Acts 2
1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.........Peter preaches etc..etc..
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
This passage amazes me. Every time i read it I try to imagine what took place. It amazes me how God filled them in a bizarre and unexpected way, Peter's transformation from a coward to a champion amazes me and it amazes me that 3000 were added. That's a lot of people without using modern equipment. It amazes me what this group of people became. A group of intimacy, fellowship and prayer. A group with miraculous signs happening all around them. A group of generous people and a group that was growing numerically. How many groups do you know that have incredible intimacy and continue to grow? Not many!
1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.........Peter preaches etc..etc..
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
This passage amazes me. Every time i read it I try to imagine what took place. It amazes me how God filled them in a bizarre and unexpected way, Peter's transformation from a coward to a champion amazes me and it amazes me that 3000 were added. That's a lot of people without using modern equipment. It amazes me what this group of people became. A group of intimacy, fellowship and prayer. A group with miraculous signs happening all around them. A group of generous people and a group that was growing numerically. How many groups do you know that have incredible intimacy and continue to grow? Not many!
This passage especially the last part should be a dream that every believer has in their heart for their own local church!
Tell me your thoughts. Why do you think so many of us seem to be so far from this ultimate picture of the way our churches could be?
Tell me your thoughts. Why do you think so many of us seem to be so far from this ultimate picture of the way our churches could be?
1 comment:
Dunno man, its a shame. The world would be a different place if we lived this type of life. And we'd also be one big commune......?? That would be kinda weird. I remember Keith Green tried to re-create this when he was alive.... I remember reading it in his book 'No Compromise". A great book btw!
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