“We’re on the RoadTo Greatness”

Greatness is the Goal

“THE GREATNESSOF OUR GOD”

THANK HIM FORHIS GREATNESS!

Today’s lesson:“The Greatnessof the Church”

ACTS 2:36-4336 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”38 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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

ACTS 2…

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 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,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

“The Greatness ofThe Church”

1. Realize our need forbetter relationships rather

than broken religion or bad routines.

This involves reputation!

ACTS 2:44-47

44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 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,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

2. The church can be great

when it’s members reach out to provide

relief andoffer

redemption.

ROMANS 12:9-169 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is

good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love.Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,serving the Lord. 12 Be

joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in

need. Practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not

curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one

another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.

3. The church is greatwhen we seek restoration

and can start revival!

PSALM 80: 3, 17, AND 19 we see this phrase and plea repeated…“Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”

Hosea 6:1-3 “Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. 3 Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Isaiah 57:15For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

“The Greatness ofthe Church”

4. The Church Can BeGreat When We

Remain In Righteousness!

JOHN 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

BEYOND THEBUILDING-

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