Pastor Shad & Sis Cathy McDonald

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This early church was not divided, disorganized, or in disarray. They had their act together. Because they kept proper priority, the performance of the first Pentecostal church was flawless. Here lies the reason of failure in our last day Pentecostal church, we have failed to keep the main thing the main thing. Let's look at what made this infant church infinitely effective even unto our day. (See Acts 2:41-47) 

I want to point out first: The Loyalty their Faith Displayed. This church did not give in; give up or give out, it just kept on going. At Baptism we see their Confession at Faith's Inception. It was a personal public pronouncement of their conversion. Note also, their Continuance of Faith's Intention. See it please, they not only made a start, they took a stand and did not stop. Here is the secret of a great church: stick to it and see it thru.

This brings me to my second thought. The Loss of Focus that is Dangerous. Charles Conn tells of The Church of God Grill in Atlanta. The story is this small church opened a grill to support the church. It seems that the meals were more filling than the message! The church shut down and the grill stayed open. The first church kept its doors open because their Doctrine was Practiced. They behaved as they believed. Their creed was seen in their conduct. They fleshed out their faith, truth was tangible; it was salvation in shoe leather. Doctrine was not merely rehearsed, it was real, relevant and recognized. Neither was this first church Distracted by Possessions. They were not selfish, shallow or superficial. They had a sellout, but not of truth. The goods of this world meant nothing to them. They emptied their hands of perishing possessions and their hearts were filled with happiness. Truly it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Lastly may I point out in this church: The Life of Fellowship that was Dynamic. This church experienced gladness and growth that was exuberant and exponential. For you see; The Praise of the Church was Inspiring. It was what made church... church. It was not a club or a click, it was about wonders, worship and the word. There was something captivating about the conversions and convictions of the Christian converts. Oh, for a breakout of contagious Christianity. 

Also, The People of the Church were Inviting. Here everybody was welcome to witness the wonders and see the signs! The addition to this church was by the Lord of the church, when he is Lord of the church He adds to the church! This church had its Act Together, in that Christ Jesus is center stage! He is sole, single and solitary Savior. All revolves around Him! He is our Life, Liberator and Lord!