The Church Advances

A Tale of Two Churches: Jerusalem and Antioch

Psalm 84:6

• The Church of Jerusalem (Acts 1-6)(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Acts 2 NIV

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.(MULTILINE)

Hallmarks of Jerusalem

• Power Encounter
• Rooted in the Word
• Persistent in Prayer
• Regular gathering
• Radically generous
• Supernaturally Fueled(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Acts 8:1 (NIV)
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

• The Church of Antioch (Acts 11–13)

Acts 11:19-21 (NIV)
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Acts 13:1-3 NIV
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

The Design of an Advancing Church

1. An Advancing Church Is

Acts 13:2–3 (NIV)
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting… the Holy Spirit said…(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

2. An Advancing Church Is a place of .

Acts 13:1 (NIV)
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas… Simeon called Niger… Lucius of Cyrene… Manaen… and Saul.”(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

3. An Advancing Church Is radically and .

Acts 11:29–30 (NIV)
The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help… This they did…(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

4. An Advancing Church Is a church.

Acts 13:3 (NIV)
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

(MULTILINE)