This morning I was reading in the book of Acts, and I noticed how the early church grew numerically from about 120 in 1.15 to about 3,000 in 2.41. Wow! I wonder how many verses of "Just As I Am" it took for Peter to receive that many people at the end of his sermon! :)
Following that we have a passage that is often referred to as a paradigm for church life, Acts 2.42-46. In these few verses we see several characteristics of the early Christians that I hope to see in the lives of Christians today. First, there was devotion, not just to anyone or anything, but specifically to the Apostles' teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Today many Christians appear to be more devoted to other things besides these spiritual disciplines. Lord, restore us to a wholehearted, single-eyed devotion to you! Second, there was a sense of awe and wonder! I have previously posted about this (see Amazed and Afraid), but may it be that we rediscover this sense of amazement at the power of God displayed in our midst. Third, there was unity and compassion. Each one looked not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others (see Philippians 2). The early Christians were not primarily concerned about "me and mine." In our day of self-absorption we need to encourage this others-focused orientation. Fourth, there was consistency. The early Christians did not view the Way as a "once-a-week" type of experience. Instead, they were day by day giving themselves to the pursuit of godliness, righteousness, service, and worship. The result of all this was favor with the people and a daily increase in the number of those who were being saved!
Is it possible for us to experience something similar in our time? I believe it is, but not in a mechanical sense (i.e. "we do this and God does that"). Instead, the key is for us, individually and corporately, to examine our lives light of these characteristics and seek to foster and encourage them in our time for the glory of God and the good of others!
PP
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3 comments:
I really like this post. I agree that there is something unfortunate about our faith today. We live in a stuff filled world rather than having God filled lives. I think a lot of people view their faith as a part-time job, and the problem is it isn't a job at all. It is to be our lives. Something has to be done about the materialistic, possessive world we live in-we run the risk of being like the inn in Bethlehem, no room for our Lord.
May we daily, moment by moment, seek God's will and grow in our relationship with Christ.
Tom, I see the Lord working in your life and pray that you will continue to place yourself under his powerful, yet gentle hand as He molds and shapes and forms you into a holy vessel, fit for his use. PP
I think it is very much possible to see God work now as he did then. Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever! However it takes a transformation of mind and a daily renewal. Without that how can the Holy Spirit have the room he needs to work? I really enjoyed the change in attitude I saw in the movie Facing the Giants. When we transform our mind to viewing all things as part of God's plan and every moment as an opportunity to glorify him and minister to others it takes the pressure off us and allows God to shine through us!
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