Daily Devotion
The Characteristics of the Church
Created: Thursday, 14 May 2020 18:48
Hits: 2111
ACTS 2:42-47
The Fellowship of the Believers
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. Read more
In the style of writing of that era, we are given a kind of lightning summary of the characteristics of the early Church.
(1st) It was a learning Church; it persisted in listening to the apostles as they taught. One of the great perils of the Church is to look back instead of forward. Because the riches of Christ are inexhaustible, we should always be looking forward. We should count it a wasted day when we do not learn something new and when we have not penetrated more deeply into the wisdom and the grace of God.
(2nd) It was a Church of fellowship; it had what has been called the great quality of togetherness. The church is a real church only when it is a band of brothers.
(3rd) It was a praying Church; these early Christians knew that they could not meet life in their own strength and that they did not need to. They always met with God before they went out to the world; only then were they able to meet the problems of life.
(4th) It was a reverent Church; in verse 43 the word that the Authorized Version translates fear has a sense of awe in it. It was said of a great Greek that he moved through the world as if it were a Temple. The Christian lives in reverence because he knows that the whole earth is the temple of the living God.
(5th) It was a Church where things happened: signs and wonders were there (verse 43). If we expect great things from God and attempt great things for God, amazing things happen. More things would happen if we believed that God and we together could make them happen.
Life Application:
When you go to church what do you expect to take place? If nothing happens maybe it is because you didn't expect God to be present. Expect God's presence and expect miracles because He is there.
Praise/Prayer:
"Dear God, I am so thankful for the Bible because it tells me all that You did in both the Old Testament and the New Testament times. So many wonderful miracles took place. God, please heal the sick in our world today. Our world is full of people who are sick because of the virus. Thank You, God, for Your wonderful love and grace. Amen!"
