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CHARACTERISTICS OF A GREAT CHURCH

2 Cor.13:11-14

The greatness of nay church is not determined by her size or financial status--but by: The Spirit that motivates and holds her together--consider the New Testament church.

1. THE SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE:
   1. No small wonder that the church of the 1st century "turned the world upside down."
   2. Daily sacrifice testified to their commitment to Christ. Acts 4:32.
   3. Gifts of the poor Macedonians - 2 Cor. 8.
   4. Book burning in Ephesus - Acts 19:19
   5. Sharing of the saints in Jerusalem - Acts 2:42-46.
   6. Some today sound in doctrine but show not compassion. Full of good works but no doctrinal soundness.
2. SPIRIT OF SERVICE:
   1. The early Christians put life into their Christianity and Christianity into their life.
   2. They presented a living religion to the world.
      1. James 1:27.
      2. The fed the hungry both physically and spiritually,
   3. Evangelism--They preaching the word - Acts 8:4.
   4. The Edified the Christians
3. THE SPIRIT OF UNITY.
   1. It held the early Christians together--they were of one heart and one soul - Acts 4:32.
   2. The Devil had a hard job penetrating them.
   3. Look at how Luke described the Jerusalem church - Acts 4:32.
      1. Remember we can be of the same mind, etc. - 1 Cor 1:10.
      2. Paul again admonished the Corinthians - 2 Cor. 13:11.
4. THE SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM:
   1. They believed what Jesus had taught them, Matt. 5-7.
   2. They believed their labor was not in vain in the Lord - 1 Cor 15:58.
   3. They believed the gospel preached and obeyed would save - Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor.15:1-4.
   4. They believed all things were possible through Jesus - Phil.4:13