THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE EARLY CHURCH

ACTS 2:42-47

         We just got done with Pentecost Sunday! Now we enter into the time referred to "Ordinary Time" or "Everyday Time". All of the big holidays and celebrations are done with and now is the time for us to absorb and assimilate the life of Jesus into our own lives. This time is where the early church began to grow and take shape. In the above scriptures, we read how the apostles and other followers of Christ were meeting together, praying together, and having meals together. Many were new believers who had witnessed the infilling power of the Holy Spirit in the apostles and the signs and wonders that were happening at that time. I would think that one of the disciples stood up and said, "hey, we need to start teaching these new believers so they can experience all that God has for them!" Or maybe something like that. What a problem to have! So many new believers! And they were hungry for the teachings the disciples had! They devoted themselves to the teachings, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Lets look at a few things here.

          The word "devoted". In Greek, it means to be strong towards something, full attention, commitment, steadfastness. To give all or a large part of one's time or resources to a person, activity, or cause. 

Wow!! They were totally sold out on what the disciples had to say and do! They must have been like sponges and soak up all they said! They must have had time spent during the week to listen to the teachings as well as getting together for a formal meeting time. 

I think about how much time I spend on fellowship with my other believers. Now you might say that these were new believers and myself I have a few years on them but many times, I feel like I need to be like a new believer. To have that spark, to be excited about listening to someone else's experience when they witnessed or prayed for someone.
            Many times, we "modern day Christians" get to "sophisticated" that we are dull to these situations that are occurring all around us. We lost our excitement and drive due to the daily lifestyle we lead. 

             Let's look at another word. Fellowship in the Greek means, participation, communion, sharing, close association involving mutual relationship. They wanted to be a part of the disciples everyday lives. To learn as much as they could by the lifestyle they were leading. Think about the people in your own life that are reflecting the love of Christ to others. 

             Next word. Breaking of bread. OK, more than one word! This meant that not only were they having meals together but you could say that they were having communion also at times. I love the conversations you can have with others over a meal. You can really get to know them well! 

And now, one of my favorites....Prayer!! They were coming together as one unit or assembly to pray. Prayer is not an exercise, it is a lifestyle of a believer! It is an expression of dependence on God to move through the prayer. They were humble enough to know that they can't do things on their own and they needed the Holy Spirits help. 

              I see that I need to be like a "New Believer" everyday! To be totally sold out to the Lord! Saying is not good enough........it has to be followed up by action! To pick up the Bible everyday, to pray and worship, to speak to other believers, to encourage, to proclaim to people around us how God has blessed us. To look forward to Sunday mornings! The worship and praise together! The ministering of the Word, the fellowship, etc. We all need it!! 

              The early church was all about the basics; the Word, praise and worship, praying for one another, fellowship and breaking of bread together, encouraging one another, sharing the Gospel to the lost, being the shining light in the darkness! 

Man complicates.........God simplifies!!!!

God Bless!!!

Paul