The Seven Marks
1. Finds identity in Jesus
2. Pursues the lifestyle of Jesus
3. Responds to the Spirit
4. Engages in Biblical community
5. Serves others
6. Proclaims Jesus
7. Makes disciples
–
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
–
How The Early Church Advanced
1. They advanced individually.
–
Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
–
The BLESS Strategy
Be always in prayer
Listen to them
Eat with them
Serve them
Share with them Jesus
–
Bless Every Home
www.sevenmarkschurch.com/bless
–
How The Early Church Advanced
2. They advanced together locally.
–
Acts 11:23-26
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
–
Our Six City Initiatives
1. Women in Crisis
2. People in the Margins
3. Foster Care
4. Homelessness
5. Recovery from Addiction
6. Children in Need
–
How The Early Church Advanced
3. They advanced together globally.
–
Acts 13:1-3
Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
