BROADCASTS.com

\u2026I will build my church, and\u202fthe gates of\u202fhell\u202fshall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (ESV)\xa0

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles\u2019 teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord\u2019s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.\u202fActs 2:42-47 (NLT)\xa0

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.\u202fThey sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.\u202fThey worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord\u2019s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity\u2014\u202fall the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)\xa0

And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)\xa0

The Church is not a BUILDING where you ATTEND, but a COMMUNITY where you BELONG.\xa0

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing,\u202fthe Hellenistic Jews\u202famong them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1-7\u202f(NIV)\xa0

1. The Church is a COMMUNITY of COMPLICATION.\xa0

Growth brings complication.\xa0

As a prisoner\u202ffor the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy\u202fof the calling\u202fyou have received.\u202fBe completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another\u202fin love.\u202fMake every effort to keep the unity\u202fof the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)\xa0

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples\u202ftogether and said, \u201cIt would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God\u202fin order to wait on tables.\u202fBrothers and sisters,\u202fchoose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit\u202fand wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them\u202fand will give our attention to prayer\u202fand the ministry of the word.\u201d Acts 6:1-7\u202f(NIV)\xa0

1. The Church is a COMMUNITY of CONTRIBUTORS.\xa0

At Freedom Church, we are committed to developing people through ministry and leadership RESPONSIBILITY.\xa0\xa0

So Christ himself gave\u202fthe apostles,\u202fthe prophets,\u202fthe evangelists,\u202fthe pastors and teachers,\u202fto equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up\u2026 Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)\xa0

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen,\u202fa man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;\u202falso Philip,\u202fProcorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.\u202fThey presented these men to the apostles, who prayed\u202fand laid their hands on them. Acts 6:1-7\u202f(NIV)\xa0

So the word of God spread.\u202fThe number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,\u202fand a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)\xa0

1. The Church is a COMMUNITY of CONSTANT SACRIFICE and CONSISTENT INCREASE.\xa0

He told them,\u202f\u201cThe harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:2 (NIV)\xa0

Therefore, I urge you,\u202fbrothers and sisters, in view of God\u2019s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,\u202fholy and pleasing to God\u2014this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 (NIV)\xa0