"And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Acts 2:42
After seeing the conditions first-hand on the mission field of a third-world country, I returned determined to never again waste my time on games, and potlucks at the church. "We have work to do. There is a hurting, dying world out there! Why are we playing around?" - Well, we aren't "playing around." The church is tending to our love for one another while reaching out in fellowship to the community around us. I didn't get that until I read the verse above with new eyes. That verse is the prescription for how the church began. And each of the ingredients is indespensible.
"The early church was a church-going group. Even pentecost was possible because all the people were present. The gathering together was a top priority of the people of God and it helped to make the church great.
Next, the early church was a studying group. They spent much of their time in study at the apostle's feet. The people were hungry to know the Word of God. They searched the scriptures and so should we. And as they learned the truth and put it into practice the church grew and became great.
The early church was also a praying church. The mighty church is one that goes down on its knees to God, who alone can give power.
And, finally, the early church was a witnessing body. They arose from their knees to go into their communities and take the truth they learned in God's Word - full of the power bestowed after deep prayer - and share it. From that fellowship with each other and then breaking the "stained-glass barrier" and welcoming everyone into the community of faith with great joy; with that breaking of the bread of communion and the bread of fellowship, the church exploded across the earth through the power of the Holy Spirit.
They were a conquering church. We are each one either a problem or a solution to our local church body. Let us each, from this moment on, determine to be part of the solution."
Lord, I ask that you would ignite that passion in me to see others come to know you. Help me to be a blessing to my local body, and an encouragement to its leaders, for your sake. Amen.
From Classic Christianity: A Year of Timeless Devotions Vol. 2 Sept. 17th reading.
After seeing the conditions first-hand on the mission field of a third-world country, I returned determined to never again waste my time on games, and potlucks at the church. "We have work to do. There is a hurting, dying world out there! Why are we playing around?" - Well, we aren't "playing around." The church is tending to our love for one another while reaching out in fellowship to the community around us. I didn't get that until I read the verse above with new eyes. That verse is the prescription for how the church began. And each of the ingredients is indespensible.
"The early church was a church-going group. Even pentecost was possible because all the people were present. The gathering together was a top priority of the people of God and it helped to make the church great.
Next, the early church was a studying group. They spent much of their time in study at the apostle's feet. The people were hungry to know the Word of God. They searched the scriptures and so should we. And as they learned the truth and put it into practice the church grew and became great.
The early church was also a praying church. The mighty church is one that goes down on its knees to God, who alone can give power.
And, finally, the early church was a witnessing body. They arose from their knees to go into their communities and take the truth they learned in God's Word - full of the power bestowed after deep prayer - and share it. From that fellowship with each other and then breaking the "stained-glass barrier" and welcoming everyone into the community of faith with great joy; with that breaking of the bread of communion and the bread of fellowship, the church exploded across the earth through the power of the Holy Spirit.
They were a conquering church. We are each one either a problem or a solution to our local church body. Let us each, from this moment on, determine to be part of the solution."
Lord, I ask that you would ignite that passion in me to see others come to know you. Help me to be a blessing to my local body, and an encouragement to its leaders, for your sake. Amen.
From Classic Christianity: A Year of Timeless Devotions Vol. 2 Sept. 17th reading.
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