A Thriving Example

The opening two chapters of the Acts of the Apostles give the account of Jesus ascending into heaven and those he had taught and trained were now alone with only the memories about his instructions and stories.  How were they to act?  Could they carry on with his principles?  Would his cause come to an end, like his physical body had ended on the cross?

We know the perplexities of Jesus' followers and of their anticipation of continuing with his message and sharing it with others.  These two chapters also tell us of the promised Holy Spirit descending on them and empowering them to carry out that task.

Peter preached to them and the variety of languages was not a barrier because each of those assembled was hearing Peter's message in their own tongue.  They heard the first gospel message and were encouraged to “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39

Scripture further describes their daily lives and experiences with each other, which becomes to us an example of our daily lives in Jesus Christ.  "⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.  ⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ 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, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:41-47

I know cultures and customs have changed over the years, but these verses give us one of the more accurate descriptions of the daily life of the Christian.  I also know we all have jobs and other responsibilities that accompany our lifestyle.  The point here is these who were the first Christians  (1) devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.  That's where the message of Jesus, his teaching and his actions would be carried on, even to this day and until he returns. (2) They were also devoted to fellowship.  They thrived in the company of each other. (3)  The breaking bread.  They shared meals and realized relationships could be strengthened through the event of meals. (4) They prayed. We have no idea of the exact content of their prayers but can only surmise they were seeking God's blessing on their work in each of the 4 things mentioned above. No doubt they prayed for each other as well as the lost, and their own personal task of sharing the gospel.  Read the verses again and see how much more was involved.

I am saying we need to share the gospel like they did.  We need to practice fellowship like they did.  We need to share meals, just like them.  And we need lives of prayer, like theirs.  Don't forget, these points of emphasis are from the scriptures which give us a detailed account of the life of a Christian. 

That puts a little more emphasis on living for Christ than many of us are accustomed to. It takes more than a once a week meeting, as important as that meeting is, for us to fulfill the great commission.  It takes much more than lip service for us to be really devoted to God.  My prayer is that we consider the deepening of our relationship with Him, and learn to live and love like our Master. 

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