When we look at the church in general today, we may wonder why it seems to have so little impact on the world we live in.

In answering this question Peter Jeffery takes us back to the book of Acts, and the first twelve chapters in particular, to see what it was that made those early Christians so effective. As a new church they faced greater difficulties than we face today, so how did they survive?

Highlighting their utter dependence upon God and their obedience to his Word, Peter takes us through this thrilling account of the birth and growth of the church. United in the power of the Holy Spirit and in their love for their fellow men, the desire of the believers was to reach out, not just to their own kind, but to the whole world, with the message of salvation.

The church in Acts was not perfect but it was powerful. It was not without its faults but it was faithful. Its determination to obey Jesus and move out with the gospel, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is exactly what we need today.



Peter Jeffery began his ministry in Cwmbran, South Wales, before going to Rugby Evangelical Free Church, in the Midlands, where the church was blessed with much growth. He then moved to the famous Bethlehem Church, Sandfields, in Port Talbot, South Wales. He was also in demand as a gospel preacher, speaking at churches and conferences in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Spain and the USA, although he is now retired. He has written over forty books, many of which focus on new Christians, the foundations of faith, evangelism and salvation. His most recent titles include Preachers who made a difference; Evangelicals then and now; and New Christians start here, all published by Evangelical Press.

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'The church in Acts was not perfect but it was powerful. It was not without its faults but it was faithful. Its determination to obey Jesus and move out with the gospel, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is exactly what we need today.'

To read the full review from Irish Baptist Life (April 2007) click here

'My first thought as I opened this book was, "Will the contents live up to the contemporary cover and exciting blurb on the back?" Yet from the first page I was gripped by Peter Jeffery’s punchy, direct and no-nonsense style.'

To read the full review from Evangelicals Now (May 2007) click here

'Faithful preachers will recognise the effort Peter Jeffery is making to energise and encourage Christians to live a truly Christian life. For this reason I encourage preachers to get this helpful volume'

To read the full review from The English Churchman (22nd & 29th June 2007) click here

' In addition to personal use, this could serve as a base book for study group.'

To read the full review from The Gospel Magazine (July-August 2007) click here

'This book is a Bible study on the book of Acts. It is also a book about the church and what it should aspire to be like. And maybe it is also a book about church planting! The summary at the beginning is excellent. In a few pages it condenses 28 chapters of Acts and, at the same time, whets the appetite for the rest of the book.'

To read the full review from CLC World (September-October 2007) click here

'In each chapter, Jeffery breaks down the passage exegetically to show what the passage says and how it applies to today’s church. Some of the chapters detail the importance of prayer, of power, of doctrine, and authority of the Scripture. No programs. No catch phrases. No cloying sweetness. Just direct, honest explanations and encouragement.'

To read the full review from Christian Book Previews.com click here