social relation-

ship, not even to eat with them.


command


command = He commands and He said, "If you love me, keep my commandments."

Purposes of the Solution• That the world might be impacted

• That the church may be pure

• That the brother may return

His Plan to Save Everyone


• Believe John 3:16



• Repent Luke 13:3




• Confess Faith Rom. 10:10





• Be Baptized Acts 22:16






Added to His church, His body, His kingdom






Added to His church, His body, His kingdom

• Be Faithful Rev. 2:10

the church – a place of salvation and holiness acts 2:41-47

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