WHERE DID THESE DAYS GO?
There was a time, early on, when the Church truly devoted themselves to God, His Son's teachings, and each other. Now-a-days I see pockets of the early devoted church exemplified throughout the world. However, I believe the world-wide Church will need to return to this devotion now, more than ever, if True Believers are to weather the coming challenges and keep the "fire" burning for Christ.
Acts 2:42 says that the early Church devoted themselves to four things: 1) to the Apostle's teaching, (2) to fellowship, (3) to meals together, and (4) to prayer. The actual verse in the NIV reads - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
The following verses elaborate on this atmosphere of love, teaching, and provision.
The work of the Holy Spirit by wonders and signs through the apostles was seen. Unity and/or cohesiveness was established. Provision was met for everyone's needs by everyone pitching-in and truly operating as a family. Homes were hosts to fun, food, fellowship and praising God! In the end, because they operated with the Holy Spirit in this manner - "The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Where did these days go? We desperately need to return to them! We will be living with many of our Church family for eternity, so it is time we start practicing our Christlike family/church values and lifestyle. Living this way would - (1) be in line with God's Word, (2) it would be a great witness to the rest of the world, and (3) it would strengthen the Family of God!
My local church mission statement is - "Love God, Love People.......Serve God By Serving People".
The "people" in this charge is not only those outside of Christendom, but especially those within. Sometimes we get so concerned about ourselves and bringing in "the Harvest" that we neglect the rest of "the body". We can't do that. We need to stop this. We need to return to harmony, unity, and strength in the Lord. By devoting ourselves to sound Biblical teaching, fellowship, meals together, and prayer - we will be on our way toward that goal.
However, with each ingredient of devotion we need to throw passion into the mix. When sitting under great teaching, don't just hear (the sense) the words, listen (understand) to the words and APPLY them to your life as the Holy Spirit leads.
In the fellowship of believers get close to your brothers and sisters in the Lord. There is an automatic "support group" of any kind that you need available to you - just develop those relationships. In addition, I would encourage you to look for your "David"/"Johnathan". These are individuals who are the closest, best friend types that can be counted on for anything.
Eating together is the easy part in meeting together for meals. What really gets fun and helps in the relationship development portion is when you offer to help in the preparation stage.
Last, but not least we all need to develop the "anguish" in prayer for our loved ones and friends that need our intercession.
There is a difference between doing something and doing that same thing with some umf or passion behind it. The Scripture calls it "wholehearted devotion". You can find support of this wholeheartedness in Romans 6:17 and Ephesians 6:7 just to name a couple. So, if we are going to return to the days of adhering to sound Biblical teaching, growing in deep personal relationships, getting involved with the meal, and tugging on the hem of Jesus' robe in prayer - then let us do it wholeheartedly or with passion for God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Acts 2:42 says that the early Church devoted themselves to four things: 1) to the Apostle's teaching, (2) to fellowship, (3) to meals together, and (4) to prayer. The actual verse in the NIV reads - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
The following verses elaborate on this atmosphere of love, teaching, and provision.
"Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (43-47)
The work of the Holy Spirit by wonders and signs through the apostles was seen. Unity and/or cohesiveness was established. Provision was met for everyone's needs by everyone pitching-in and truly operating as a family. Homes were hosts to fun, food, fellowship and praising God! In the end, because they operated with the Holy Spirit in this manner - "The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Where did these days go? We desperately need to return to them! We will be living with many of our Church family for eternity, so it is time we start practicing our Christlike family/church values and lifestyle. Living this way would - (1) be in line with God's Word, (2) it would be a great witness to the rest of the world, and (3) it would strengthen the Family of God!
My local church mission statement is - "Love God, Love People.......Serve God By Serving People".
The "people" in this charge is not only those outside of Christendom, but especially those within. Sometimes we get so concerned about ourselves and bringing in "the Harvest" that we neglect the rest of "the body". We can't do that. We need to stop this. We need to return to harmony, unity, and strength in the Lord. By devoting ourselves to sound Biblical teaching, fellowship, meals together, and prayer - we will be on our way toward that goal.
However, with each ingredient of devotion we need to throw passion into the mix. When sitting under great teaching, don't just hear (the sense) the words, listen (understand) to the words and APPLY them to your life as the Holy Spirit leads.
In the fellowship of believers get close to your brothers and sisters in the Lord. There is an automatic "support group" of any kind that you need available to you - just develop those relationships. In addition, I would encourage you to look for your "David"/"Johnathan". These are individuals who are the closest, best friend types that can be counted on for anything.
Eating together is the easy part in meeting together for meals. What really gets fun and helps in the relationship development portion is when you offer to help in the preparation stage.
Last, but not least we all need to develop the "anguish" in prayer for our loved ones and friends that need our intercession.
There is a difference between doing something and doing that same thing with some umf or passion behind it. The Scripture calls it "wholehearted devotion". You can find support of this wholeheartedness in Romans 6:17 and Ephesians 6:7 just to name a couple. So, if we are going to return to the days of adhering to sound Biblical teaching, growing in deep personal relationships, getting involved with the meal, and tugging on the hem of Jesus' robe in prayer - then let us do it wholeheartedly or with passion for God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
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