In our last post, we learned of the beginning days when the Holy Spirit empowered the Ekklesia. The church continued to grow day by day. The day that Peter stood up with his message after the Holy Spirit empowered them, three thousand were added to their number. Amazing!
As we look at the Ekklesia (the church) in their early stages, they were not only devoted to God, but they were devoted to each other. There was great unity and community among them. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Acts 2: 42-44
What was the result after Pentecost? The church was growing; the gospel was being spread. The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Then it says, “They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— Acts 2: 46
They generally liked being around each other. They were becoming kindred, having things in common. They were developing a wonderful bond in the Spirit, and they even helped each other financially as the need arose.
What else was happening in their relationships and spiritual growth?
They displayed love in action.
What did that look like? Paul says this in the book of Romans that they walked in: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12: 9-11
They enjoyed fellowship and teaching together.
Breaking bread with those we love and minister with is a special thing. Jesus modeled that well with His disciples. They often were nourished with bread and with spiritual nourishment from the Bread of Life, Jesus. Table discussions while sharing a meal together is of high priority in the Mideastern culture, and even in the European culture for that matter, as well. Covenants were often sealed with a meal in the Hebraic custom.
From this place of community within, they walked as Jesus walked, not only in word and deed but in the miracles of God. Here’s what we are told even later,
The Apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.
They not only saw Jesus walk in this power, but they also experienced it themselves. They laid their hands on the sick and saw them recover. A crippled man who sat at the gate called Beautiful each day as a beggar was instantly healed by Peter. He jumped up, and went into the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God.
The Apostles kept telling the people to glorify God and not them. The signs, wonders, and miracles did turn others to receive Jesus as their Savior. They still continued on their mission together. What else was part of their Ekklesia life?
They joined in prayer together.
They weren’t occasionally meeting to pray, “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1: 14
Prayer was a very important part of their lives. They obeyed this verse well, which tells us to, “Be unceasing and persistent in prayer…1 Thessalonians 5: 17, AMP
As I read this verse, I had to stop and pause, asking the Lord if we have not been persistent enough. Did we give up too quickly while praying on certain issues, believing the lie that He wasn’t going to answer?
The terms unceasing and persistent hit me right in my gut. I had to stop and press in further on these words. Here are the definitions for these words:
- Unceasing–Not coming to an end, continuous.
Similar words associated are: Ceaseless, unending, non-stop, uninterrupted, etc.
- Persistent–Continuing firmly, obstinate in spite of opposition or difficulty.
Similar words associated are: Tenacious, persevering, determined, constant, etc.
Jesus has told us, “His house shall be called a house of prayer.”
Lord Jesus, save us from our busyness.
What else did they do to build their unity?
They worshiped together daily.
That’s what I call devotion! Making a daily commitment like that honors our Lord.
I know we live in a different time and it’s a different season, but their “community” was very rich. Yet, I know we can’t go back, but we can move ahead.
In the hard times ahead, before the return of Jesus, I believe there will be a new devotion being imparted into our lives, new priorities, with new beginnings coming as well.
We are going to be more intentional as we move in our God-ordained purpose. Church-life may once again become like temple-life was.
As I close, I remember seeing an older woman inside the temple walls when we visited and toured Israel. She sat daily with her chair facing the wall, committed to prayer and petition as she poured out her heart to the Lord. The devotion, undivided devotion, she displayed captured my heart. This image is forever etched inside my heart.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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