Should it come naturally or is it a practiced skill?

Earlier this week, we looked at Acts 2 and the foundational steps to achieving fellowship in the church:

1. Belief In Jesus
2. Baptism
3. Devotion To Discipleship
4. Devotion To The Fellowship (Local Church)

But what happens next? What should a group of Believers who have dedicated themselves to these 4 components look like? What did the early church look like? How did they speak, act, live with each other?

Acts 2:42-47

“42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Let’s Break This Down:

• “…breaking of bread…”
• “…prayers.”
• “…awe came upon every soul…”
• “…all things in common.”
• “…selling their possessions…distributing the proceeds…as any had need.”
• “…attending the temple together…”
• “…breaking bread in their homes…”
• “…praising God…”
• “…having favor with all people.”

Cause & Effect

As we look at this list, it’s important to note that these are the effect, not the cause!

Too many times in church life, we say to ourselves, “If we only had more _________ or if we could ___________ more, then we’d find authentic fellowship.” But it doesn’t happen like that!

These early Christians‘ fellowship sprung out of something deeper. Their devotion to the local fellowship brought about authentic fellowship. The commitment to the people came first!

True Fellowship Begins With the Individual.

If we believe in Jesus, publicly profess Him through Baptism, devote ourselves to discipleship and THE Fellowship (the local church), amazing things will happen!

We don’t to try to make them happen, God will bring them about in us and through us.

Then Verse 47 Will Happen!

“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

The whole process repeats itself!

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

After reading Acts 2, which component of early church service or fellowship do you yearn for in the church today?