Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be part of the early Christian church? To experience that raw, passionate faith and a deep sense of community? As we explore Acts chapter 2, we’ll discover that the key to their success wasn’t just in their beliefs but in how they lived out those beliefs together. These spiritual lessons offer timeless wisdom for us today.
The Business of Discipleship
Let’s start with a fundamental truth: the church is in the business of making disciples. As I often say, “GM makes cars. Kellogg’s makes cornflakes. And the church makes disciples.” It’s that simple. But how do we do this effectively?
The answer lies in understanding our purpose. In Acts 2:42-47, we see five key spiritual lessons that defined the early church:
- Discipleship
- Community
- Worship
- Ministry
- Evangelism
These five activities are the foundation of what the church does and should still guide us today.
The Power of Unity
One of the most striking spiritual lessons from the early church is their unity. Acts 2:44 says, “Now all who believed were together and had all things in common.” Being together wasn’t just about physical proximity; it was a deep, spiritual connection.
“I believe Jesus will become real to the world as we become real to each other,” I shared in the sermon. “Not plastic, not fake, not artificial, but genuine.” This authenticity is what drew people to the early church, and it’s what can draw people to us today.
Remember this simple formula: “Lose your love, lose your light, and you will lose your influence on the lost.” Our love for one another is our greatest testimony to the world.
Steadfast Commitment
The early believers weren’t just enthusiastic at the start; they remained committed. Acts 2:42 says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
This steadfastness is a crucial spiritual lesson. As I mentioned in the sermon, “It’s all in the follow-through. Whether you’re shooting a basketball or striving to serve God faithfully, the key to success is follow-through.”
Authentic Love in Action
The early church’s love wasn’t just words; it was action. Acts 2:45 tells us, “And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” They were acutely aware of each other’s struggles and responded tangibly.
“Ministry to one another is nothing more than a completely open-hearted and open-handed availability to love and to share and to care for one another,” I explained. This kind of love requires vulnerability and authenticity.
Removing the Masks
In ancient Greece, actors wore masks to play different characters. Our word “hypocrite” comes from this practice, meaning “mask-wearer.” In the church, we need to remove our masks and be genuine with one another.
“True community, as we see here in our text, is when the masks come off and conversations get deep,” I shared. “Hearts get vulnerable. You start opening up.”
Life Application: Becoming a New Testament Church
So, how can we apply these spiritual lessons to our lives and church today? Here are some practical steps:
- Prioritize Relationships: Make an effort to deepen your connections within the church. Don’t just attend services; invest in people’s lives.
- Be Authentic: Remove your “mask” and be honest with others. Share your struggles and joys.
- Serve Others: Look for tangible ways to meet the needs of those around you. Remember, ministry is more than sharing scripture; it’s sharing your life.
- Stay Committed: Continue steadfastly in your faith, even when life is challenging. Follow through on your commitments to God and others.
- Communicate Needs: Work on creating better systems for sharing needs within the church so everyone can rally around hurting people.
As we move forward, let’s strive to be a church that reflects the early believers’ love, unity, and authenticity. Let’s be a place where, as I said in the sermon, “God, when he’s got a family out there and he’s trying to figure out where can I plant them, he says to himself, ‘I know where I can plant them. I know a fellowship that I can trust.'”
May we be that kind of church – a true New Testament church for our modern world, living out these spiritual lessons in every area of our lives.
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