WHY DID FIRST CENTURY CHURCHES GROW SO FAST?

Intro.

1. Striking fact found over & over in Acts: Phenomenal spread of the gospel - 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7 - Impact of gospel on world.

2. Even with persecution (designed to stop growth), the number of believers grew - 9:35; 11:21. Approx. 15 years after Pentecost, the number of believers was still growing - cf. 14:1.

a. All this from just 12 men! (Mk. 16:15)

b. Col. 1:23, 6 - All creation heard (30 years)

3. Church grew fast initially & continually. How did this occur? Why did first century churches grow so fast?

I. NOTE SOME THINGS WHICH WERE NOT IN THEIR FAVOR.

A. Most People Rejected The Gospel - Matt. 7:13-14. (Christians have always been in the minority.)

B. Moral Decadence Of The Society - Rom. 1:24-32. (Would appear to be a reasonable explanation for little growth.)

1. v. 24 - Lust ruled in uncleanness.

2. v. 25 - Man reigned supreme.

3. v. 26-27 - Vile passions / Homosexuality.

4. v. 28 - Refused to know God.

5. v. 29-32 - Such immorality led to this!

6. In spite of false religions - church grew!

a. Ephesus:

i. Diana: Ceremonial prostitution / Religious fornication!

ii. Yet, growth - Acts 19:20.

b. Corinth:

i. "Live like a Corinthian" - Lead a life of drunken & immoral debauchery; Bacchus (god of wine) - Drunken feasts.

ii. Aphrodite (goddess of love/beauty) - 1000 priestesses (prostitutes).

iii. Typical Corinthian: "The man who recognized no superior & no law but his own desire." Yet, growth! Acts 18:9-10

7. In spite of immorality - church grew!

a. Given today as the reason for little growth!

b. Matt. 9:12-13; 1 Cor. 6:9-11 - These need conversion!

C. Active Opposition To The Truth - Acts 4:17-18; 5:28; 8:1-3; 14:2-6.

1. From without:

a. Religious opposition / Physical persecution.

b. Idolatry (Acts 19:23-40); Judaism.

2. From within:

-False teachers (Acts 15:1).

3. Reaction of disciples: Persistence / Not ashamed / Growth continued (not their excuse to do nothing)!

a. Moved ahead - Acts 4:19-20; 5:40-42; 8:4; 14:7.

b. Glorified God - 1 Pet. 4:12-16!

II. THE NT CHURCHES GREW (Acts 9:31)…

A. Because Of Steadfast Faith (Persistence, firmness).

1. Steadfast in the word - Acts 2:42.

a. Studied it - 2 Tim. 2:15.

b. Were teaching it - Acts 5:42.

c. Were not ashamed of it - Rom. 1:16.

2. Steadfast in their fellowship - Acts 2:42.

a. Worshipped regularly & together! Didn't have to be rebuked to get them to worship God! (20:7)

b. Dwelt continually on death of Jesus! United in faith.

3. Steadfast in service - Acts 2:44-47.

B. Because Of Personal Evangelism.

1. Fruit-bearers - Rom. 7:4; Jno. 15:2, 8.

-One type of fruit is teaching others.

2. Took the great commission personally - Acts 8:4; 17:6; 28:22 (everywhere!).

3. Takes the personal involvement of every Christian!

C. Because They Kept The Church Clean.

1. Acts 5:1-11 - lst church discipline - By God Himself!

-Result: Acts 5:5, 11, 12-14.

2. Acts 8:22 - New convert sinned - Immediate rebuke. -Positive result (repented)!

3. Purposes: Save & protect - 1 Cor. 5:3-6.

4. We need to be serious about church discipline, using it constantly & consistently as a means of saving souls & to maintain the purity of the church.

Conclusion

1. NT churches grew so fast because Christians were fully given to their faith.

a. Steadfast living / Personal evangelism / Kept the church clean.

b. They were diligent in all things - Rom. 12:11.