FAITH IN THE EARLY CHURCH
SCRIPTURE
Romans 1:8
LIFE APPLICATION:
The early church’s faith was so genuine and steadfast that it echoed throughout the world, reminding us that true faith always speaks louder than circumstances.
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THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BELIEVING CHURCH
(Romans 1:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
–Trust in God Despite Circumstances
–Dependence on God
–Obedience to God
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THE MOTIVE OF THE BELIEVING CHURCH
(Romans 1:8; Hebrews 12:2; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10)
God brings things into our lives to push us toward Christ, to purge other distractions from our lives.
The early church lived with this motive:
–Not to impress men.
–Not to appease culture.
–Not to expand social influence.
–Not to become popular or powerful
But wholeheartedly — to please Christ.
–Their motive was Christ-centered.
–Their motive was grace-dependent.
–Their motive was obedience-driven.
–Their motive was Godward, not manward.
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THE METHODS OF THE BELIEVING CHURCH
(Romans 1:8; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:4; Matthew 28:18–20)
–Evangelism by Every Believer: “They went everywhere preaching.”
–Obedience to Christ’s Great Commission: “Go ye therefore…”
–Advancing by Faith, Not Comfort: Persecution scattered them — but faith propelled them.
–Participation, Not Passivity: Faith that is real is faith that reaches.
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CONCLUSION
–Faith is not theoretical.
–Faith is not historical.
–Faith is not optional.
–Faith in our membership.
–Faith in our motive.
–Faith in our methods.
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