Text: Rev. 3:1-2 "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and are dead.(vs2) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God."
Acts 2: 40,42,44-47 " And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.(vs42)And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.(vs44) and all that believed were together, and had all things common;(vs45)And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.(vs46)And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (vs47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
Jude verse 3 "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
Premise
The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.18 , page 73, a comment on Acts2:43-47 "THE STRENGTH OF THE UNITING BOND in the new society of this early church was spiritual; not mere companionship, or social instinct, or common necessity, or political aim, but brotherly love springing out of faith---- a faith showing itself in self-sacrifice and steadfastness.
"THE SPECIALITY AND DISTINCTNESS of the early church manifested a new Christian life that was characterized by unselfishness, mutual consideration, compassion for the needy, gladness and singleness of heart, devoutness, purity of home life, steadfast continuing in well-doing."
"THE MIGHTY EFFECT OF THIS NEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH upon an impure world was demonstrated by the fact that the true method of spreading religion is not by breaking down the distinctions between Church life and worldly life, but by revealing the spiritual power of Christ's kingdom."They had favour with all the people." The people know how to distinguish between reality and pretense. They will always be moved by sincerity. The Lord will add to his own work. The method which we see in nature is a type of that which is ordained in grace. The vigorous life is selected to carry on the increase. Half-hearted Christianity cannot convert the world. Multitudinism (the principle according to which the interests of multitudes are placed before those of individuals.) is a great mistake, as well as a mockery of Christ. Let the Lord add to the church; let not our desires, or even our observances of Christian institutions, multiply numbers without increasing strength."