Treasures

Cultivating an Environment for Personal Growth


Thesis = “How we define success will be the single greatest determinative factor to our future usefulness to God.”


How Does God Measure Success?
43A deep sense of awe came over them all and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-- 47all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.
Acts 2:43-47
Characteristics of a Successful Church:
· A high view of God
· Supernatural power manifested
· Deep interpersonal relationships
· Radical steps of faith / selflessness
· Sacrificial giving to meet needs
· A commitment to corporate worship
· A commitment to small group meetings
· Great joy, fun, winsome generosity
· An excellent reputation among nonbelievers
· Continual numerical growth
How Does God Supernaturally Produce A Church
Likes Acts 2?
• It begins with a “supernatural seed.”
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 NIV
• It grows “in and of itself” (Mark 4:28) by the supernatural power of God.
1 Corinthians 3:7
• It requires a special spiritual environment conducive to personal growth.
Acts 2:41-42
41Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church--about three thousand in all. 42They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. Acts 2:41-42